Bravery doesn’t always wear a uniform. Sometimes it walks quietly beside it.
Beside the Brave
Or see below to learn more.
Beside the Brave
An Annual Fine Art Portrait Series Honoring Dogs Who Serve
by Tricia Charles Photography
About the Series
Beside the Brave is an annual fine art portrait series created to honor the extraordinary dogs who continue to stand in strength and loyalty alongside United States military veterans.
Long after active service ends, the bond between a veteran and their dog often becomes a source of steadiness, protection, and quiet resilience. These partnerships reflect shared courage — not always loud, but deeply rooted.
Through intentional, story-driven portraiture, this series seeks to preserve that connection with dignity and depth.
The 2026 inaugural series will focus on United States military veterans and the dogs who walk beside them in life beyond service.
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Five veterans will be selected for the 2026 Beside the Brave series.
Each selected participant will receive:
A waived session fee
A full fine art portrait experience (60 minutes)
One gifted 11x14 fine art print, professionally matted and ready for framing
Image of your choice
Optional additional artwork available (never required)
In addition to honoring veterans and their dogs, 15% of all additional artwork proceeds from the Beside the Brave series will be donated to local veteran service dog charities such as NEADS Service Dogs or Hero Pups, supporting service dogs for veterans in the New England area.
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Applications are open to:
United States military veterans (active or retired)
Any branch of service
Those willing to participate in a portrait session between September and October 2026
Veteran status operates on the honor system.
Participants may choose whether their portraits and stories are shared publicly as part of the series.
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Applications Open: July 15, 2026
Applications Close: August 10, 2026
Selected Participants Notified: Mid-August
Portrait Sessions: September–October 2026
Portraits Released: Late October through Veterans Day
One portrait will be shared each week leading up to Veterans Day as part of the completed series.
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In every partnership between a veteran and their dog, strength is shared.
Beside the Brave exists to honor that shared strength — and to preserve it through intentional, fine art portraiture that reflects both service and loyalty.
how it works:
Step 1: Apply
Submit your application during the open application window. Share a bit about yourself, your service, and the dog who stands beside you.
Five participants will be thoughtfully selected for the 2026 series.
Step 2: Portrait Session
If selected, we will schedule your portrait session for September or October.
Sessions are relaxed and guided, lasting approximately 60–90 minutes. We’ll spend time talking about your dog, your partnership, and capturing intentional portraits that reflect your connection.
Nothing forced. Nothing performative. Just honest imagery.
Step 3: Image Reveal & Print Selection
Within 2–3 weeks of your session, you will be invited to view your finished portraits.
You will select your gifted 11x14 fine art print, professionally matted and ready for framing.
If you wish to preserve additional images, you will have the opportunity to purchase artwork during your viewing session — though it is never required.
Step 4: Sharing the Series
With your permission, your portrait and a brief story about your partnership will be shared as part of the Beside the Brave series on social media and may be submitted to local press ahead of Veterans Day.
Participation in public sharing is always your choice.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for the 2026 inaugural series will open July 15.
