Capturing dogs in action is probably one of the most difficult things to master in Pet Photography. In this challenge, we really wanted to test the skills of our challengers with perfectly captured action shots. More specifically, dogs running straight towards the camera.

We were absolutely wowed by the submissions for this challenge and this was by far the most difficult to judge. But judge it we did and these are the top of the pack with all of them being technically excellent, well lit and capturing the peak of the action.

Well done to our top ten Front Runners, here are their images, in no particular order.

- Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Teresa Rooney

Perfect timing, the serious expression tells us this dog take having fun seriously! The lack of ground adds to the sense that he's really flying!

Megan O'Hehir

All paws off the ground as this dog comes over this log and hurtling towards us. We love the ears looking like wings too!

Lindsay Baca | Sit Stay Pet Photography

There's some gorgeous texture and movement shown in the dog. That is also mirrored in layers and textures of the landscape in the background.

Kristen Murray | Kristen Murray Photography

Another well-timed action shot with a fantastic expression. The location really adds extra depth to this shot too.

Kim Hawkins 

Shot at a super low angle, which makes you feel as if you're right there in the dirt having fun with the dog. We love the expression and the little curl of the tail.

Katy Robertson

This is a gorgeously simple image that allows us to focus fully on that gorgeous puppy running towards us in the perfect part of its stride. Perfect for the challenge brief.

Karen Dunkason | Karen Dunkason Photography

This is another perfectly timed Front Runner shot. The edit is excellent with a matt style that still retains contrast and texture in the dog's fur.

Karen Dillabough | Karen Dillabough Photography

A great expression, moment in the dog's stride and lovely muted colour palette. A great example of action for this challenge.

Heidi Adler | Heidi Adler Photography

Sun-filled and joyful pretty much sum this one up. It's a great Front Runner example.

Angela Rose | Angie Rose Photography

Lovely joy filled-image. The dog looks great and the colourful background provided by the playground adds an extra sense of fun without becoming dominating and distracting.

Embark is made up of 12 challenges over 6 months and is the first interactive course in the Unleashed Challenges series.

Much more than just a challenge, Embark is 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 and we'll send you all the details when enrollment next opens in 2022.