You’ve been thinking about it for a while now, haven’t you? You’ve browsed my portfolio and social media. You’ve admired the artwork. You’ve imagined your dog, ears flying and eyes sparkling, captured in all his goofy, glorious perfection. Maybe you’ve even filled out the contact form…and then closed the tab before hitting submit. It’s not Read More
Posts by Bark & Gold Photography
Two Dogs, a Sea of Octopuses, and a Whole Lot of Signs from Hunter
Two new hires are shaking things up at Bark & Gold Photography. Spoiler: They’re fuzzy, four-legged, and not remotely qualified, but we love them anyway. There’s been a major shift in the Bark & Gold Photography org chart. Effective September 26, I’ve welcomed not one but two wildly enthusiastic team members: Toby, my new Chief Read More
5 Lessons My Dog Taught Me (Even After He Was Gone)
I always knew losing our 16-year-old dog Hunter would break my heart. What I didn’t know—what I couldn’t have possibly anticipated—was just how deeply that grief would continue to teach me. How he’d still find ways to show up, even when I couldn’t see or touch him. How, in his absence, I’d begin to understand Read More
This One Mistake Puts Memory-Keepers at Risk of Forgetting the Little Things That Matter Most
We all have them: those moments so small they almost slip by unnoticed. The sleepy stretch your dog does before curling into your lap. That proud, tail-wagging look after fetching the same slobbery ball for the fiftieth time. The way she gently presses her head into your hand when she wants just one more scratch Read More
What to Wear for Summer Pet Photography (That’ll Look Amazing in Your Artwork)
Let’s address the question I hear almost as often as “Can my dog be off-leash?” (Answer: safely, yes, thanks to Photoshop.) It’s this one: What the heck do I wear? And not just what looks cute or keeps those summer sweat stains at bay, but what actually looks good in your portraits—and more importantly, what Read More
You’re Not Just Buying Photos, You’re Buying This (And It’s So Much Better)
Let’s get one thing out of the way: you don’t need another set of digital files to hoard in a folder labeled “someday.” You’re not booking me because you want more things to forget about on your desktop—or worse, to eventually lose to a hard drive failure and a slightly dramatic sob session. You’re here Read More
Why “We’ll Figure It Out Later” Never Works for Wall Art Planning
Let’s set the scene, shall we? You’ve booked your session, you’ve coordinated outfits with your dog (or at least settled on something that isn’t completely covered in fur), and now you’re ready to wait until after your portraits are finished to decide what to do with them. You tell yourself, “We’ll figure it out later.” Read More
Don’t Be a Hover-Human: Why Where You Stand Matters More Than You Think During Your Pet Photography Session
If there’s one universal truth about pet photography sessions, it’s this: you will, at some point, end up in the photo. It’s inevitable. You’re helping wrangle your pup, encouraging those sit-stays with your best treat-jazz-hands, and doing your absolute best to be both dog mom and stage manager. And you know what? That’s totally normal. Read More
From Pandemic Puppy to Playful Pair: A Pittsburgh Doodle Session Full of Fun
Some dogs come into your life after years of planning. Some arrive thanks to a little Facebook serendipity. And some—like Gus and Sadie—make their grand entrance thanks to one very determined daughter. For years, one of Jodie’s daughters lobbied hard for a dog. We’re talking serious commitment: photos sent, strategic persuasion, and maybe a few Read More
I Already Have a Ton of Photos of My Pet; What Makes This Special?
“To be honest, I already have a ton of photos of my dog,” one inquiry call began. “I guess what I’m asking is, what makes what you do different?” I will admit that this question was certainly a first for me. I figured that if someone was to reach out to learn more about booking Read More