30 Best Images Of 2024 As Announced By The International Pet Photographer Of The Year Awards

The 2024 International Pet Photography Awards have brought some of the most heartwarming and creative images to light, celebrating the bond between pets and people. This year’s competition was a huge success, with thousands of entries pouring in from all over the world—3,621 to be exact—from 41 countries. From playful dogs to elegant horses, and even a friendly little rat, photographers showcased the diversity of the animal kingdom in stunning and unexpected ways.This year also marked an exciting addition: a new category dedicated entirely to equine photography. Joining the existing categories likeAction, Creative, Documentary, Pets and People, and Portrait, this change gave photographers a chance to spotlight the beauty and spirit of horses. Scroll down to see the incredible winners and finalists!More info:petphotographyawards.com|Instagram|Facebook|youtube.comThis post may includeaffiliate links.

This year also marked an exciting addition: a new category dedicated entirely to equine photography. Joining the existing categories likeAction, Creative, Documentary, Pets and People, and Portrait, this change gave photographers a chance to spotlight the beauty and spirit of horses. Scroll down to see the incredible winners and finalists!

More info:petphotographyawards.com|Instagram|Facebook|youtube.com

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Brown dog standing in a misty lake, part of the International Pet Photographer awards, capturing a serene natural setting.

The judging panel featured some of the most respected experts in the industry. They were: Alex Cearns (Australia), Alice Loder (UK), Alicja Zmysłowska (Poland), Belinda Richards (Australia), Denise Landerberg (Sweden), Diana Lundin (USA), Elke Vogelsang (Germany), Jessica McGovern (UK), Jo Howell (Australia), Kaylee Greer (USA), Mareike Konrad (Germany), Nicole Begley (USA), Phyllis Burchett (USA), Richard Wood (New Zealand), Sam Haddix (USA), Travis Patenaude (USA), and of course, the hosts of the awards, Craig Turner-Bullock (New Zealand) and Charlotte Reeves (Australia), from Unleashed Education.

Majestic horse captured in motion during sunrise for International Pet Photographer Of The Year Awards.

Close-up of a person’s eyes and a tabby cat’s face, capturing a striking resemblance. Pet Photographer Awards entry.

Two playful kittens; one holds a brush in its mouth. Winning photo in pet photography awards 2024.

White horse standing in a lush forest, capturing a top entry for Pet Photographer of the Year Awards 2024.

Bored Pandagot in touch with Craig Turner-Bullock, who, along with Charlotte Reeves, forms the team behind Unleashed Education—a pet photography education platform providing both online and in-person learning to students worldwide. The duo also organizes the International Pet Photographer of the Year Awards, which is why we wanted to learn more about the competition.

Ginger cat on vintage chair with a chick in a hanging cage, highlighting international pet photography creativity.

Child reading with dog in serene setting, celebrating International Pet Photographer Of The Year Awards.

When asked what sets the winning photographs apart, Craig explained that the judges look for more than just technical excellence; they seek images that stand out with something unique or evoke a strong emotional connection. “There were many images in this year’s competition that did that. Our Overall winners' use of light, color composition, and posing of her subject, as well as showcasing a range of discipline and technique made her the choice for our judges.”

A cat and dog gently touch noses on a tree stump, captured by a pet photographer in a winning image.

Dog jumping to catch an orange ball on a sandy beach at sunset; award-winning pet photography image.

If you’re thinking about entering the International Pet Photographer of the Year competition next year, Craig shared some valuable insights: “First and foremost, put your best work forward and make sure you follow the rules and pay attention to every detail. It is perhaps also worth considering the reason you are entering; is it to win overall or a category, to gain points towards becoming accredited photographer distinctions, or is it to learn from feedback and continue personal growth, or a combination of all of those things? Set a goal for yourself and compete against that, not against the other entrants.Remember the judges don’t know your personal experience of capturing an image. Try to remove your own emotional connection and assess what to enter objectively. For example, you may value it because you hiked for five hours to get to a location, or perhaps a pet is no longer here, or it was really hard to connect with the animal and you managed to capture something that isn’t too bad. Unless those stories are communicated visually to bring a narrative, judges don’t know and score based on what they see in front of them. Having said all that, you also have to trust your instinct and try not to overthink every last detail, just go for it and enjoy the process, it’s really fun and can be quite addictive!”

Remember the judges don’t know your personal experience of capturing an image. Try to remove your own emotional connection and assess what to enter objectively. For example, you may value it because you hiked for five hours to get to a location, or perhaps a pet is no longer here, or it was really hard to connect with the animal and you managed to capture something that isn’t too bad. Unless those stories are communicated visually to bring a narrative, judges don’t know and score based on what they see in front of them. Having said all that, you also have to trust your instinct and try not to overthink every last detail, just go for it and enjoy the process, it’s really fun and can be quite addictive!”

A dog joyfully running through snow, capturing the essence of award-winning pet photography.

A horse rearing up in a field at sunset, showcasing a winning moment from International Pet Photographer Awards 2024.

Black horse standing on rocky terrain with a misty mountain backdrop, captured in the International Pet Photographer awards.

Child in cozy outfit with Shetland Sheepdog on a vintage tricycle, showcasing pet photography awards creativity.

Person and dog jumping in sync on a beach, showcasing award-winning pet photography.

Gold cocker spaniel standing gracefully in an elegant hallway, showcasing professional pet photography.

Chihuahua casting a large dog shadow on a white wall, showcasing top pet photography.

“Sunset scene with dogs herding sheep in a field, highlighting award-winning pet photography."

Golden retriever sitting on a forest path at sunrise, showcasing award-winning pet photography.

Rat peeking from a terracotta pot, showcased in the International Pet Photographer Awards 2024.

A joyful dog with black and tan fur running on grass, showcasing winning pet photography of 2024.

A dog energetically jumps through water at sunset, showcasing pet photography talent.

Adorable puppies on colorful cushions with a person underneath, showcasing pet photographer creativity.

Woman with a plush dog on a patio, part of the International Pet Photographer Awards 2024 showcase.

Dog running on a beach during sunset, capturing the essence of pet photography in an award-winning image.

Dog behind a blender with pink smoothie splash, showcasing International Pet Photographer awards creativity.

Dog lying on a rock in a misty landscape, captured by an international pet photographer.

Silhouette of a woman and dog posing at sunset, representing best pet photography from international awards.

A woman seated in an autumn forest gently pets a horse, exemplifying pet photography excellence.

A couple kisses their dog in a sunset landscape, celebrating pet photography award.

White wolf standing against a dark rocky backdrop, showcasing pet photography excellence in an award-winning image.

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Dog watching a cattle truck at sunset, captured during International Pet Photographer Of The Year Awards.

Wet dog in a bathtub, showcasing pet photography excellence in a black and white setting.

A herding dog controlling sheep under a dramatic sky, captured by top international pet photographer.

Woman sitting in a field with a happy dog, from International Pet Photographer Awards 2024.

Dog standing majestically on a rock in a dramatic setting, captured by an award-winning international pet photographer.