The Soul Searcher or puppy dog eyes style of shot can be a great way to introduce variety into your session, especially if you usually shoot from a very low angle. The high angle and the expression are sure to tug at the heartstrings, and people really relate to this view of their dog. They see it every day when they look down at them.

Soul Searcher images can feature just the dog's face filling the frame, or they can be framed wider to include more of the body.

This kind of shot really plays on the whole "eyes are the windows to the soul" saying with the eyes being big, bright, and sharp, and a shallow depth of field turning everything else into soft blur.

The Soul Searcher challenge is all about everything we mentioned. Connection, getting those eyes super sharp, the high angle.

These images are our picks for the top 10, all of them are absolutely gorgeous, well done to the photographers!

- Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Abi Bradbury | Abi B Photography

The dog has been placed so precisely against the lines in the flooring here, to really great effect. The soft light, the dog looking up at the camera and the limited colour palette all work wonderfully. 

Amanda Ashley | Tails of Wander Photography

 The low key style of this allows those eyes to really tug at the heartstrings, and the dog is literally heart shaped! A great interpretation on the Soul Searcher brief.

Ashley Sherrow | Assorted Poppies Photo LLC

 There is such beautiful, even light falling on this dogs face, just what this type of shot calls for! The expression is excellent and the colourful background allows the dog to stand out.

Carol Mudra |  Apawture Studios

 A fantastic expression, great connection with the camera, even light and lovely sharp eyes. What more do you need in a Soul Searcher style shot? 

Christina Hale | Wild Wonders Photography

This is all about this delightful chunky pup. The light is even and soft, the expression is really engaging. We loved the one white paw sticking out at the bottom too!

Gaetane Marchand

This is a bright and bold image which allows the black dog to really stand out. The warm tones bring extra life to the tan fur of the dog and those beautiful amber eyes.  

Kaori Stewart | Kaori Stewart Photography

What an engaging expression that really draws the viewer in. The light and colour harmony are also really beautiful.

Nelly (Sara) Steedman

This image has a brilliant narrative, you can feel the dog pushing the toy towards the person here, begging for another throw! The editing style is bold and really works, the eyes are crisp and sharp, it's an image that really draws you in.

Polona Železnikar

This dog has a fabulous 'thanks for the treat' expression! The curved lines of the cobblestones really give a dynamic flow to the image, leading you to the subject. 

Samantha Brown | Samantha Brown Photography

This is a really emotive portrait that celebrates trust and connection this dog has with the owner. Those eyes looking up are just irresistible!  

Are you ready to transform your pet photography in just 6 months?

The Unleashed Challenges are a series of 3 interactive challenge based courses, Embark, Emerge and Empower. Each one with 12 challenges running over 6 months. 

Much more than just a challenge, Then Unleashed challenges are an invaluable educational resource that will help you build up a go-to list of shots to help create variety in your work. Designed for anyone to be able to complete whether you just want to photograph your own dog or you are a professional pet photographer.

If you'd like to know more, head over here to register your interest.