The third annual Dog Photographer of the Year Awards has concluded, revealing 12 winners and 48 finalists. Competing in four categories – Portrait and Landscape, Action, Studio, and Dogs and People – photographers showcased their talents and skills in capturing our four-legged friends.
Scroll down to see the captivating photographs and learn more about this year’s winners!
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Spain"When the family told me that Harry and Cooper could do this trick, I couldn’t believe it! After that, one of the owners threw a stick far from us in the path and both came back with the stick while running at the same time."
The first edition of the Dog Photographer of The Year Awards (DPA) took place in 2021. According to one of the founders of DPA, Audrey Bellot, the response was amazing as well as the level of the entered images in each category. “We [Audrey Bellot and Claudio Piccoli] decided to create this contest first of all because we are dog photographers ourselves, and this helps a lot in judging the pictures knowing what’s correct and what’s not.”
Canada"Everything there was out of this world. The sunset was absolutely beautiful and the water was so still that it created some crazy reflections."
Sweden"I wanted to capture the love and respect these two senior Weimaraner dogs have for each other. They are now 11 and 9 years old and have always been together. Grey Old Love never rots."
The aim of DPA is to recognize and celebrate the best dog photography worldwide, highlighting the wide variety of dogs and the artistic skills of the photographers who photograph them.For this 2023 edition, the contest has received 1440 entries from more than 50 different countries!
The aim of DPA is to recognize and celebrate the best dog photography worldwide, highlighting the wide variety of dogs and the artistic skills of the photographers who photograph them.
For this 2023 edition, the contest has received 1440 entries from more than 50 different countries!
Germany"The dachshund, called ‘Maddie’, was so in love with the treats, then this really funny snapshot originated and makes her look like Princess Leia."
Germany"Have you ever seen a dog, or even better a sighthound, running in pure joy? You see the power, the play of the muscles and the perfect anatomy for running fast. In this picture I wanted to show the speed of this dog and capture it, but at the same time freeze the motion to show the anatomy of this beautiful dog. To get it you need a perfect timing of all components involved. The dog, the lights and for sure me as the photographer. The result is a stunning composition reduced to the only important thing, the dog."
The panel of judges for this year’s competition included:Audrey BellotandClaudio Piccoli, the founders of the awards.Travis Patenaude, a studio photographer based in the United States.Iza Łysoń, a 25-year-old dog photographer from Poland and an ambassador for the 500px photography website.Heike Willers, an experimental dog photographer from Germany.Christina Lauder, a multi-award-winning dog photographer from Canada.Emilio Cuenca, a dog photographer from Spain.
The panel of judges for this year’s competition included:
United States"Urban photography: Finding beauty in the mundane."
Sweden"Exploring the big world."
“The Dog Photography Awards has once again showcased the remarkable talent within the world of dog photography. Witnessing emerging artists capture the essence of canine beauty with their stunning imagery remains the standout event of the year,” Audrey Bellot shared.
Italy"Il volo di Guess, una fantastica cucciola di bassotto."
United Kingdom"Sootie and Freya. A Romanian rescue and Therapy dog - capturing their kind personalities in the studio."
Emilio Cuenca, one of the judges, shared that being part of the Dog Photography Awards jury has been an enriching experience for him. “Being able to give your view, through your knowledge, in dog photography of the work of great artists is a responsibility but it is also beautiful. Grateful to the Dog Photography Awards team for considering me a professional with enough level to be part of the jury of this wonderful canine photography contest. The level of this contest has been very high and we have been able to enjoy the talent of many dog photographers.”
United States"Taken with the Nikon Z8. The conditions were perfect, calm water, beautiful sky, and the tide was low. That all changed very quickly as the weather pattern changed. High winds came in out of nowhere and so did the crazy waves. This did not stop Lotti from enjoying her time running, jumping, and chasing her ball into the water. She flew with incredible speed and power through the waves to get her ball, while I was watching the waves from the corner of my eye, lifting my camera up and down to avoid the water, while tracking her movement. A fun and exciting time photographing this amazing dog.”
Germany"Vizsla girl Mia in the dunes."
“Grading all the 1400 or so works is really challenging, however, it is also an honor and a pleasure. It was an opportunity for me to see hundreds of amazing pictures. The level of the submitted photos this year was really high, which did not help me with casting my votes, but I am really happy that, with all the other judges, we managed to choose the truly best piece of art. I would like to congratulate all of the winners and I cannot wait for the next editions," Iza Łysoń, an official DPA judge, said.
United States"Red the cattle dog mix flying through the water at sunset."
Switzerland"This picture was taken on a bathing day in the early morning. We all had a lot of fun and the dogs ran and bathed. When the sun came over the mountain, I took my chance and took the picture."
Sweden"In the right light even the most mundane place emits magic.I had the idea of this image in my mind for quite some time, driving past the log stack every day on my way to drop the kids of at school.And finally, on our way home from school one day, I stopped the car and asked my Azawakh girl Soleil to hold the pose for a moment while I took the photo.Already in the camera I saw that it had become something more than I had hoped for; a moment of clean stillness in the busy and messy everyday life, something more than a posing dog on a log stack.The image made me linger in the moment."
United States"Nala, the Australian Shepherd, relaxing on a quiet backroad in the beautiful snowfall."
Montenegro"Ballerina in the studio."
Canada"Just a Border Collie flying for his frisbee. The dog did a back vault, jumping from his owner’s back."
France"A malinois and a Belgian shepherd running in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris during sunrise."
The Netherlands"As described in the breed standard, a Basenji should be elegant and graceful. The whole demeanor is one of poise and inquiring alertness. A dog full of confidence and with high self-esteem. The only thing this young Basenji girl needed was a red frame."
Sweden"Three weeks old Great Dane puppies. Photo is taken with studio lights at the breeders home."
The Netherlands"One of our Basenji puppies in a studio setting at home. This puppy is already showing true Basenji obedience."
Canada"Josee coming in fast to catch her favorite ball."
Switzerland"The mood this morning was just soo perfect. I totally felt in love with it. Everything was so calm and quiet and there were also some tiny dancing snowflakes all around us.. as I said, just beautiful and perfect."
United Kingdom"Kili the Groenendael jumping against a black backdrop with studio lighting."
Canada"Choco was undergoing medical treatment when it was time for his portrait session. The majority of his tiny body had been shaved, but he brought along some of his favorite outfits to stay warm (and of course fashionable). This stylish dude might be a tiny chihuahua, but was large and in charge in front of my camera."
Canada
United Kingdom"This is Henry! At the time he was only 10 weeks old and the new love of my life. We were having fun playing around my studio (as I couldn’t wait to photograph him) when he started getting sleepy and curled up in his bed and I thought it best just to let him be. Not much has changed since. This portrait just captures him perfectly as he has never quite got out of the napping habit!"
Germany"This photo shows the cheeky toy poodle Motte. Being very little but high in energy, she was almost too fast for the eyes, but not too fast for the camera. As you can see, Motte really enjoyed her time in the sand romping around."
Poland"Childhood of my Son is my biggest inspiration. Photographing Igor, I admire the amazing and beautiful way you can catch things which are seemingly regular. An old bucket or umbrella are magical objects for children. That is why I appreciate the way my son uses this magic, regards and discovers the world, creates relations with children and animals which constantly fascinate Him."
Germany"This is probably the rawest moment I captured so far. It was one of those days where nothing worked out as I imagined. I was stuck in the numbness of a depressive episode and hadn’t felt anything for weeks. But that evening, when I pushed myself to give that self-portrait one last try, I activated the interval timer, and the very second I sat down with my dog, tears were running down my face. Kenzy was comforting me immediately, as she always does and the last interval photos captured that fragile moment. A reminder that if I get lost, she will guide me back. Panorama with about 10-12 images."
China"Happy day."
Poland"When you’re out grocery shopping for your family, maybe you can put a can of cat or dog food in your cart and bring it to an animal relief center.“Rachael RayModel: Beagle Sherry
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Germany"Our friend Michelle’s dog - Strolchi - in my photo studio.”
Canada"One of the most beautiful scenery I got to see. The tall trees with all the flowers, the sunset."
New Zealand"In a world where life can be immense and overwhelming, just like the vast nature of the ocean, we can turn to man’s best friend for companionship and support to face the immensity together."
Germany"The two border collies Mylo and Cooper of our friend Ruth in my photo studio."
The Netherlands"Shiba Inu Dai just glitters in the gold of the golden hour."
Sweden"On a silent morning when the last snow of the winter was melting the fog rolled over the meadows and the trees stretched into the sky, begging the sun to return.The colors were sucked out of the world, and everything was silent except the crowing ravens adding to the atmosphere.In the stillness she posed, watching the winter slowly leaving and making way for spring.In the stillness she was the only color left in the world.She was the queen of this monochromatic illusion."
United States"Zelda, the Belgian Malinois, soaring into the water to retrieve her toy."
Finland"Me and my precious Manja, enjoying the peacefulness of the remote location and night sky miracles. I’m so lucky that I was able to capture this very special moment we shared together. The vast starry sky, the Milkyway and Perseid meteors make an unique landscape and atmosphere for expressing our special companionship.She is already 14 years old. She doesn’t see very well in the dark anymore, but I show her light and we walk together. I’m so grateful that she was still willing to join me and pose with me. I feel that we made magic during the nights we photographed the Perseid meteor shower."
The Netherlands"I wanted to do a fine art style with this beautiful traditional Afghan Kuchi Tribe dress and jewels and the Afghan dog.For a bit of movement in the dog’s hair I used a hairblower, which the dog was used to on account that she is being groomed often.This shoot was done with women only, my ‘higher’ aim with photography is to empower women. With the current situation in Aghanistan this shot has a deeper layer to it."
Finland"Beautiful Elsa had a good hair day even sprinting through the heavy snow."
United Kingdom"Being a working line Doberman, Missy loves to play & train, and recently discovered a love for playing with water. She’s the most loving and friendly girl, but I love how this photo shows her spicy side. Happiest when she’s working or snuggling, she’s the best friend anyone could ask for."
Czech Republic"One morning on the dam with this graceful saluki. Before the shooting, I had this image in my mind and finally it just happened."
Germany"The clolors of the labradors matched perfectly with the dark stair background.The orange highlights make the models shine."
Canada"Portrait of Ebony on a windy day."
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Switzerland"This picture reflects the dog so much. It’s soft and monochrome, but also hard and unyielding."
Canada"Having some fun in studio with Ziggy, a dog we were sitting, and my niece Josslyn."
Austria"It was a magical morning, with magical light and magical mood. Sunrise at Lake Woerth in Carinthia is every time just magic. Since Nala and Stephi love going on adventures together and exploring the world, the sunrise shoot on a StandUpPaddle was just perfect for them."
Canada"This image beautifully captures an unspoken connection between the woman and her canine companion, highlighting the therapeutic impact that animals can have on individuals struggling with mental illness. The smoke enveloping them represents the challenges and darkness that mental health issues can bring into one’s life.The dog is pictured protectively nestled against her chest, symbolizing their unbreakable bond while providing comfort, stability, and love in times of distress."
Switzerland"We were on a hiking Weekend and took some picture at sunset on the Alp Muottas in Switzerland. Mara and her dog Pua were playing around and that’s when I took the picture of them together. It looks like they are dancing on the beautiful mountain top!"
Germany"This photo is a panorama self portrait of me and my border collie Kenzy. I think it is the most important image I ever took. After a long time being home bound because of a chronic condition and following depression, we got the chance to borrow the van of one of my oldest friends and I pushed through all of my fears to go on our first roadtrip and shooting tour that was more than 2h away from home. The photo was shot at sunrise of the first morning and I captured the first moment I felt something like peace and hope again. It is stitched together from about 19 single images."
United Kingdom"This self-portrait of me and my muse Guillaume has a special meaning to me because I created it as an act of overcoming a stressful time, while nervously waiting for breast surgery. Now whenever I look at this image, I remember Guillaume’s warmth striking all the way to deep in my heart, the softness of his fur stroking my naked skin and his gentle cuddles comforting my vulnerable mind."
Spain"Relying on spontaneity in photography allows me to experience positive surprises and unexpected results."
Switzerland"We did the Tre Cime circuit hike at sunrise. Wonderful light and a beautiful landscape!"
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Indrė Lukošiūtė
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