Pittsburgh Pet Photographer & Dog-Led Storyteller
Hi, I’m Jessica Wasik, and Bark & Gold Photography started because of one very big-hearted, bed-hogging dog named Hunter. He came into my life at eleven weeks old with floppy ears, a giant head, and a presence that pretty much said, “Yeah, I’m staying.”
From that day on, he was woven into everything: the chaos, the adventures, the routines, the quiet moments that end up mattering most.
When he reached his senior years, the reality of how short our time can be became impossible to ignore. We said goodbye when he was sixteen, and losing him changed me. But so did loving him—and that’s the part that continues.
Hunter is why I do this. His story informs every session, every portrait, every piece of artwork I create. He’s the reason I understand what your dog means to you, why these portraits matter, and the reason I want to celebrate your dog, too.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT ME?
I’m an ISTJ and an enneagram 3w2, which basically means I’m wired for clarity, follow-through, and getting things done with intention. I like structure, I notice everything, and I care a lot about doing things well. Efficiency makes me happy, systems make me unstoppable, and quality isn’t optional—it’s the standard. If something matters to you, it matters to me. And that commitment is baked into the entire Bark & Gold experience. It’s calm. It’s intentional. And yes, the details always matter.
I started figure skating at the age of eight and spent more than two decades competing, training, and coaching at the highest level. I’m a 7x gold medalist through U.S. Figure Skating and Skate Canada, with an extensive background in ice dance, solo dance, free dance, and moves in the field. Before photography, skating taught me how to see movement, timing, and nuance, skills that still quietly shape how I compose images today, especially when it comes to timing, balance, and quiet expression.
I married my high school sweetheart. We met working at a local ice rink and grew up alongside each other. After more than 25 years together, he’s still the person I choose every day…and the one who puts up with my chronically cold feet. Occasionally, he joins me on sessions, offering an extra set of hands, a steady presence, and (according to many dogs) professional-grade belly rubs. It’s his unofficial title, and he takes it seriously.
I’m a voracious reader, a personal development nerd, and someone who unapologetically leans into the woo. When I’m not photographing dogs, I love mentoring other photographers who want clearer systems, stronger boundaries, and a business that doesn’t eat them alive. I always have a podcast in my ears, and I’ve even been featured on several industry podcasts over the years. And despite being an introvert, my dad still calls me “WJES: all talk, all the time.” He’s not wrong, especially if you bring up dogs.
Certified Printmaker
As a Certified Printmaker, I approach every session with the end in mind: artwork created to be lived with, not lost in the cloud. I believe my job isn’t finished until your images are on display, thoughtfully designed, beautifully prepared, and meant to last for generations. This certification reflects my commitment to craftsmanship, design, and offering a truly boutique experience from start to finish.
Pet Loss Grief Specialist
I’m also certified as a pet loss grief specialist, the first pet photographer in Pittsburgh to hold this distinction. This training allows me to support clients navigating anticipatory or post-loss grief with empathy and clarity, and to approach Rainbow Sessions with the respect, gentleness, and intention they deserve.
Force-Free Certified Dog Photographer
As a force-free certified dog photographer, I prioritize your dog’s emotional well-being just as much as the final artwork. This certification focuses on humane handling, canine communication, and stress-free session practices. Your dog sets the pace; I follow his lead with methods rooted in compassion, patience, ethics, and positive methods.
Calendar Contest Queen
For the first eight years of my business, I ran a charitable pet calendar contest that welcomed hundreds of entries and raised tens of thousands of dollars for local rescues and nonprofits. I’ve also taught on this topic inside major industry programs and been invited onto multiple photography podcasts to share my process and framework.
Internationally Published Photographer
My work has been featured in multiple international fundraising books, including Tails of the World, alongside photographers across more than a dozen countries. I’ve also published two books of my own: Tails of the Steel City and Timeless Tails: Stories of Loyalty, Laughter, and Lifelong Bonds, both created as philanthropic projects to support western Pennsylvania animal rescues.
Award-Winning Photographer
My work has earned regional, national, and international recognition, including Pet Photographer of the Year – Pittsburgh (2025); Pet Photographer of the Year – Pennsylvania (2024); Best Pet Portrait Experience – Pennsylvania (2024); and Most Prestigious Dog Photographer – USA (2023). I’ve also appeared on lists compiled by Peerspace, NEXTpittsburgh, and Giggster, and ranked among the top 100 pet photographers in the International Pet Photographer of the Year 2020 Awards in the Portrait category.
Business Coach
In addition to photographing pets, I mentor photographers who want a business that feels clear, profitable, and grounded. I serve as a coach inside the Flourish Academy’s Elevate program, specializing in pricing, in-person sales, systems, and client experience. I also offer one-on-one mentoring for photographers who want practical guidance without the overwhelm.