The 4 Category winners will receive:
- The Dog Photography Awards Trophy
- €500 cash prize
- 1 x Fine Art Print from Celebra
- 1 x Flash C1 Plus + Connect from Profoto
- Photo equipment from Sabatini & Manfrotto
- Winner Certificate and Badge
- Published in the DPA Annual Book
- Press release and newsletter announcements
2nd and 3rd place Winners
Prizes for 2nd and 3rd prize winners in the 4 categories include:
- The Dog Photography Awards Trophy
- Winner Certificate and Badge
- Published in the DPA Annual Book
- Press release and newsletter announcements
Prizes for all Finalists in all Categories include:
• Finalist Certificate and Badge
• Published in the DPA Annual Book
• Press release and newsletter announcements
Rules of the Dog Photography Awards Competition
Eligibility
The Dog Photography Awards (DPA) warmly welcomes participation from photographers worldwide who are 18 years of age or older. By submitting photographs for consideration, each entrant affirms their adherence to the rules outlined in these Terms and Conditions.
Deadlines
Entries must be submitted by 23:59 PM (CET) on August 30th, 2023.
All entries must be submitted electronically through the official Dog Photography Awards website within the designated submission period.
Categories
Entrants have the possibility to submit multiple photographs per category to the Dog Photography Awards. During the online submission process, entrants should ensure that their selected images correspond to the intended categories. Any improperly uploaded files will result in disqualification, with fees non-refundable.
Once the submission fee is paid, modifications, changes, or additional categories cannot be accommodated.
Entry information
Early Bird Single Image fee: €15.00.
Regular Single Image fee: €20.00.
Image Submission Guidelines
All photographs should be submitted as JPEG files with an optimized resolution, in the sRGB color space, and featuring a minimum length of 1920 pixels on one side, with a maximum of 4000 pixels on the longest side.
Each image’s file size should not exceed 5 MB when uploaded via our official entry website.
Photographers are required to submit only images they have captured and hold copyright ownership over.
Photographs captured during workshops, tours, or training events organized by other photographers are ineligible.
Utilizing photographs or elements not authored by the entrant is not permissible.
An entry that fails to adhere to the Contest’s rules and conditions, including explicit or inappropriate imagery, ethical concerns, improper formatting, or correspondence from entrants regarding the contest, may face disqualification.
The following types of photographs are not accepted:
- Photographs with any type of watermarks including your name, initials, logo or other words or symbols embossed or imprinted anywhere on your entry.
- Images featuring third-party branding or promotional material.
- Photographs with digital frames or colored borders.
- Images that may be interpreted as cruel, harmful, or disrespectful to a dog’s welfare.
- Images of dogs wearing collars harmful to their well-being.
The Judging Process
The official DPA judging process spans multiple weeks, undertaken by our esteemed panel of global experts in dog photography. These judges are professionals from diverse backgrounds. Winners are determined through cumulative jury votes, with the photographers’ identities concealed to ensure impartiality. Judges assess images based on criteria such as originality, creativity, execution excellence, overall impact, and relevance to specific categories.
It is important to note that the Dog Photography Awards judges themselves are ineligible to enter the competition.
Prizes
Cash prizes will be paid in EUR by PayPal. Any fees incurred for foreign currency transfers will be deducted from the winning amount. There are no alternatives available for prize winners.
Use and ownership of images
Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer. Any photograph used by DPA shall carry the photographer’s credit line. Use may include publication in any DPA media sponsor publication. All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by DPA for marketing and promotional purposes including in any media such as exhibitions, print and digital media directly related to the DPA competition, though there may not be monetary compensation. By winning or placing in the competition you are agreeing to be included in the winners’ annual.
Neither Dog Photography Awards, nor their associates, affiliates, or partners assumes any responsibility for photos submitted in violation of competition rules, or for those which violate copyright regulations. DPA will investigate claims of copyright infringement to the best of its ability, and will remove and disqualify images that are clearly demonstrated to violate copyright and/or competition policies. DPA will act to maintain the integrity of the competition and its affiliated entities, but is not responsible for any damages resulting from images submitted in violation with rules and regulations.
Audrey Bellot is a dog photographer based in France. Through her lens, she captures the innate elegance of dogs set against breathtaking scenery. Audrey's photographs beautifully combine simplicity and sophistication, creating images that evoke a sense of serenity and grace. Each frame tells a compelling story, showcasing the simple yet powerful allure of dogs in their most magnificent form.
In 2021, Audrey creates the Dog Photography Awards competition. Drawing upon her own experience and expertise, she sought to create a platform that celebrates the artistry and love for dogs through the lens. The competition garnered great popularity, attracting photographers from all corners of the globe to showcase their talent and portray the beauty and charisma of dogs in diverse settings.
Claudio Piccoli is a professional dog photographer from Italy, he’s living with his 4 dogs: Leep, Tris, Chester and Jill. He’s an Nikon Ambassador and Master Photographer “Dogs in Action” in the Nikon School, conducting photography workshops all over the world, private coaching and mentoring for amateur and professional photographers. He has been a speaker in the largest photography conference in the world in 2019, and won several awards from the largest international competitions.
Travis Patenaude is a studio dog photographer based in the United States that captures soulful, emotional and dramatic photos of the hunting dogs of Spain. His love for photography started after adopting his first Galgo named Leena. She inspired Travis and his wife Amanda, to start an adoption group for the Galgos in 2013. In August of 2014 Travis purchased his first DSLR camera and discovered the power of storytelling through photography. Since then he has made it his mission to tell the story of the hunting dogs of Spain through his photography to raise awareness to their plight. Travis’ portraits capture the dogs personality and foster an emotional connection between the subject and the viewer.
Even though she is only 25, Iza Łysoń has been photographing dogs for over a half of her life. An ambassador for 500px photography website since 2017. For the last 6 years she has been photographing dogs in the landscapes. One of the photos in this series has been Shortlisted in Motion category of Sony World Photography Awards. Privately an owner of three dogs: a golden retriever Luna and two border colies: Opium and Tramal. Majors in sciences however has humanities in heart. Whenever she finds a moment of free time she packs the dogs, her camera and travels throughout Europe to find the perfect shot.
Based in Germany, she started with experimental photography with a friend, in 1994 (analog). Some years later they ran a very small gallery in Wiesbaden and organized some exhibitions.
Heike came into Dog Photography in 2011 as so many others do...with or through her own dog MOLLY, a Jack Russell .
Molly was her Master! Learning patience, learning how to have fun during the shootings and learning when to stop - these were the most important things she tought her!
Soon she noticed that she was addicetd to "Dogs In The City" but also "Dogs In Studio" has always been a big part of Heikes photography.
Meanwhile Heike found her own unique style in Dog Photography, She loves to shoot fineart photography as well as she loves to create artistic images.
Heike came into Dog Photography in 2011 as so many others do...with or through her own dog MOLLY, a Jack Russell .
Molly was her Master! Learning patience, learning how to have fun during the shootings and learning when to stop - these were the most important things she tought her!
Soon she noticed that she was addicetd to "Dogs In The City" but also "Dogs In Studio" has always been a big part of Heikes photography.
Meanwhile Heike found her own unique style in Dog Photography, She loves to shoot fineart photography as well as she loves to create artistic images.
Her work has been honored in some contests, like "Fine Art Photography award", "Dog Photography Contest" and "Siena Awards" (shortlisted 3 times).
Originally from Toronto, Canada but living in Leicestershire, England for 25 years, multi award winning, Christina has been building a successful portrait business for the past 18 years. She has dedicated herself to developing the skills necessary to provide the pinnacle of quality in portraiture, dedication that has been recognised and rewarded in the fact that she now counts herself among the most select 1% of photographers to have attained the level of Fellow with the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers). Christina's unique and highly skilled pieces have seen her named Portrait Studio, Pet, and Baby Photographer of the Year with the Societies, along with Family Portrait Photographer of the Year with the MPA. In addition she has been named Master Photographer with the Societies, received 4 awards in The Societies annual print competition and received an extremely rare score of a perfect 100 for one of her pet portraits, all testament to her consistently high standard of work, no matter the subject. Through these achievements, she was asked to judge for the SWPP and has been judging their online competition, their annual international print competition and their qualifications for the past 7 years.
Emilio Cuenca, after working as a press photographer for 12 years, has embarked on this new project, in which he has been working for 8 years (7 with his photography studio opened in Madrid). Now he is 100% dedicated to dog photography: 85% of his work is done in the studio and 15% on location. This project was born with his dog Fina with whom he shared his life from 2008 to 2020. She was and still is one of his driving forces, just like his other dog who still accompanies him today: Bala. Following an illness of his dog Fina, he focused on the value of photography as an indelible memory of those beings that only accompany us for a short time in our lives.
His work has been presented in national media, magazines, TV, radio... but it has also had an international diffusion. Emilio has been exhibited in various places in Spain through a documentary project called "Rescued" which has brought the public closer to the work of people dedicated to the rescue of abandoned dogs and to the reality of abandonment in his country. His studio work has also been exhibited, notably in Seoul, at Korea International Photo.
His work has been presented in national media, magazines, TV, radio... but it has also had an international diffusion. Emilio has been exhibited in various places in Spain through a documentary project called "Rescued" which has brought the public closer to the work of people dedicated to the rescue of abandoned dogs and to the reality of abandonment in his country. His studio work has also been exhibited, notably in Seoul, at Korea International Photo.
Portrait and Landscape category
Dog portraits are meant to capture the essence, personality and character of a dog or group of dogs. The images are usually taken in close-up or medium shot to highlight the unique characteristics, expressions and emotions of the dog. Dog portraits can be posed or candid. The goal of dog portrait photography is to create a convincing image that reveals the dog’s unique personality, spirit and connection to its owner or environment.
Landscape photography with dogs focuses on photos of dogs in the natural world, including mountains, valleys, oceans, forests and other landscapes. The images may depict dogs in light motion or simply observing their surroundings. The goal of canine landscape photography is to create a compelling image that highlights the beauty and diversity of the landscape and the special relationship dogs have with it. Images can be taken in a variety of settings, from rural landscapes to urban environments.
Images must have been taken outdoor.
Action category
Dogs in action photography highlight the energy, athleticism, and movement of dogs engaged in a variety of activities. This category of photography can showcase dogs running, jumping, playing, swimming, or engaged in any other type of physical activity. The images can be taken in a variety of settings, including outdoor fields, beaches, parks, and indoor training facilities. The goal of photographing dogs in action is to capture the unique personality of each dog as they engage in their favorite activities. The images can showcase the joy and excitement of dogs as they explore and interact with their surroundings, or the focus and intensity they bring to their training and performance. This category of photography requires careful timing, skill, and creativity to capture the perfect shot that conveys the energy and emotion of the moment.
Dogs in action photography can also serve as a way to showcase the bonds between dogs and their owners or handlers. Whether it’s a hunting dog working with their owner, dogs in action photography can capture the special connection between humans and their canine companions.
Images must have been taken indoor or outdoor.
Studio category
Dogs in studio photography captures the beauty, personality, and character of dogs in a controlled indoor environment. Photographs are done in a professional studio setting, with a plain or decorated backdrop and controlled lighting. The goal of dogs in studio photography is to showcase the unique features, expressions, and emotions of dogs in a polished and professional manner. The images can range from traditional posed portraits to more artistic and creative compositions that highlight the dog’s personality and individuality.
In studio photography, the photographer can take full control of the setting, lighting, and props to create the perfect ambiance for the dog’s personality and character. Studio photography involves a strong understanding of dog behavior to create a comfortable and safe environment for the dog while working in a studio setting. The images can show dogs in portrait or in motion.
Dogs & people category
Dogs and people photography captures the special relationship between dogs and their human companions. This category of photography can feature dogs and their owners or handlers engaged in a variety of activities, such as walking, playing, or simply spending time together.
The purpose of dogs and people photography is to showcase the bond between dogs and their human, and to capture the unique moments of connection and emotion that exist between them. The images can range from candid shots to more posed and formal compositions.
In dogs and people photography, the photographer must have a strong understanding of dog behavior and the ability to work with both dogs and humans to create a comfortable and relaxed setting for the photoshoot. They must also have a keen eye for composition and storytelling to capture the special moments and emotions that exist between dogs and their owners or handlers. This category of photography can also serve as a way to showcase the important role that dogs play in our lives, whether as family pets or service animals. The images can convey the joy, love, and companionship that dogs bring to our world.
Specialists with ten years of experience in software development, printing, photography and design. "Made in Italy" at the service of the professional photographer, with innovative, powerful and easy-to-use tools for customised creations with high added value. The quality of our products (printing, binding and covering) and the deep respect for the customer's needs make Celebra the ideal partner for the professional photographer. Thanks to our extensive know-how and daily contact with specialists in the industry, Celebra develops software such as Grace, the ideal solution for creating a quality photo album and optimising layout times, while respecting your creative desires.
With a commitment to light shaping excellence today and tomorrow, Profoto is more than a brand and more than the world-leading light shaping products we make.
Billions of images are captured daily. And at Profoto, we dedicate ourselves to making every one of them the best it can be by helping the creator bring the very best quality of light to it. So, you could say, our commitment to light shaping excellence is total.
Our founders imprinted that dedication and passion upon our DNA from the very beginning. Fifty years ago, Conny Dufgran and Eckhard Heine resolved to make the very best flash for the very best photographers, and they succeeded. That’s a standard that we don’t only aim to maintain, but to surpass.
Today, we continue to innovate with world-leading lights and light-shaping tools. But we also create the leading-edge technology that connects camera, app, and light seamlessly and invisibly, making light more accessible to everyone passionate about creating amazing images now, and in the future.
Because we believe that, no matter what the situation, and no matter what camera you use - light is the indispensable heart of all image creation. And the ability to use and shape light is directly linked to the ability to create amazing photographs.
That core principle is the key to enabling a world filled with incredible images and the purpose of every single light shaping tool we make for the world’s best photographers - and those who aspire to be.
Dog Photography Masters is an online school that teaches dog photography to all levels of photographers. We want to give the opportunity to all those who aspire to develop their knowledge of dog photography, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Our instructors are specialists in their field and have helped over 1000 photographers to learn.
Dog Photography Masters offers a wide range of online courses in different languages, accessible to all. Our goal is to take your photography to the next level with in-depth shooting techniques for portraits, action and landscapes, editing lessons and business lessons for those who want to create and grow a successful dog photography business.
What are the Dog Photography Awards?
The Dog Photography Awards is an annual competition that celebrates the art of dog photography since 2021. It provides a platform for photographers of all skill levels to showcase their talent and love for dogs.
Who can participate in the contest?
The competition is open to photographers worldwide, both amateurs and professionals, who have a passion for dogs and photography. Anyone over the age of 18 can submit their entries to the Dog Photography Awards.
How can I enter the competition?
To enter, simply visit our website during the submission period and follow the instructions for uploading your photographs. Make sure to select the appropriate category for each photo and provide accurate information.
Are photos of other pets accepted?
No. This competition is reserved to dog photos.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for submitting photographs to the competition. This fee helps support the awards’ infrastructure and the promotion of the winners.
What are the prizes for the winners?
Winners of each category will receive cash prizes, trophies, certificates, and recognition across our website and social media platforms. Additionally, they will have their work featured in our annual exhibition.
Who judges the competition?
Our panel of judges consists of experienced photographers, professionals in the pet industry, and individuals with a deep appreciation for both photography and dogs.
Can I submit photos that have been edited or retouched?
Yes, you can edit and retouch your photos before submitting them. However, make sure that you are the owner of all parts of your image in the case of composites.
Can I enter an image that won other competitions?
Images that have won prizes in other competitions or that have been submitted to other competitions currently underway are eligible.
Is there a time limit on when the photograph was taken?
There are no restrictions on the date of a photograph.
What are the technical requirements for submitted photos?
All photographs should be submitted as JPEG files with an optimized resolution, in the sRGB color space, and featuring a minimum length of 1920 pixels on one side, with a maximum of 4000 pixels on the longest side.
Can I submit photos taken on a smartphone?
Absolutely! We welcome photographs taken with various devices, including smartphones, as long as they meet our technical requirements.
Are photos of dogs with colored powder accepted?
We only accept photos with colored powder when the powder is placed on the dog’s back and is not innalinated or placed on the dog’s face. Photos depicting dogs in possible danger will be disqualified.
Is there a limit to the number of entries I can submit?
No. You can submit as many images as you like in each category.
Can I submit the same photo to multiple categories?
It is not allowed to submit the same photo in different categories. We’ve curated distinct categories to accommodate each type of dog photo.
How will I know if my submission is complete?
You will receive a confirmation email as soon as your registration has been received. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam folder.
My image didn't upload correctly, what should I do?
Make sure that the file is saved in JPG format, and check that the name contains only letters and numbers (no other characters or symbols). Your file should not exceed 5Mb. If you still have problems uploading your images after following these steps, you may also try to refresh your main submission page. Otherwise, contact our support for assistance at support@dogphotographyawards.com
Can I make changes to my entry after I have paid?
No, once payment is made, entries cannot be changed. Please review your work carefully before finalizing payment.
How can I pay for the photographs that I submit?
You can pay for your entry after submitting your photos by PayPal or Credit Card.
What are my submission fees used for?
Proceeds from the entry fees for the International Dog Photography Awards goas toward winners promotion, systems and investments that the competition requires.
What happens to the submitted photos after the competition?
Participants retain the rights to their submitted photographs. However, by entering the competition, you grant us the right to use the images for promotional purposes related to the Dog Photography Awards.
Can I get a refund if I made a mistake in my application?
We do not refund applications.