Photos of dogs can usually be classified into one of two main categories - portrait, where the dog is still, or action, where the dog is doing something, moving around, often with lots of energy, and at great speed!

But what about the middle ground, the grey area?

What if an image mostly fits into the category of a portrait, but there’s also a suggestion of movement? A step, a paw raise? Or what if the image can be defined technically as action, but the action is very slow and deliberate, rather than a crazy moment, frozen in time?

We like to call these images “slow action”, and in this Emerge challenge, we asked challengers to expand on this concept with their very own Slow Motion shot!

Here, in no particular order at the top 10 for the Slow Motion challenge.

- Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Amy Hodson | Wander Pet Photography

Not only is this a well captured, slow motion moment in time, the image has an appropriately cool and frosty colour scheme and a perfectly balanced composition.

Aubri Poon | Aubri Poon Photography

Maximum cuteness and a great moment in this shot is supported by strong technical excellence - the whites are well captured and edited and the background beautifully rendered through the choice of depth of field.

Brittani White

What a well captured moment! The tight crop only adds to the graphical nature of the shot, which is loaded with expression and tells a fun story.

Dawn Orr 

We immediately described this walk as a "saunter"! The head held high, paw out the front and beard blowing in the wind suits the theme well, and the edit is soft, subtle and highly effective.

Gabriela Ciobanu | LightStories

This image gives the impression of best friends on their morning walk, catching up on the latest gossip. The super shallow depth of field allows the subjects to shine against the soft background.

Kelly McNamara | Kelly Mac Studios

The movement of the hair blowing in the wind is subtle, but gives an instant sense of place. Coupled with the serene and soft background and overcast sky, it has a clear mood that's accentuated by the great use of negative space.

Lisa Olson | Pets R Family

What a fun capture! We felt this had William Wegman vibes and loved the interaction between the dogs as they look engrossed in playing the game.

Sabine Born | Sabine Oexmann Photography

This image gives hot and dusty feel, supported by the slow, languid steps of this dog walking up the path. The eye contact draws attention to the expression and gives a sense of connection with the pup. Well done!

Shandess Griffin | Shand and Your Dogs Photography

What a moment, so beautifully captured! The darkness and blur surrounding the dog allows the dog to shine, and that sheet of water is so aesthetically pleasing. Great composition tops it off!

Teran Buckner | Phido Photography

This pup has been caught at the perfect moment, with just one paw on the ground. The overhead light is not a problem with the dog reaching towards it, and the evenly placed yellow lights in the background adds a showtime aspect to the performance.

Kendra Stautz | Wild Woof Photography

This image has great storytelling aspect that hints at arriving at a destination after a journey. The landscape is incredible and well showcased, with a perfect moment captured and an arresting gaze to draw you into the dog. Well done!

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.