So I am getting my puppets professionally photographed on Monday. I haven't done a shoot with them so I am looking for pointers. Is it better to photoshop the arm rods out like the muppets do? Or keep them in? Also any tips for posing them so they look "alive?" I am going to bring wire, pins, tape, etc. but any helpful hints would be nice.
Thanks!

I make up little wire mouth holders because I build my puppets mouth plates so they only need the close motion from the pupetteer which means that they have that horrible dumb gaping mouth in pictures otherwise.
Lots of stands to position arms
Pretty much all I use.

thanks!

Try to pose them in action. In other words just not straight on static. Sounds like with what you plan to bring with you that you may have already thought of that.  I would leave the rods in. After all that is one thing that makes them a puppet.

Eye focus is very important and helps to make the puppet look alive. Make sure that the puppet is always making direct eye contact with the camera, unless it's supposed to be looking at something else. Wherever the puppet is looking, it should appear to be deliberate.

Awesome! Thanks for the ideas.

I don't have much experience in this department but one thing I did that turned out pretty cool back when I sold some basic stuff was treat it like trying to take a child's picture. My stuff was pretty bland basic but the photos turned out well because I made them get distracted looking at stuff other than the camera and just overall not cooperate. I actually had to sort through the photos to take out the blooper shots haha. It also made the process fun.

I think the photos are on my wife's computer but if I can track them down I'll post an example one I ended up using.

Edit: Found them. Nothing fancy but I got the most comments on these:

I have nothing to add except how exciting! :D Please share the photos when you're done! I hope Monday goes well and you have stacks of fun working it all out.

Rhoady, I'm digging those pics. Very creative.

I don't have much experience in this department but one thing I did that turned out pretty cool back when I sold some basic stuff was treat it like trying to take a child's picture. My stuff was pretty bland basic but the photos turned out well because I made them get distracted looking at stuff other than the camera and just overall not cooperate. I actually had to sort through the photos to take out the blooper shots haha. It also made the process fun.

Just wanted to say that's a really brilliant idea. Your photos are fun and show off the character really well - it makes me want to buy one!

Rhoady those are so cute! Thanks!

And I will for sure post the pics! Should be interesting.