Your Portrait Experience, Step by Step
Step 1: The Consultation
Your optional pre-session consultation is a chance to talk through what actually matters: your dog, your vision, and where this artwork will live in your home. We’ll cover locations, pacing, and the overall feel you’re drawn to, along with how you imagine the final pieces, whether that’s a single, statement-making wall portrait or an album meant to be pulled out and revisited for years.
Step 2: The Session
This is your dog’s moment to do what he does best: be unapologetically himself! We’ll meet at your chosen location for a relaxed, joy-filled session designed around his personality. If he wants to show off his good side, perfect. If he’d rather dive nose-first into the mud, even better. Either way, you’ll walk away with portraits that capture your dog exactly as you know him—perfectly imperfect.
Step 3: Ordering Appointment
A few weeks later, we’ll meet at my portrait suite for your in-person ordering appointment. You’ll see your portraits for the first time, choose all your favorites, and design how they’ll live in your home. From custom wall groupings to heirloom folio boxes you’ll open again and again, every detail is curated to fit your space and story. Happy tears are common, and I’m fully stocked with tissues.
Step 4: The Artwork
Just like that, the moment you've been refreshing your inbox for has arrived: artwork day! Once your products arrive, I'll contact you to arrange a time for you to pick up your artwork. And the best part? Everything arrives ready to display in your home. Brace yourself for an extreme case of can't-stop-staring-at-my-dog-in-a-frame syndrome may occur daily.
Testimonials
"I had a fantastic experience working with Jessica of Bark & Gold Photography. She was so thorough and responsive throughout the entire process and was so easy to work with. I couldn't imagine how she could get photos as I wrangled an older dog and a puppy, but the results far exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't be more pleased with the final results. I'll cherish that day, and the photos, for years to come!"
Riley & Teddy's mom, Maureen
"We are so very happy with how well our pictures turned out! Jessica was so kind and patient with Hank, who was shot out of a cannon that evening and could barely sit still! With all the crazies, she was able to capture gorgeous pictures of Hank being his goofy self. I was very grateful for the prompt and organized communication and scheduling. Her organization is quite inspiring and made me feel like I could trust her to deliver an excellent product within the schedule you defined. She did not disappoint!"
Hank's mom, Melinda
"I was worried that my dogs would not sit still and that would result in not-so-great photo options. Jessica did a great job of capturing my girls in their element, running, swimming, and loving the outdoors! Jessica was very easy to work with, and the dogs loved her!"
Coco & Olive's mom, Courtney
Session Details
The Bark & Gold experience is built around connection, intention, and ease. Sessions take place outdoors in locations that complement your dog and allow them to simply be themselves. Using natural light and a calm, force-free approach, each session unfolds at your dog’s pace — no pressure, no expectations, just space for authentic, expressive portraits to emerge.
Your session fee is $195 plus tax and includes:
For senior or ailing dogs, Rainbow Sessions are available with priority scheduling. These sessions focus on comfort, connection, and honoring the love that’s been there all along.
*Please note that Bark & Gold Photography does not offer in-home or backyard sessions. Your session fee does not include digital files. Artwork, which starts at $510, is purchased separately at your ordering appointment.
Real Dogs. Real Personalities. Real Portraits.
High-octane dogs, wallflowers, leash-required dogs. None of that phases me, and all are welcome here.
Most people think their dog is “too much” or “not enough” for photos, or that being leashed will somehow ruin the final images. Not even close. Dogs don’t need to behave a certain way or go off-leash to create incredible portraits.
I’ve photographed everything from wiggle rockets to slow-warmup sweethearts, and the approach stays the same: patient, grounded, and free of pressure. If your dog can breathe, we can make this work.
Leashes? Totally normal. About 80% of my sessions involve them, and you’d never know it once the artwork is finished. Use the slider below to see Rocky’s transformation.
FAQ
Have more questions? Feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you think through what’s best for you, your dog, and the artwork you’ll love.