Absolutely! In fact, some of the most fun and fetching shots happen when dogs are just being dogs. Sure, it is helpful to know basic commands, but it is certainly not essential. No matter how crazy a three-ring circus you may think your session resembled, I promise you’ll walk away from our time together with a range of creative, personality-filled shots.

As for leashes, don't sweat 'em. Almost every dog I photograph is leashed for safety and complimentary leash removal is done during post-processing. 

Drawing on my experience and patience to work with a variety of behaviors and temperaments, from rambunctious to reactive, I take a no-pressure, relaxed approach to our time together. Your session never requires your dog to sit, stay, and behave for hours (or even minutes) on end. One of the benefits of hiring a pet-specific photographer is that we know how to work with “hyper” models and still deliver gorgeous portraits, jam-packed with personality. Your dog is not the only one who has some tricks up his sleeve.

Your optional pre-session consultation is held over the phone. During this time, I will get to know your dog’s personality, including what gets his tail wagging, what drives him bonkers, and what I need to do to create a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. We will also talk about session expectations, possible locations, and address any additional questions or concerns that you may have regarding what to wear, how to prepare, and ways to display your images.

If you have no idea, don’t sweat it! I have a diverse location list that ranges from rustic and rural to urban and I'm happy to offer suggestions based on the feel and style you desire for your session. Please note that I do not offer in-home or backyard sessions.

I specialize in on-location photography sessions and do not offer in-home or backyard sessions

While I understand the appeal of in-home or backyard sessions, I photograph on-location only using a variety of beautiful spots throughout the greater Pittsburgh area to provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for your pet's portraits enhanced by natural light, vibrant colors, and diverse landscapes.

If you have your heart set on an in-home or backyard session, I'm not the best fit for you; however, I can connect you with another pet photographer who may be able to work within the confines of your home or backyard.

Roughly three weeks following your session we'll get together for your in-person ordering appointment. I love this part because there's nothing more rewarding to me than seeing my clients' faces as they view the photos of their pet(s) for the first time! At this time, we will narrow down your favorite images together, talk about how you wish to feature them in your home, and finalize those must-have images and products. You will also place your order during this appointment. From there, your custom artwork order is placed for you to enjoy for years to come.

Yes, please check out my Rainbow Sessions, which are reserved specifically for pets preparing to cross the Rainbow Bridge due to illness or aging. These sessions hold a special place in my heart and I will always move mountains to accommodate these types of sessions. Sessions scheduled outside of my regular session times will incur a $75 additional fee. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you think your session may be needed urgently.

My rule is that the number of paws must outnumber human feet. (OK, I'm only half-joking...or am I?)

I love when pet parents join in, and I encourage you to jump in at least a few shots, but since my goal is to capture the joy and love between pets and their people, the focus on every session will be on the pet. That said, I do not offer people-only sessions. If you are looking for a people-only family session, let me know and I will recommend a family photographer who can incorporate a pet.

Your session fee includes a 5x7 gift print of your choice, valued at $170. All additional prints and products are purchased separately at your ordering appointment.

Bark & Gold Photography sessions focus on creating beautiful, heirloom-quality custom artwork of your pet through a variety of finishes and styles to suit your home. Wall art pieces are client favorites, and many love pairing their favorites with boutique add-ons. Do you find yourself with limited wall space? Fine art albums and heirloom folio boxes make great alternatives and are two of the most affordable ways to get the most session images. View my products page to learn more.

Most clients invest in a combination of wall art and a fine art album, heirloom folio box, or boutique add-ons, therefore the total amount spent from client to client varies greatly. Your total investment depends on how many images you love and how you wish to enjoy them following your session. My average client investment ranges from $2,000-$3,000.

On the lower end, some spend around $500, choosing just a handful of matted small prints they can frame on their own and display on a desk or bookshelf. At the upper end of the scale, others want it all and invest several thousand in a collection or exquisite wall art for multiple rooms in their homes along with fine art albums, heirloom folio boxes, and an array of boutique add-ons to gift. 

I offer options to accommodate a range of budgets, so whether you want a gorgeous fine art album of all your images, a statement-making wall art piece, or the moon, we can do that!

I believe that even prints should come as a finished piece of art, which is why I offer them in my popular heirloom folio boxes, the most beautiful way to preserve your prints and a stunning alternative to fine art albums. These come in sets of 10 or 20 matted 5x7 prints that promise the highest level of durability, versatility, and archival quality. And, to give you the best of both worlds, these folio boxes include the matching high-resolution digital files of ordered box images.

Desire just a handful? My set of three matted gift prints is a great option for purchasing smaller gift prints, starting at $510.

While your non-refundable session fee must be paid in full to reserve your session date, we can talk during your ordering appointment about setting up a customized no-interest payment plan for your product order. Should you desire, we'll choose a plan designed to fit your budget and provide you a simple and convenient way to stay on top of everything from inside your private client portal.