I’m a biiig believer that those who take up space in your heart deserve a space on your walls. Caitlin and Eric did too and had a plan from the very beginning to add some signature wall art to their home of their heart dog Jäger and Otto, 11- and six-year-old Labrador retrievers.
“Eric and I were moving in together for the first time and wanted a puppy,” Cait told me during our pre-session consultation. “My mom had found out about this young black Lab that was abandoned and needed a home. We went to ‘meet’ him and it was love at first sight. He came home with us that night and we all moved into our first home together a few days later.”
Jäger, however, soon showed signs of separation anxiety, which led the couple to buy a puppy to keep him company. They named this yellow Lab Otto and him and Jäger have been inseparable since. Cait says that Otto has proved to be a great addition to the family (and that she loves having black and yellow dogs)!
Caitlin, Eric, and the boys met up with me at Brady’s Run Park near Beaver Falls on a very chilly November morning after an unusually wet October pushed their session back…twice. Even with the absolutely frigid temperatures, this crew bundled up and enjoyed a fun-filled morning exploring the park and showing off their stylish bandanas from Spunky Style Co. Despite Cait’s honesty that Jäger Otto could use a brush up on their sit, stay, and come commands, they both did fantastically. Look at this handsome pair! Big smiles all around!
When I showed up at the couple’s home for their reveal and ordering appointment, Jäger greeted me with one of his favorite toys in his mouth, just as Cait told me he would during our pre-session consultation. Otto, on the other hand, offered the biggest, wettest Lab kisses and sat on my feet, which I loved because my Hunter does the same thing.
At the time we met for their reveal and ordering appointment, Eric and Cait were in the middle of redecorating their living room and had the most spectacular space that just begged for statement-making wall art. I mean, when Cait told me that their redecorating plans will probably revolve around the pictures of the dogs, I knew I had to give them something gorgeous. Using a special computer program, I was able to show them a few wall art groupings on their very walls, one of which they chose for five of their favorite photos, which included one 20×24 barnwood framed print that would feature both dogs, bordered by four smaller (8×10) barnwood framed prints, ideal for two more photos of Jäger and two of Otto.
These frames are my favorite because they’re so unique! Each is handcrafted from old barns, floorboards, marine wood, and fences from the Santa Cruz, California area, and while this repurposed wood is cleaned before transforming into a slightly imperfect, roughly textured frame, it does boast subtle discolorations inherent to the wood giving it a rustic look. Eric and Cait chose the whitewashed barnwood with cap style, which complemented both Otto’s lighter fur and the muted browns of the woods.
Because I typically do not place an acrylic over unmatted photos, each print’s lustre photographic paper has a protective UV coating applied and is finished with a linen texture for a classic fine art appearance.
The couple added on a few high-resolution digital files and received several bonus product items, including a set of three matching 3×3 mini accordion albums, their session slideshow, and a beautiful 8×8 leatherette and metal memory box. Clients just love these, which are only available as bonus products.
Cait and Eric, thank you so much for trusting me to capture these special memories of Otto and your “old man Jäger.” It is obvious how much these two mean to you and to be able to give you memories that you’ll appreciate these for many, many years to come is the best feeling in the world!
If you would like to book a Bark & Gold Photography session for your pet, click here or give me a call at 724-913-BARK (2275). For more information on Bark & Gold Photography sessions, visit “Your Session” in the menu and be sure to share your email on my homepage to join the VIP list.