BT myHome is the new ideal home event for Northern Ireland.

In the run up to Christmas*, Venture New Generation Portraits, specialists in unique portrait photography, has reported that over 2,700 dogs have been brought into the studios for their own stand alone photo sessions, which can amount to over $1200 each. This growing trend means that at least $3.5m has been spent on doggy pictures alone this Christmas – an amazing 200% increase on last year’s figures!

(And that doesn’t even include leather jackets and diamond studded collars the diva dog may demand…).

We all know how challenging it can be to maintain the interest of a small child, let alone coax a smile worthy of a family portrait. Thankfully Venture, the family portrait specialists’ head smile coach, Paul Williamson shares his top five tips for achieving the best out of your child in front of the camera.