If you’re like most pet parents, your phone is filled with hundreds—OK, maybe tens of thousands—of photos of your dog. Snuggled on the couch, zooming at the park, snoozing in a patch of sun—your pup is the star of your camera roll. But how many of those images actually include you? If you’re shaking your head or thinking, “Uh, none,” you’re in good company. Or maybe you’ve got a handful where your dog looks like he’s plotting your demise because you’ve once again shoved your phone in his face, complete with yet another cringe-worthy Snapchat filter.
While your phone snapshots may capture your dog’s adorable quirks and day-to-day antics, they’re missing something just as important: you and your bond together. At Bark & Gold Photography, I believe every pet parent deserves to step out from behind the camera and into the frame to create lasting memories alongside their four-legged family member. Here’s why saying yes to being in the portraits matters more than you think.
Why Being in Portraits with Your Dog Matters
Life moves fast, and while your dog’s playful grin or soulful eyes may live forever in your memory, having a tangible portrait that includes you allows you to relive those moments in a deeper, more personal way. Think of it as a way to freeze time—to capture not only how your pet looks but also how he feels to you in this chapter of your lives together. Your bond with him is something only the two of you share. Whether it’s the way his tail wags uncontrollably when you come home, the comforting presence he provides after a “ruff” day, or the joyful adventures you’ve created together, your relationship deserves to be celebrated. These portraits aren’t just for today; they’re a gift to your future self, a way to hold onto the essence of your relationship when your dog is no longer by your side.
But I’m Not Photogenic (Spoiler Alert: You Are)
Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the dog—in the room: many people shy away from professional portraits because they’re self-conscious. Trust me, you’re not alone. Many clients admit they’re hesitant to step in front of the camera, often citing insecurities or a preference for their dog to be the main focus, but here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a supermodel to look amazing in your pet’s portraits.
I use natural posing and relaxed environments to highlight the authenticity of your bond. You don’t need to “perform” or look a certain way—just be yourself! When you focus on your connection with your dog, the results are genuine, heartfelt, and beautifully “you.” The result? Timeless portraits that showcase your relationship, not just your reflection.
Benefits of Being in the Frame
- Your relationship with your pet is one of unconditional love. Being in the portraits allows that bond to shine in a way that words alone never could.
- A professionally created portrait becomes an heirloom, something you’ll cherish for years and pass down as part of your dog’s story.
- You’ll have a reminder of the little things that I can assure you, years later, won’t feel so little. The way your dog rests his head on your lap, that goofy smile he reserves just for you—these are the moments I specialize in preserving.
- You are a part of the experience. A Bark & Gold Photography session is designed to be fun and stress-free, making the process as memorable as the final artwork.
How to Include Yourself Without Stress
Worried about how to include yourself in the portraits? Here are a few tips to make it effortless:
- Dress comfortably, confidently, and completely yourself. Choose clothing that makes you feel good and complements your dog’s fur and the session’s setting. (I will hook you up with this in more detail in my session guide.)
- Focus on interaction. Instead of stiff poses, I encourage natural moments, like cuddles, playtime, or a walk together.
- Trust the process. With years of experience photographing pets and their people, I know how to guide you through every step.
Ready to Step Into the Frame?
Bark & Gold Photography specializes in creating heirloom-quality portraits that celebrate the joy and love between pets and their people. As for you, this is your chance to let go and enjoy the moment. Laugh, cuddle, and interact with your dog just as you would at home. The most authentic, heartfelt portraits happen when you forget the camera is even there.
Years down the road, you’ll treasure those portraits that remind you of the way your pup looked at you with those big, soulful eyes or how he leaned into your lap as if to say, “You’re my person.” Including yourself in them transforms these moments into a tangible legacy of your relationship. So the next time you’re scrolling through your camera roll and realizing it’s filled with only your dog’s adorable face, remember: it’s time to put down the phone and step into the frame.
Your dog loves you more than anything—don’t you owe it to them (and yourself) to capture that love in a way that lasts forever? Nodding along, a little teary-eyed perhaps? I’m here for you. Simply choose your adventure to learn more about how you can (and should ) be in portraits with your dog.
Pictures with people and their dogs are always my favorite! It’s impossible to capture those with a cell phone…
So true! Cell phones just can’t do justice to the connection and emotion in those moments.
I love portraits of pets and their people. The love in these is palpable even from here. These images are going to be cherished for a lifetime!
Yes! There’s just something so powerful about capturing that bond—it leaps right out of the photo. These portraits truly are timeless, and the love they hold makes them even more special.
I couldn’t agree more. I am so grateful you were able to capture photos of us with our Moxy last year! They are treasured memories we will have forever.
I’m so glad you have those beautiful memories with Moxy—they truly are priceless. It’s moments like those that make it all so meaningful. 🐾
YASSSSS – great encouragement to get in the photos! I wholeheartedly agree.
It’s such an important reminder! Photos aren’t just about the pups; they’re about the connection and memories you share. Future you will be so glad you said yes to being in them!