Results are In!! 🏆

Well, summer clearly ran away with my good intentions of keeping up on blogging, but, I’m back, and you might want to grab a snack (or maybe a whole charcuterie board), because this one’s going to be a long ride. 😅

In a ‘recent’ post I chatted about Competition Season - the nerves, the self-doubt, and that little voice that always wonders, “is this good enough?” Well, the waiting is finally over: the results of the International Pet Photography Awards (IPPA) are in! And let me just say, this competition is no small potatoes. It’s an incredible showcase of artistry from around the world, a celebration of everything we love about dogs, cats, horses, and all the other creatures we’re lucky enough to photograph.

This year? 4,011 entries spanning 45 countries. Out of those, 2,680 images earned awards. Here’s the breakdown:

• 1 Platinum

• 30 Gold

• 139 Silver Distinction

• 422 Silver

• 754 Bronze Distinction

• 1,334 Bronze

  
  

I crave feedback (probably to an unhealthy degree 😆), so I went all-in and submitted the maximum of 20 images. Don’t worry, I’ll show you each of them here, along with scores, feedback, and a little behind-the-scenes if I have one. But before we dive in, a quick update:

Last year, in 2024, I was thrilled to achieve my Associate Accreditation. This year’s results put me just 69 points shy of the next level: Expert. The catch? To level up, I also need to land a Gold award. And with only thirty Golds out of more than four thousand entries… well, you can see I have my work cut out for me!

If you follow along with my work, many of these images may look familiar (especially since my two hooligans, Queso & Churro, star in a bunch of them!). But I hope you’ll enjoy taking another look, this time with the added context of the scores and judge’s feedback.

I’m going to reveal my images in reverse order - starting with the lowest score and climbing upward. But note: several of my images ended up with the same score, so the order isn’t a true ranking. In other words, just because one shows up later doesn’t necessarily mean it did better, just keep an eye on the numbers.

Oh, and titles aren’t required, but naming them makes me happy (most of the time 😉), so of course I included them. Ready? Let’s go!

“Young Gardner”

Remy

Behind the scenes:

The Story: Sometimes the best images start with the simplest motivations: a friend gets a new puppy, and suddenly all I can think about is dropping everything to go snuggle him. That’s exactly how little Remy ended up in front of my lens.

Score: 70, Bronze

Feedback 1: This image captures a wonderful moment with beautiful colors and a strong composition. The overall mood feels natural and well balanced. The face of the dog appears slightly too soft, either from the focus or from editing, which makes it look a bit unnatural. Keeping more texture and detail in the facial area would enhance the portrait and give it a more realistic appearance.

Feedback 2: The puppy's forward ears and direct eye contact despite being a little hidden behind fur, along with the low camera angle and framing by the environment do a good job of drawing you in. The light is soft and lovely. The lifted paw can convey either forward motion or worry. Motion is more likely here since the ears are up. When selecting your top image, remember to read the body language and any potential feeling it may convey. Being able to see the eyes would make a big difference. You have great skills for portraits. Fine-tune observation while shooting to level up even more.

Thoughts: Yep - puppy Remy was definitely in motion here, marching toward me in that adorably determined, slightly wobbly way only puppies can. The judges are right that having his eyes a little clearer would have taken it up a notch, but honestly, I kind of love that the softness mirrors his age. Puppies don’t feel sharp - they feel like fuzz, warmth, and newness - and I think that comes through. That said, I totally get the critique. This is one of those times where my attachment to the subject probably overshadows my technical objectivity (and that right there is why I’m not cut out to be a judge! 😂).

“Wanna Play?”

Queso

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This image was born out of a little creative envy. I’d seen the incredible tank shots by Jessica McGovern and thought, how hard could it be? (Spoiler: VERY. 😅) Shooting through glass, with water distortions, reflections, and a moving subject - it’s no joke. I gave it my best shot, but when I showed the result to my wonderfully honest (and brilliant) friend Anna, her immediate response was, “Give him something to look at!” Cue the groan. She was right, of course, but that meant even more work.

At first, I cheated a little - I tossed in a freeware fish as a placeholder. But since competition rules required me to create all the elements myself, off I went on an impromptu field trip to PetSmart with my camera in hand. Picture me crouched at fish tanks, taking photos of goldfish while probably confusing every employee who walked by. 😂 In the end, I came home with my very own fish images and stitched this playful little scene together: a golden retriever meeting a goldfish.

Score: 73, Bronze

Feedback 1: This is a delightful concept that feels more like the fish is teaching the dog to blow bubbles rather than the dog is trying to eat the fish! A goldfish and a golden retriever is a nice touch too. I just wish the focussing was more precise, there is very little sharpness in the dogs eye which is a real shame. Congrats on thinking of something so original.

Feedback 2: That's such a unique concept with that is well executed! Great idea to show a golden fish and a golden retriever together! And the connection is there. Dog would benefit from having more details visible on the eye.

Thoughts: This one definitely tested both my patience and my Photoshop skills. The judges are spot on about the sharpness - shooting through water and glass made it nearly impossible to get the crisp eye detail I’d usually want, and of course I couldn’t exactly reposition Queso for a better angle. With this type of setup, you really do take what you can get.

I actually went back and forth on the bubbles. Realistically, you don’t see fish making big, noticible bubbles - but since the whole thing leaned whimsical, I figured why not lean all the way in? The bubbles make it feel more playful, more “storybook.” And while I didn’t notice it at first, I love that happy coincidence of golden retriever + goldfish. It makes the whole piece feel like it was meant to be.

“Snow Day!”

Churro

Behind the scenes: No behind-the-scenes this time - it was just me, my camera, and my puppy Churro playing outside in the snow.

The Story: Sometimes the sweetest images happen when you’re not even planning a “session.” This was one of those moments: Churro’s playing in the snow. Watching him discover the cold crunch under his paws, burying his face in snow, and his excitement at bounding around in a white wonderland was pure joy. Puppies have this way of making even the simplest things magical. What I love most about this frame is that it wasn’t staged. Churro dropped right into a playful bow after zooming around like a maniac.

Score: 73, Bronze

Feedback 1: This is a really simple and clean image, that pose is delightful. You've done a great job retaining detail in all the snow. The only thing to improve this would be eye contact from that adorable puppy. Well done.

Feedback 2: Puppy's first snow! Nice job on maintaining the detail in the snow and getting lovely sharpness in the puppy's eyes. The play bow is great and this looks like a genuine candid moment. Simple and effective.

Thoughts: I admit, I was a little puzzled by the comment about lacking eye contact - because to me, he is looking right at me! Maybe it’s one of those things where the tiniest shift in gaze makes it feel different to different viewers. Regardless, I’m thrilled they picked up on the sharpness in the eyes and the candid feel of the moment, because that’s exactly what it was.

“Concrete Calm”

Kenny

(un-annotated) Behind the scenes:

The Story: My plan was to photograph Kenny (and his brother Andrew) in a shaft of sunlight that I knew would appear near this spot shortly after we arrived. Since the sun wasn’t quite in position yet, I was just passing the time – taking some frames while we waited for that optimal shaft. But when I captured this one of Kenny it really appealed to me. The combination of his natural, relaxed pose against the hard geometry of the bricks and concrete felt quietly powerful. I loved the simplicity of it, so into the competition pool it went.

Score: 73, Bronze

Feedback 1: The dog's pose and expression is wonderful. The head tilt and relaxed body with the little feeties hanging off the ledge is very sweet. The background and composite (is it?) environment is the main thing holding this image back for me, something about it feels a little off and unfinished technically. The lighting on it is a little flat and in need of more depth and dimension. Background aside, the negative space is well balanced and geometric and the dog stands out well.

Feedback 2: Gorgeous pup and I truly lovey composition and execution of this shot! I love the way the natural pose of the pup sits in contrast to the hard lines of the bricks and concrete. Really original shot, great job! I do think however it could use a little boost of brightness and saturation. I do also see a minor cast of a tone (maybe slightly green or yellow). With a few tweaks of those it will really make this image pop.

Thoughts: I had to laugh at Judge One’s question about whether this was a composite - nope! This was all real, shot against a gray brick wall with tiered steps. Their note about the lighting being flat is fair, though. Sometimes flatness appeals to me, and in this case I felt it worked: the neutral gray background, the negative space, and nothing to distract from the star of the show - Kenny himself.

Judge Two’s comments about boosting brightness, saturation, and correcting the minor cast are right on point. I can see how those tweaks could give the image a bit more punch. But personally, I love the understated quality. It has a calmness to it that feels like Kenny - sweet, relaxed, and quietly charming.

“Bench Buddies”

Queso & Churro

Behind the scenes (taken the following week when I tried to recreate a similar portrait):

The Story: One of my favorite routines during walks is asking the dogs to climb onto benches, rocks, or ledges - just to pause, take a break, and watch the world go by for a few minutes. It’s a mix of obedience, patience, and downtime… and not gonna lie, it’s golden for portrait practice!

That’s exactly how this frame happened. Queso and Churro hopped up, settled in, and gave me that perfect “look at us” vibe. (And yes, I might be the only one who walks around with both dogs and a DSLR, but it clearly pays off! 🤔😂)

Score: 74, Bronze

Feedback 1: What a beautiful family portrait! Great expressions and posing on both dogs. The bench and landscape complement the dogs' coloring beautifully and gives a vintage feel to the image. The top of the adult's dog head shows an odd softness that I feel may be a masking error.

Feedback 2: It is absolutely charming how the two dogs are sitting together on the bench, this makes for a very endearing portrait. The overall composition would feel stronger if the framing were a little more centered, and reducing the lift in the shadows would help maintain a more natural contrast in the tonal range.

Thoughts: Dang—these judges do not miss a thing! 😂 Yes, there’s softness on Queso’s head; that came from filling in some background to replace a blown-out sky. I couldn’t fix it with a different angle, so I had to make a call. And Judge Two - yes! The framing bugged me too. Do I center the dogs? Do I center the bench? In the end, I chose one and ran with it, because sometimes heart > perfection.

Even with its little technical quirks, this image still makes my heart melt every time I see it. The chemistry between these two boys, their personalities, and that quiet little moment together - that’s what this shot is all about.

“The Fast & The Furriest”

Jovi

Behind the scenes:

The Story: Flying dogs are the best kind of dogs - pure joy in motion - and Jovi and his sister Scarlatti were the perfect co-pilots for this experiment. I carefully picked the location, hoping the low, reddish shrubs would provide a warm, complementary background against Colorado’s late-season, mostly-dead scenery. I wanted the peak of the jump, legs tucked and eyes forward, capturing that sense of motion and intent. I also tried to compose so the background wasn’t distracting but still added color and context, which is why the log stayed in the frame - it grounds the shot and gives a sense of place.

Score: 74, Bronze

Feedback 1: This image captures a dynamic moment at the peak of the dog's jump, showing solid timing and intent. To elevate the image further, stronger sharpness on the eyes is needed, as the focus currently appears to fall just behind them. The yellow-green color cast detracts from the overall feel, and the wide crop leaves too much empty space that doesn't support the action - consider a vertical crop to emphasize height and energy. While this type of shot is common, refining the execution and presenting it with a fresh perspective could boost its impact.

Feedback 2: I like the color harmony that pairs nicely with the dog. The angle and timing are well handled and strong. The focus is a little soft on the dog. There appears to be a soft "glow" around the dog, likely from dodging our painting in some light with a mask. Refine your masking/editing to up level your technique and make images like this one even stronger.

Thoughts: Ouch - getting called out for focus stings! And masking. 😂 I’m a little puzzled by the “halo” comment, as I don’t see it.

I understand the suggestion for a vertical crop, but I personally like leaving in some context, and I think this particular log is pretty dang cool. But I’ll definitely keep it tucked away in the back of my mind for next time!

“The Sentry”

Juliet

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This photo started as part of one of my 52 Frames prompts - Underexposed. I won’t lie, that prompt drove me a little crazy. I mean, whyyyy? 😅 Even though the initial image was underexposed, I loved the pose, the symmetry, and the composition, so I decided to rework it for competition. The central placement inside the drainpipe creates this bold, strong visual, almost like she’s guarding her post - hence The Sentry. The dark gradient of her coat against the shadowed pipe gives a quiet intensity, which is exactly the mood I wanted to capture.

Score: 74, Bronze

Feedback 1: The central placement of the dog within the drainpipe immediately grabs the viewer's attention and reinforces the stoic, statuesque quality of the subject. The lighting is subtle and effective, allowing the subject's dark coat to emerge from the shadows with quiet intensity. Where the image could benefit is in the depth of field. The focus appears to have landed more crisply on the rim of the drainpipe rather than the dog itself, resulting in a slight softness that pulls attention away from where it's most needed. Consider also exploring a square crop; the symmetry and mood of the shot may be strengthened by a more balanced frame, minimising any distractions from the outer edges. Overall, this is a thoughtfully composed and evocative portrait. A few small technical refinements could elevate it from strong to unforgettable.

Feedback 2: The central placement of the dog within the drain pipe, combined with the dark gradient, creates a bold and striking composition that immediately draws attention. The subject stands out strongly against the setting. However, cloning marks are visible in the grass on the right, and addressing these would give the image a cleaner, more polished finish.

Thoughts: Ughhh, focus ding again? 😭 I swear focus is one of my strengths, but clearly the judges are telling me to reflect and push even harder. I do agree the edge of the pipe draws the eye first - maybe I should have softened it a bit to let Juliet become the undeniable star.

I also tried a square crop, but it was way too tight – there wasn’t enough room to breathe at the top or bottom, so this comp was my best option.

Judge Two’s eagle eyes caught “cloning marks” in the grass? I’ve looked and looked and… I honestly can’t see them. If you see them, pleassse tell me where!

“Giant Jax”

Jaxon

Behind the scenes (a still from a video, so the quality isn’t perfect, but it captures the moment):

The Story: Jaxon is one of those seniors who just melts your heart instantly. He was calm, patient, and, full disclosure, very motivated by my snacks. 🥰 

Score: 74, Bronze

Feedback 1: This top-down perspective creates a very intimate and familiar feeling, drawing the viewer closer to the dog. Adjusting the yellow tones of the dog slightly would make the colors look more natural and better balanced within the overall image.

Feedback 2: The simplicity of this portrait has beautifully enhanced and focused the attention on the emotional layers of this dog's expression. The shadows could benefit from a little more detail to soften the overall dynamic. A reflector on the right side of the dog would help to even the shadows on its face, which would complement the overall image.

Thoughts: Judge One’s comment about the yellow tones has me scratching my head - more yellow? Less yellow? 🤔 I’m honestly not sure which direction they meant, but I get the point that the colors could be more balanced.

Judge Two’s note about a reflector is completely valid. I didn’t have one on hand, but after this frame Jaxon & I shifted slightly to catch more even light on both sides of his face. That helped light-wise, but I lost something in his expression. And for me, capturing the essence of the dog trumps perfect light so I ran with it.

“Double Trouble”

Jax & Gibbs

(un-annotated) Behind the scenes:

The Story: I met Jax and Gibbs during a model call for Unleashed Education’s Emerge Double Trouble challenge. For that challenge, I ultimately went with a different frame - but this one had a little magic I couldn’t resist. Two dogs, perfectly synchronized, tilting their heads in unison? How could I not submit it?

Score: 77, Bronze Distinction

Feedback 1: Capturing two dogs turning their heads in sync is truly impressive and shows excellent timing. It creates a strong visual connection between the subjects and adds a dynamic, almost story-like quality to the image. Moments like this are rare and make the portrait stand out.

Feedback 2: Synchronized head tilting, love it. The dogs are beautiful together, you've handled both the blacks and white of their fur very well. Give them a little more space at the top for headroom, it is slightly out of balance, it needs a touch more room. Crop in to eliminate the tree trunks on either side, the eye goes straight to both of them. Beautiful portrait.

Thoughts: Ha! I intentionally left the tree trunks on the left and right to ground the frame - they felt like natural bookends for the dogs and helped define the space. Apparently, some judges see them as a distraction. 🤔 I’ll have to consider that next time - maybe less is more when it comes to framing.

“Canine Crusaders”

Fly, Trek, & Flik

Behind the scenes:

The Story: A couple of years ago, I photographed Juliet and Eilah in this same spot, and the image made them look like police officers ready to fight nighttime crime. That shot planted a seed in my brain: I wanted to create dog superheroes, complete with capes and masks, in the same location. I usually don’t like dogs wearing clothes - they’re perfect just as they are—but for this concept, I was willing to make an exception. 😉 When I met Fly, Trek, and Flik’s mom (who handmade the capes and masks!), I knew I had the perfect team. The session started a bit too early as the city lights weren’t on yet, but the dogs posed like pros, and I composited them into the night scene I photographed later during their session.

Score: 77, Bronze Distinction

Feedback 1: My gosh, what a fun concept! Love the color harmony here and the lighting is beautiful. I really appreciate how the middle dog has the "serious" mask and is also the one with the closed mouth and direct eye contact while the other two have soft smiles. The windswept capes are a nice touch. A couple of minor details would take this to the next level, such as retouching the hemp/stitching of the capes, especially on the green one where the knot is. Refine your masking of the background so there is a bit more of a natural transition, especially around that dog on the left where the back foot and the red cape are. I wish I could see the one dog's eyes in the red mask, but regardless, it made me smile.

Feedback 2: This fun and engaging portrait captures the trio of canine superheroes with great personality and flair. Lighting is well-controlled, maintaining detail in the fur while managing highlights on the reflective capes effectively. The vibrant red platform draws the eye away from the subjects; desaturating or darkening it slightly could help retain focus on the dogs themselves.

Thoughts: LOL… refine the stitching? That cracked me up! I didn’t even notice it, and honestly, I might have left it anyway; it really sells the homemade costume vibe, kind of like kids dressing up as ghosts with old sheets on Halloween. I totally agree about the background transition. I tried to reduce the impact of the red truck bed (the “platform” they were on), but I could have pushed it further to keep the focus on the dogs. Regardless of any errors, this one makes me smile every time I see it. ❤️💙💚 A bittersweet note though - sweet Trek, in the blue cape, passed away just two weeks after this photo was taken, so I’m especially grateful to have captured this moment for their mom Lindsey.

“Wrong Side of the Door”

Queso & Churro

Behind the scenes:

The Story: Dogs have a way of looking utterly forlorn when we leave, even if it’s just a quick pop across the street for the mail. Mine are experts at it. That pitiful “how could you leave us behind?” gaze was the inspiration for this image. The scene was staged, of course, but the emotion is completely genuine. I wanted to capture that little moment of dramatic doggy despair, complete with the nose smudges on the glass - a sort of doggy fingerprint art that’s impossible to ignore.

Score: 77, Bronze Distinction

Feedback 1: This almost looks like a scene from a movie, it has a cinematic quality to it. Love the framing of the dogs. Being picky, I would love to see that space used a bit better, shifting both dogs to the right a bit. I don't know what kind of mark that is across the smaller dog's face -- nose prints? a reflection of something else? -- but they are distracting. The fur is handled beautifully. There is a really nice story here, well done to you.

Feedback 2: This is lovely, it feels like you have captured an authentic moment from their lives. I love the snot/slobber mark that is at nose height with the offender - it tells a story and makes the moment feel more authentic. You could remove the door handle to make a cleaner image. Overall this is just a lovely moment well captured.

Thoughts: Judge One doesn’t love the nose smudge? Haha, fair, I suppose it can be distracting - but for me, it’s essential to the story! My glass door is always messy, and those little marks make it feel real.

I do agree that the dogs could have been positioned better within the frame. However, since I was photographing from the opposite side of the door, moving them too much could have ruined those plaintive expressions I was trying to capture.

At the end of the day, this shot is all about the emotion - the tiny, dramatic heartbreak of leaving your furry best friends behind for even a moment.

“Power & Prestige”

Bhoo

Behind the scenes:

The Story: For Bhoo’s session, I was experimenting with a new filter that creates starbursts with tiny pricks of light. I had a very specific vision: sleek, low-key, and elegant, with just the right amount of sparkle. Then, the day before her session, I noticed Bhoo’s amazing collar. It was so striking that I knew it had to be incorporated. Once we finished the sparkle portion, we scouted some urban structures to really let Bhoo shine against a contrasting background and this image was born.

Score: 77, Bronze Distinction

Feedback 1: Wow, like looking at a sculpture, this dog really stands out in this architectural setting. The biggest thing is how the collar, beautiful though it is, is cutting right through the dog's chin. It is so appropriate to this look and breed but it is not in a good place. I would alter the crop slightly, you have equal distance on the top and bottom and the subject needs more headroom. You could also crop out a little from the right. But very well done, a pleasure to view.

Feedback 2: This is a very strong image with a striking subject and a background that complements rather than competes for attention. The location choice works well with the dog's regal posture and sleek coat. A tighter depth of field could have enhanced the fine detail in the dog while softening the background further, adding even more impact to its statuesque pose.

Thoughts: All of these critiques are completely fair!

“Measuring Up/Work in Progress”

Churro & Queso

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This one was created for 52 Frames’ Unfinished prompt, and at that stage, puppy Churro was very much a “work in progress” - brain development, size, training… everything was in progress. I wanted to have a little fun with the theme, so I made a human-like growth chart on the wall, using dogs (and past dogs) as markers. For me, the icing on the cake was Queso’s “nar-nar-nar” expression in the background. 😂 It was like he was teasing: “You’ve got a long way to go, kiddo!” The combination of Churro’s mildly annoyed expression and Queso’s glib one makes me laugh!

Score: 80, Silver

Feedback 1: This image is bursting with charm and humour. The concept of documenting a dog's growth using

a doorframe height chart just like we do with children, is not only endearing but highly relatable. The expression on the puppy is priceless, conveying the classic teenager "seriously?" face, while the older dog behind, eyes closed adds a fun layer of narrative. Technically, the image is well executed with clean, soft lighting and nice colour tones that match the wholesome mood of the scene. The shallow depth of field does create some separation, but it would have been more effective if more of the main subject - the puppy - was in focus, particularly around the body and paws, to enhance clarity and detail. This is a clever, funny, and heartwarming image that tells a story in a single frame. A joy to view.

Feedback 2: Oh Churro, you've got some growing to do, but not too quickly please! This is a wonderful image charting the growth and change of this family. The pups expression is fantastic, he knows how cute he is, and the dog teasing behind is sibling rivalry in dog form! The focus falloff allows there to be a little separation of the dogs, but I do wonder if you could have slightly adjusted the framing and brought the other dog closer or shot with a smaller aperture to get them both in focus. Just a though because as is, is has a lovely family lifestyle feel to it, well done.

Thoughts: I accept those critiques! I fully expected to be hammered on the writing on the wall - not realistic enough, etc. I added it in post-process, and tried several methods to make it feel more authentic, none of which I loved.

“Abridged 2.0”

Queso & Churro

Behind the scenes:

The Story: Och, my boys!! This one makes my heart swell every time I see it. 🥰 I had photographed Queso on this bridge before Churro arrived, and when the little guy came along, I knew I wanted to recreate the moment with both of them together. Leashes were required. 😉 But the magic still happened. My favorite detail? Churro’s tail draped over Queso’s foot - it’s such a subtle, perfect touch.

Score: 80, Silver

Feedback 1: The leading lines in the photo work really well, keeping my attention on the models. I also like the positioning of the models, especially since you can see each model's tail on both sides, making it very symmetrical. Unfortunately, the eyes are just slightly off in sharpness, and the fur could use a bit more contrast for stronger impact. Overall, it's a good photo that shows your technical skills are under control.

Feedback 2: This image is sharp in all the right places with such great resolution, it's a pleasure to view. The location selected for this image, and the framing of the subject within it, is wonderfully done. The colour harmony between the subject and the background is not lost, and works very well. Where the pup overlaps the older dog, there is some dark shadowing/haloing around the coat in places, that suggests the image is a composite with masking errors. Even if it is not, triple check these spots and see if we can get them really smooth. The crop is very tight on top and below, so consider adding space here for the subjects to breathe and for more balance.

Thoughts: Focus again? Sigh. Masking again? Double sigh. I don’t disagree with the critiques, it’s just discouraging to hear about issues I didn’t know I had.

Problems aside, I absolutely love this photo. I have a big print of it hanging in my family room, and it never fails to make me smile. 😊

“Ready to Roll”

Hawkeye

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This one was created for 52 Frames’ Transportation theme. My original plan was to feature a model dog using a mobility cart, but when I couldn’t find one, Plan B was a skateboard. Queso gave me a hard pass, so I recruited the gorgeous and talented Hawkeye instead.

Score: 82, Silver

Feedback 1: The dog's direct gaze creates an immediate and engaging connection, supported by impressive sharpness and fine detail in the fur. However, the stance feels slightly awkward, introducing a hint of tension that detracts from the otherwise strong visual impact. A more natural posture could help reinforce the image's calm and inviting tone.

Feedback 2: I like this quirky portrait. The awkward one paw down creates an offbeat note that works well and adds to the alert stunning eyes of this dog. More depth of field producing a crisper image would enhance the impact of the coloration of the fur and the contrasting red wheels. Strong technique can help you pull off an untraditional photo. I like that you are taking a risk making an imaginative unusual portrait.

Thoughts: A dog on a skateboard and the stance feels “awkward”? Suggesting a more “natural posture”? That gave me a chuckle. For me, I imagined that paw down as his “push off” foot, the one that would start the skateboard rolling. But honestly, I have no idea which limb a dog would actually use for that, and I suspect it would always look a little odd from a human perspective.

And here we go, another note about depth of field. Is this becoming a recurring theme?? 🤔 I get it, but shooting wide open is my default, so I’ll need to reflect on this comment and experiment in the future.

“Third Drawer's a Charm”

Churro

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This one was created for 52 Frames’ Something Old prompt. I’ve always loved those kittens-in-drawers images, and I couldn’t resist giving Churro his own take! The wood grain of this dresser is just beautiful, so I knew it would provide the perfect backdrop. Under the guise of “new experiences,” puppies are supposed to encounter a certain number of surfaces and eating situations to help with development. So… lunch in a dresser it was! And yes, Churro took the assignment very seriously. No monkeying around.

Score: 82, Silver

Feedback 1: This is a lovely, creative capture with a great concept. The warm tones of the timber work beautifully with the golden coat of the puppy, creating a cohesive colour palette. The lighting is even and flattering, with the fur texture well rendered. If the puppy were to show a touch more expression this could make the image even more engaging.

Feedback 2: An atypical setting with repeating graphic patterns frames this cute pup. The engaging expression holds your attention. The rich colors and pattern of wood nicely contrast the color of the fur. It is an imaginative photo showing creativity in seeing extraordinary in the ordinary.

Thoughts: I would have loved to catch a touch more expression too! But according to Churro, eating lunch in a dresser is very.serious.business. No smiling, no distractions - just full focus on the task at hand.

“Scarlatti”

Scarlatti

The Story: There’s no behind-the-scenes image for this one because it was completely unintentional. I was actually photographing Scarlatti’s brother, Jovi (scroll up if you missed him!), jumping over a log in front of me, while Scarlatti was taking a little modeling break. When I turned around, I saw this quiet, perfect moment, and I couldn’t resist taking a couple of frames. Sometimes the best shots are the ones you don’t plan.

Score: 82, Silver

Feedback 1: The earthy tones and shallow depth of field work beautifully together to create a natural, harmonious scene. The dog is well placed compositionally, and the colour palette feels cohesive and intentional. However, the blurred branch in the foreground on the left is a little distracting and pulls the viewer's eye away from the subject. A slight repositioning or crop may have helped simplify the frame and better highlight the dog.

Feedback 2: The dog's intense stare, framed naturally by the surrounding trees, immediately draws the viewer's attention to the subject. Depth of field is expertly used to isolate the dog from the background, showcasing strong technical control. However, the in-focus tree on the left edge pulls focus - softening it or cropping tighter would enhance subject dominance and overall cohesion.

Thoughts: Interesting! I had originally intended the foreground branch on the left as a framing element, giving the image a bit of natural context. But I can totally see both judges’ points. I love that the feedback can make me look at things differently.

“Nosy Nose”

Churro

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This one was taken for 52 Frames’ Negative Space prompt. Honestly, I had no idea what to do at first, so I went looking for something “plain” in my house to work with, and the bathroom doors popped to mind. My goldens are notoriously nosy and don’t like being on the “wrong” side of a door (as you may recall from Wrong Side of the Door above!). Naturally, I figured one or both of them would try to squish through, and sure enough, the moment presented itself.

Score: 83, Silver

Feedback 1: This is a fabulous and funny image. I like that you chose a black and white approach for this to give it an arty, nostalgic but clean and reduced style. I would love to see at least one eye visible in its entirety, though.

Feedback 2: What a fantastic, humorous moment. You've captured it beautifully. The symmetry rally draws you right in to the dog, there's a really good tonal range from light to dark with detail everywhere. Well done on capturing something new and refreshing so well.

Thoughts: Agreed! And yes, while having an eye fully visible might’ve been nice, the squished, curious nose is exactly what makes this shot endearing and funny.

“Cure for the Blues”

Churro

Behind the scenes:

The Story: This image was taken for 52 Frames’ Blue prompt. I’ve borrowed a blue Adirondack chair from a friend before, and I decided to grab it again for this shot. Everyone loves Kaylee’s work, right? So consider this my backyard knockoff of her style - minus the gorgeous sunburst, the impeccable focus, and the amazing scenery. 😅 Just little Churro rocking a scarf and trying his best to shine in my “homemade” homage.

Score: 85, Silver

Feedback 1: This is a dynamic image with a very sweet pup. The attention to colour is wonderful and the blues all work beautifully to make the warmth of the puppy shine. I keep questioning the scarf - it's quite big and hides the puppy a bit too much, but it also highlights how much growing there is to be done. Perhaps if we saw a little more of the body coming sideways to the left it would make more sense. The focus is ever so slightly off, it seems to be on the nose and dogs right ear tip. The depth of field just about covers the eyes, but they could be sharper. Overall this is very nicely done, congratulations.

Feedback 2: Fantastic use of a low angle and staging to create a modern, engaging and fun portrait. The attention to detail has resulted in a concise concept that immediately engages the viewer. The lighting is balanced, and you've made fantastic use of these props to reflect the goofiness and charisma of this little pup. The eyeline of the puppy is predominantly to the centre right, the only comment would be that this could be more central.

Thoughts: Ok!

Annnnd… drumroll please 🥁My highest scoring image, and a Top 100 (out of 4,000+ images! 🤯) is…

“Spa Day”

Churro & Queso

Behind the scenes:

The Story: I spotted a very short-lived trend on Instagram of dogs wearing towel turbans, and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. At first, I thought Queso wouldn’t be interested, so I focused on Churro - but the call of chicken was too strong, and Queso hopped in as well!

I photographed them separately, but with the camera on a tripod, creating the final image was a straightforward composite.

Fun note: the day after the session, I couldn’t find Churro anywhere - which, in puppy terms, means he was definitely up to no good. I eventually found him hanging out in the guest room bathtub where this was taken. 😂

Score: 87, Silver Distinction

Feedback 1: What an absolutely gorgeous and fun image. The dogs look super relaxed with your ideas. The use of black and white give this a bit of an extra arty feeling. The setting is fabulous and there's nothing distracting from this lovely scene. The light is good, too.

Feedback 2: Ha! What a fun image. I appreciate the black and white conversion and a great depth of field. Your exposure is a tad hot on the towels but the lighting is delightful everywhere else. I also think you might benefit from some additional cropping - the door on the right is an exceptionally large expanse of white.

Thoughts: I’m thrilled the judges loved it too! I have a large framed metal print of this hanging in my bathroom (you can see it in the behind the scenes of "Nosy Nose" above), and every time I see it, it makes me grin.

That's a Wrap!!

Okay, whew - that was A LOT! If you made it this far, THANK YOU for hanging in with me! 🙌

Once again, the submissions in this year’s IPPA were incredibly high quality, so I’m absolutely thrilled that my images found their way into the awards arena. I learned so much from the judges’ thoughtful feedback. It’s fascinating to see how they interpret moments and technical choices, and it gives me fresh ideas for how to approach future sessions.

So, now I want to hear from you—do you have a favorite? Did you agree with the judges’ comments, or do you see the images differently?  Did anyone else notice (and laugh) that three of my submissions ended up being bathroom photos?? 😂 Drop me a note in the comments, I’d love to know!  

A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and the BIGGEST thank you to the judges - and Charlotte & Craig, and the entire team who made this competition possible. If you’d like to check out the full collection of winners, you can head HERE. Make sure to check out the links at the top to check out the full sets of Golds, Silvers, and Bronzes.

And now for a tiny bit of shameless promo 😉:

Are you a Dog Mom or Dad who wants to celebrate your pup and create gorgeous, meaningful artwork for your home? Let’s plan your dog’s portrait adventure today!

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