The Portrait Session

with Tricia Charles

Whether I’m working with canines, equines or humans, the process of the portrait session is almost identical. Learn about the steps involved here, along with the investment options available too.

  • 2 golden retrievers sitting on a boardwalk at sunrise

    Step 1 - reserve your session

    The first step is to reserve your session date. Simply select your preferred session type below, choose an available date and time, and share a few details about you and your horse or dog.

    Once your date is secured, I’ll personally reach out to schedule a brief virtual pre-session consultation. This relaxed 15–20 minute conversation allows us to connect, discuss your vision, and ensure all of your questions are answered. I’ll walk you through the full portrait experience so you feel confident, prepared, and completely at ease moving forward.

  • A woman in riding gear and a helmet riding a horse on a dirt arena at sunset, with white fences and trees in the background.

    Step 2 - Session Day!

    This is truly my favorite part — finally meeting you and your four-legged companion.

    Our time together is relaxed and natural. We’ll begin with a walk, allowing space for connection and movement, and I’ll thoughtfully guide you throughout. Some moments will be organically captured as they unfold, while others will be gently posed to create timeless, artful portraits.

    The result is a balanced collection of images — both natural and refined — giving you a beautiful variety that reflects your bond.

  • A young woman with long blonde hair in a black shirt and light-colored jeans standing in a wooded area during autumn, gently holding and petting a dark brown horse with a black mane.

    Step 3 – Crafting Your Artwork

    After our session, I carefully review every image and select only the strongest portraits — the ones that truly reflect your connection and tell your story beautifully.

    Each chosen image is then thoughtfully refined with my signature editing process, enhancing light, tone, and detail to create a polished, artful finish. This is where your portraits are transformed into timeless pieces designed to be displayed and cherished.

    This process typically takes 3–6 weeks. Once your gallery is ready, we’ll schedule your personalized viewing appointment to select your favorite images and artwork..

  • A brown and white Australian Shepherd dog lying on a dirt path in a wooded area.

    Step 4 - Viewing Session

    This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

    During your personalized viewing appointment, I’ll present your finished portraits for the first time. Together, we’ll select the images and artwork that feel most meaningful to you, and I’ll guide you through sizing and display options to ensure everything fits beautifully within your space.

    There is never pressure — my role is to provide professional guidance so you can make confident decisions. Artwork selections are finalized during this appointment, so I kindly ask that all decision-makers be present.

  • Living room with framed photo of a dog on the wall, a white modern chair, a black coffee table with a vase of white flowers, large potted plants, and decorative objects on a sideboard.

    Step 5 - Receiving your artwork

    The final and most rewarding step — bringing your portraits home.

    Your custom artwork is carefully produced through a professional print lab and typically arrives within 3–4 weeks. Once it is delivered to me, each piece is personally inspected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality before it reaches you.

    I will coordinate delivery with you directly to ensure everything arrives safely and beautifully presented.

    And of course, I love celebrating this moment. Once your artwork is displayed, you’ll be invited to participate in my Client Spotlight — a simple photograph of you with your finished piece, honoring the connection we’ve captured together.

Portrait sessions

Canine portrait session

  • 1 hour outdoor portrait session.

    • Canines: at one of the 5 pre-selected locations* (see Service Area Map for more details) of your choice.

  • Up to 1 outfit changes. (2 total outfits)

  •  1 hour in-person viewing session of images. 

  • 1 low resolution digital image of your choice

175

senior portraits Session

  • 1.5 hour outdoor portrait session at location of your choice within Massachusetts.
    (see Service Area Map for more details).

  • Session consists of 1st half senior only and 2nd half senior and horse/dog.

  • Up to 2 outfit changes. (3 total outfits)

  • 1 hour in-person viewing session of images.

  • 1 high resolution watermark free image sent to
    high school.

  • 1 low resolution digital image of your choice

225

equine portrait session

  • 2 hour outdoor portrait session.

    • Equine: locations will be arranged at locations deemed safe for your horse.

  • Up to 2 outfit changes. (3 total outfits)

  •  1 hour in-person viewing session of images. 

  • 1 low resolution digital image of your choice

350

Important

  • Portrait and Senior Sessions results in 15-25 final images to choose from and are presented to you at the in-person viewing session. I offer a range of products to apply your images to.

  • A complimentary social media sized digital image is provided for any image applied to a purchased product.

  • The average client product investment can range anywhere from $500-$3,000. For more information on pricing, please contact me.

  • * Locations are for canine or senior portraits. Equine portraits can be at location deemed safe and available for horses.

  • For session locations outside a 20 mile radius of Grafton Massachusetts, an additional travel/mileage fee applies. See Map for details

“Unbelievably talented photographer! Tricia was the nicest, so calm, and patient with our little pup Ranger. I couldn’t believe the quality of the photos, just perfection. Ranger was on a collar and a leash, and she magically made him look like he was a free roaming pup! Just excellence. Thank you so much for the lifelong memories!

— Marissa D.

What People Are Saying

“Tricia beautifully captured our dogs and their personalities in our photoshoot. She was patient, understanding, and had so many tricks to help them look their best and stay relaxed in a new environment. Can’t wait to do more!”

— Anna

Wall Art & Keepsake Options