chocolate moose

images + design

souvenirs to cherish for always pet photography gallery

Meet Jess

professional photographer since 2009

In a Nutshell

I am a creative who is deeply sentimental, obsessed with her family and cats, wears scarves at least 300 days a year & uses grey, mustard yellow and loud patterns in virtually everything she does.

How does this translate to my business?

I smile all the time, I use loads of !!! when I write, I crave golden light, textures and nature in my work and if you bring your cat to our shoot, I might forget you are there.

Are your animals members of the family?

Chocolate Moose Images

I have been working with animals since I started my business in 2009. Dogs and cats were the focus while I lived in Minnesota, but I was fortunate enough to work with horses in New Zealand, chickens in France and dairy cows in Portugal. Now in Montana I am searching for the clients who believe their animals are another member of the family.

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I provide souvenirs to cherish for always.

Learn More See The Work

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clients say. . .

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“jess is an amazing photographer and we so enjoyed spending the afternoon with her. Her warmth and love for photography shines through her work. We truly enjoyed our experience with Jess!”

-Katie + Ollie, Annibelle, Tiger and Ginger

the value of photography

what do you see?

When you look at an image of your toddler/husband/dog involved in making cookies/laughing at your best joke/splashing in the river, are you transported back to that moment? To those feelings? To the joy and laughter or the pain and crying?

I know I am! That is the incredible beauty of images. They allow for time travel.

I believe the same to hold true for our animal friends and family. Because they are the 4 legged family member doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend the time and energy savoring these moments.

You can find my full range of thoughts about the importance of remembering HERE. For now, just trust that photographs such as these are something no one will regret.

Full Article

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Where and when will our session take place?

It’s all about location, location, location. Lucky for you, I love to adventure and have hiked hundreds of miles in this ecosystem scouting out the perfect locations for photos. If you have something in particular in mind, please let me know. Otherwise, leave it up to me and I promise not to disappoint no matter the time of year.

The ideal time to shoot is within an hour before sunset. Depending on our location and our relative distance to western mountain peaks, that may fluctuate a bit. If evenings aren’t going to work, then within an hour of sunrise (with loads of coffee) is the next best thing.

I realize most cats are not lovers of travel (I moved my two across the country and it was memorable for all the wrong reasons) so I would be happy to work with you at your home in these cases.

I am based out of Gardiner so sessions requiring travel more than 30 miles from town will have a travel expenses added.

What do we do during the session?

Generally speaking, I let your animal lead the show. Working with animals is similar to working with toddlers – there can be moments of not cooperating, moments of absolute happiness and moments of … messes.

If any of the less desirable happens, don’t fret! We will navigate the highs and lows together with treats, smiles and laughter.

More specifically, we will play, have fun, snuggle and do whatever you love doing most with your animals!

Will I be in the photos with my animal?

I highly encourage clients to join their animals in some of the photos even if it’s just your hands, feet or sweater that show. On the other hand, I have also worked with clients who didn’t want to take any of the spotlight from Fido or Fluffy. Therefore, it is up to you! We can discuss your thoughts and dreams as we move forward.

What do I get with my session?

Each session comes with not only the experience itself, but an online, shareable gallery of around 30 images.

While I do give clients all of their edited images for their own use, providing you with printed products makes my heart happy. I am proud to offer high quality canvases, albums, greeting/holiday cards and prints which compliment the colors and aesthetic of my work perfectly. Please consider finishing off your experience with such items in an age where images often live only on computers or flash drives.

I'm excited! How do I reserve my spot? And how do I pay you?

I’m excited, too!

I ask for 50% of your desired collection as a deposit to reserve your time. The balance is due the week of your session.

I accept a variety of payments – the easiest is through Venmo, Google or PayPal, though I can also accept a credit card (with additional fees) or check via snail mail. If you are already in town, cash works as well.

Can I give this as a gift?

Fantastic question! You are a thoughtful person, to be sure.

Yes, Chocolate Moose Images has gift cards available for purchase. You can give the lucky recipients any value from $20 – the full price of a session.

Ready? Use this link to go for it! Otherwise if you have questions, please get in touch and I can help customize the gift.