Every year, entering the International Pet Photography Awards is both exciting and nerve-racking. It's an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, have my work evaluated by some of the industry's most respected photographers, and receive valuable feedback that helps me continue growing as an artist.

While it's always rewarding to earn awards, what I value most is the insight the judges provide. Their critiques often highlight details I may have overlooked and challenge me to see my images from a different perspective. That feedback has become just as meaningful as the awards themselves.

I'm incredibly honored to have received five Bronze Awards in the 2026 International Pet Photography Awards.

What makes this year's results even more encouraging is just how close my other entries came. Two images finished just one point shy of earning Bronze Distinction, while every remaining image missed receiving an award by only one point.

These results show me that I'm continuing to evolve from being a professional dog photographer into an award-winning artist. Every competition challenges me to think more intentionally about my work, and each critique helps shape the way I see, create, and tell a story through my images.

Beyond the scores, one of my favorite parts of the International Pet Photography Awards is seeing the incredible work created by photographers from around the world. Their creativity, vision, and storytelling inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of my own creativity, explore new ideas, and continue growing as an artist. Every competition leaves me motivated to come back stronger, not just to earn awards, but to create images that are even more meaningful and impactful.

This year, I made the decision to invest in my growth by asking Charlotte Reeves of Unleashed Education to mentor me. While I've always been committed to improving my photography, I knew that having guidance from someone whose work and artistic vision I admire would help elevate my photography to the next level.

Charlotte has been an incredible mentor, encouraging me to be more intentional, consistent, and precise in every aspect of my photography. From refining my compositions to paying closer attention to the smallest details, she's challenged me to slow down, think more critically, and create images with greater purpose.

Looking back at this year's competition results, I can clearly see the impact her mentorship has had on my work. The consistency in my scores and how close so many images came to the next level have given me confidence that I'm moving in the right direction. I'm incredibly grateful for Charlotte's guidance and look forward to continuing to learn from her as I refine my artistic vision and push my creativity even further.

I'm excited to share the five images that received Bronze Awards this year, along with the judges feedback and my reflections on each one.

I took this image during the City Slicker Challenge of Embark. The judge had a lot of positive things to say about this portrait. They felt the dog was photographed well, with beautiful coat detail, strong tonal separation, and a confident pose that stood out nicely against the architecture.

The main area for improvement centered around my choice of perspective. Because I photographed the image from such a low angle, the foreground became exaggerated and the building appeared smaller than it should have. The judge also noticed some stretching in the architectural lines and a slight softness around the dog's muzzle. Together, those details shifted the viewer's attention away from the dog and toward the perspective itself.

This image was photographed at Dimo Fine Jewelry in Gainesville, Georgia. The moment I saw this building, I knew it was a location I wanted to photograph. I immediately fell in love with its Greek inspired architecture and the grandeur it brought to the scene. While I could have chosen to photograph this beautiful pup with only a small section of the building, I wanted to showcase the entire structure and capture what made the location so special.

I must be honest, the idea that the building appeared almost like a dollhouse never crossed my mind while creating this image. This feedback gave me a completely different perspective on how viewers might interpret the creative choices I made.

This image was captured during the Party Time Challenge of Embark. The judge praised the timing of the photograph, noting that the action, energy, and sense of motion created a highly engaging image.

They also appreciated the level of detail throughout the photograph and how the editing brought out the textures and dynamic range while keeping the colors and contrast natural. The main consideration was being careful not to push this style of editing too far, as an overly processed look can sometimes distract from the authenticity of the image.

This was a great reminder that even when we have the ability to bring out incredible detail through editing, restraint is often what helps an image feel more natural and timeless. The goal is not just to showcase what we can do in post-processing, but to use those tools in a way that supports the story and emotion of the photograph.

This image was taken during the Up Ups Challenge of Embark. The judge recognized how the fences created natural leading lines that directed the viewer's eye toward the dog, while the soft background separation helped keep the subject as the clear focal point.

The main area for improvement was creating more connection between the foreground, subject, and background. The judge felt that adding more mid-ground elements could help the image feel less like the dog was placed into the scene. They also noted that positioning the dog closer to a 45-degree angle rather than fully side-on could create a more flattering portrait. However, the dog's alert expression, perked ears, and eye contact helped create a strong connection with the viewer.

I actually had hoped to photograph her at more of a 45-degree angle, but this pup had other plans. She truly marches to the beat of her own drum, and as any pet photographer knows, sometimes you have to work with what your subject gives you.

That is one of the things that makes pet photography so unique. In many other genres of photography, you can direct your model and guide them into the exact pose or position you envision. With animals, there is an element of unpredictability. Sometimes the best images come from embracing their personality and capturing the moments they naturally give you.

This image was taken during the Grid Games Challenge hosted by Unleashed Education. The judge appreciated the overall atmosphere, the color palette, the sharpness of the dog, and the natural feel of the pose.

The main suggestion for improvement was giving the composition a little more breathing room. The judge felt that adding additional space on both sides of the frame would create a more balanced image and allow the viewer's eye to settle more naturally around the subject.

One thing I have noticed about my own work is that I sometimes tend to crop tighter than I should because I want my subject to fill the frame and become the main focus of the image. While creating that strong connection with the viewer is important, I've realized that the space around my subject is also a valuable part of the composition.

Recently, I've been making a more conscious effort to give my subjects more breathing room within the frame. Allowing space around the dog not only creates a more balanced composition, but it also gives the viewer a better sense of the environment and the story surrounding the image.

This image was taken during the Say What Challenge of Embark. The judge recognized the technical skill involved in capturing this portrait, along with the balanced and thoughtful framing. They also appreciated the dog's lovely head tilt and expression, which added personality and connection to the image.

The main area for improvement was in the tonal balance of the image. The judge felt that slightly lifting some of the shadows in the darker background and softening some of the texture in the dog's white coat areas could help draw even more attention to the details in the face.

I know I naturally tend to edit toward darker tones because I love the mood and emotion they can bring to an image. However, I also understand that there is a time and place for that style of editing. One of the things I have been working on is embracing a variety of editing approaches and allowing the image itself to guide the final look, rather than relying on one signature style for every photograph.

While these four images did not receive an award this year, each one finished only one point away from earning recognition. To me, these scores are just as valuable because they highlight the small refinements that can make the difference between a strong image and an award-winning image.

Below are the images that came closest, along with the judge's feedback and the specific elements that kept them from reaching the next level.

This image was taken during the Glow Up Challenge of Embark. The judge appreciated the beautiful expression and personality captured in this portrait, recognizing the intelligence and confidence in the dog's face, as well as the strong technical execution behind the image. They noted that the fur was rendered well, the blacks retained detail, the whites maintained texture, and the catchlights helped create a pleasing connection with the viewer.

The main element holding this image back was the background. While the dog itself had a strong presence, the brown wall and the horizontal line created by the baseboard competed with the subject rather than enhancing the portrait. The judge felt that the environment didn't fully showcase the dog's personality or help tell a stronger story.

Honestly, I had a feeling the background might be the element that held this image back. I primarily photograph outdoors, but I wanted to challenge myself and experiment with something different. Since I didn’t have a studio backdrop available at the time, I worked with the environment I had and used the wall as part of the image.

This experience has inspired me to explore studio work more intentionally. I’m looking into adding backdrops so I can experiment with different techniques, lighting, and creative approaches. I can hardly wait to see the possibilities that come from expanding this part of my photography.

This image was taken during the Soul Searcher Challenge of Embark. The judge appreciated the sweet and engaging portrait captured in this image, highlighting the dog's warm eyes, the connection created with the viewer, and the effective use of depth of field.

The element holding this image back was that it didn't separate itself enough from a portrait that could potentially be captured with a phone or consumer camera. The overhead angle and simple stone background didn't add enough to the story, leaving the image to rely primarily on the dog's natural appeal. In competition photography, the judge noted that technical execution alone isn't always enough. The image needs to offer something more memorable.

The element holding this image back was that it didn't separate itself enough from a portrait that could potentially be captured with a phone or consumer camera. The overhead angle and simple stone background didn't add enough to the story, leaving the image to rely primarily on the dog's natural appeal. In competition photography, technical execution alone isn't always enough. The image needs to offer something more memorable.

This feedback made me realize that while this is a beautiful everyday image of my pup, one that I absolutely love because of those sparkling eyes and adorable head tilt, it may not have been the right type of image for competition.

This image was also taken during the Soul Searcher Challenge of Embark. The judge loved the immediate emotional connection created in this image, noting that the dog's expression brought a sense of joy and personality to the portrait. The overall atmosphere and connection with the dog helped make this a charming and engaging image.

The main refinement that kept this image from receiving an award was depth of field. The judge felt that slightly stopping down the aperture would have kept more of the dog's muzzle in focus, creating a more balanced level of sharpness throughout the portrait.

I absolutely love this image of my pup because it truly captures who she is. This expression, this personality, and this moment are such a genuine reflection of her everyday self.

Charlotte mentioned that she was curious how this image would be judged because different judges may have different opinions on elements like the slight softness of the nose. Some may overlook it because the expression and emotion carry the image, while others may consider it a technical issue that impacts the overall score. Well....we know which type of judge I got. 😂

The judge recognized the strong storytelling behind this image, especially the clear connection between the person and the dog through their eye contact and the subtle interaction between the hand and paw. The styling elements, the welcome sign, costume, and plate of food, helped communicate the idea of a special solo dinner experience for the dog.

The main element holding this image back was the lighting and overall color treatment. While the concept suggested a warm and inviting story, the darker atmosphere and strong red tones created a more dramatic, almost ominous feeling. The judge felt that this created some confusion between the story being told and the emotional response created by the final image.

This image was actually created for a very special purpose. I was asked by the owner of The Attic in downtown Clarkesville to create a photograph that could be displayed at the entrance of the restaurant.

One of the things I love most about this location, besides the amazing food, is the stunning red door at the front entrance. The entire entrance features the original garage door from Church’s Service Station, which operated there during the 1930s and 1940s, adding so much history and character to the space.

When creating this image, my goal was to capture the mood and atmosphere of the restaurant. While I could have chosen a warmer or more traditional lighting approach, I intentionally leaned into the red tones because I wanted the color of the door to feel as though it was glowing and influencing the entire scene. I wanted the darker background to create the feeling that the dog and waiter were surrounded by the dramatic glow of the red light.

The interior design of the restaurant helped guide my creative choices. The red chairs complement the door, while the black linen-covered tables and rustic details create a moody, intimate atmosphere. I wanted the final image to feel like it belonged in that space and reflected the ambiance of the restaurant.

While I completely understand the judge's perspective and how the lighting choice influenced their interpretation of the image, this was a very intentional creative decision that aligned with the vision I had for the final piece. This image is also a great reminder that art is subjective. Two people can view the same image and experience it in completely different ways.

This remains one of my favorite images because it challenged me creatively and allowed me to tell a story in a way that felt true to my vision. Most importantly, the owner of The Attic loved the final image as well.

Looking back on this year's International Pet Photography Awards, I'm incredibly proud of the results, but even more grateful for the experience behind them. The five Bronze Awards, the images that came within one point of recognition, and the feedback from the judges all provided valuable insight into where I am as a photographer and the areas where I can continue to grow.

Becoming a better artist is a journey that never truly ends. There will always be new techniques to refine, new stories to tell, and new creative boundaries to explore. I'm excited to continue pushing myself, learning from every experience, and creating images that not only showcase the beauty of our pets but also capture the connections and stories that make them unique.