From a stylish poodle to a sighthound running in ecstasy, this year’s Dog Photography Awards (DPA) winners have managed to capture the diversity of dogs and highlight the unique characteristics of the different breeds.
“Witnessing emerging artists capture the essence of canine beauty with their stunning imagery remains the standout event of the year,” Audrey Bellot, DPA founder, said in a statement.
Split into four main categories—Portrait and Landscape, Action, Studio, and Dogs and People—this year’s prizes include a cash prize of 2000 euros (approx. $2175); photo gear from Sabatini, Manfrotto, and Profoto; an engraved trophy; fine art prints; and the DPA Annual Book by Celebra.
Sanna Sander from Sweden scooped first place in the Portrait and Landscape category for her sublime image “Ascending Serenity.”
Remarkably, she captured the winning image one day while returning home from picking her children up from school.
As soon as she looked through the viewfinder, Ms. Sander knew she’d captured much more than she’d hoped for.
“A moment of clean stillness in the busy and messy everyday life, something more than a posing dog on a log stack,” she said. “The image made me linger in the moment.
“In the right light, even the most mundane place emits magic.”
Meanwhile, Germany-based Jacqueline Rüdiger timed everything perfectly to get her technically brilliant shot of a dog running, with its honed physique on display.
“Have you ever seen a dog, or even better a sighthound, running in pure joy?” she said. “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.”
Titled “Stop Your Motion,” the photo won first prize in the Action category.
A great many dogs just love the water, and in the canine sport of dock diving, breeds such as Labrador retrievers and whippets take their love to new depths.
Roberta Holden’s incredible photo “Moment of Entry” conjures a sense of a diving dog suddenly being transported to another dream-like realm.
Ms. Holden from Canada won second prize in the Action category, followed by Anne-Laurie Léger for her beautiful sunset shot of a dog leaping to catch a Frisbee. These action-packed photos capture the playful nature of our four-legged friends.
Anna Averianova from Montenegro scooped first place in the Studio category for her inspirational photograph of a small dog dressed in a tutu appearing to strike a ballerina pose. Second place was awarded to Carla Gea Perales for her poised image of a meticulously groomed poodle standing on its hind legs.
Tuss Bennergård from Sweden won third place in the Studio category for her adorable photo of two 3-week-old Great Dane puppies snuggling, titled “Puppy Love.”
Australian photographer Mercury Megaloudis combined inspiration from Italian painter Caravaggio, her love of dogs, and steampunk styling to create “Caravaggio Today,” which won first place in the Dogs and People category.
The majority of winners and finalists are professional dog photographers, but some of them are hobbyists who have excelled at capturing their love for these furry animals.
This year’s panel of judges comprised leading photographers, dog experts, and industry professionals.
“Grading all the 1,400 or so works is really challenging, however, it is also an honor and a pleasure,“ Iza Łysoń, Official DPA Judge said. ”It was an opportunity for me to see hundreds of amazing pictures.”
Here is a gallery of amazing pictures from some of the finalists:
Portrait & Landscape
Action
Studio
Dogs & People
