A Dog portrait session at BarkHop Studio takes as long as it needs to.

I get asked how long a session will be often, and I understand why. When people hear “pet photography session,” they picture a dog sitting perfectly still, posing like a seasoned model, calmly waiting for direction. And while there are definitely dogs who come in with that kind of energy, most don’t. Most need time to warm up, sniff around, get comfortable, and decide whether they’re ready to work with me or if they’d prefer to play hard-to-get for a while.

So here’s the truth: I don’t use a timer during my sessions. I never have. Because dogs are not one-size-fits-all, and their comfort matters far more than the clock.

Every dog is different

Some dogs walk into the studio and immediately act like they’ve been modeling for years. They give me head tilts, paw raises, soft eyes, goofy grins, the whole thing.

Other dogs need a minute. Or twenty. Some need to sniff every inch of the floor, every prop, every corner. Some pace a little. Some stare at me from a distance and decide whether I’m safe. Some are so excited that they can’t hear a single command their parents give. And some need a break in the middle to reset and settle down again.

I follow the dog’s lead. Always.

I use positive reinforcement throughout the entire session

My goal is to make the experience fun, safe, and rewarding. I want your dog to enjoy themselves. I want them to feel like this strange new place with bright lights and props and a woman with a camera is actually a wonderful place to be.

That is why I use positive reinforcement from start to finish. Treats, praise, play, breaks, patience. I let them know they’re doing a great job. I let them understand that nothing bad is going to happen here.

Because here’s something dog parents don’t always think about: your dog’s first photo session makes an impression on them. Just like their first visit to the groomer or the vet. The experience sticks. If that first session is stressful, rushed, or uncomfortable, they’ll remember it. And they’ll carry it into the next session.

But if their first session is full of treats, encouragement, and calm energy, every session after that gets easier. They begin to associate the camera, the lights, and the studio with good things.

It’s about the experience as much as the photos

Of course, we want beautiful images. We want the soulful eyes, the sweet expressions, the playful poses. But the way we get there matters. If your dog feels safe, comfortable, and confident, the photos reflect that.

I would rather spend two relaxed hours building trust and letting your dog be themselves than force a thirty-minute session that leaves them overwhelmed.

The time it takes doesn’t matter. Your dog does.

This is why sessions at BarkHop Studio have no strict time limit

I want your dog to enjoy this. I want them to walk out of the studio wagging their tail. I want them to look forward to coming back. And I want you to feel confident that your dog is not only being photographed beautifully but cared for beautifully.

At the end of the day, their comfort shapes the entire experience. If they need two hours, they’ll get two hours. If they need thirty minutes and they’re done, great. I’m here for them, not the clock.

Pet photography should feel like a fun outing, not a rushed appointment.

And that is why a session for your dog takes as long as it needs to.