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 📸 🐶 ✨

Bridget Davey 

You can't look at this without smiling. There is so much joy in this dog dressed up in his best top. Technically creat with sharp focus and a well timed action shot.

Camilla Fotografi | C.G. Fotografi

This shot captures at the perfect moment of action, has great eye contact and has been exposed very well to retain detail in the snow. 

Diane Gollowitzer | Dogs In Focus Photography

This shot has a great atmosphere with the misty background enhancing it. The dog couldn't be more perfectly placed in the frame and what a moment to capture so sharply than flying through the air, all 4 paws off the ground.

Jacqui Jensen-Roy | Soul Puppy Pet Photography

The verticle composition of this is great. The dog is sharp and has been captured at the right moment, the upstroke and there is great eye contact.

Josie Baughan | The Artisan Hound

This is another shot with great humour. Those ears, the big paws and that joy-filled expression are really wonderful. Combined with technical perfection, this action shot really stood out.

Karen Havenaar | Pr1mo Fotografie

This is a perfectly captured action shot, but it's the subtleties that really make it special, the splashes of water and the ball held slightly to the side.

Kelly Pettitt

What an intense portrait of a dog in action. The eyes are piercing through the dark fur, complemented by the black sand. Captured at a great moment in the dogs stride.

Lisbeth Ganer | Lisbeth Ganer Pet Photography

This is action in a really interesting location, the background colour works really well. Great forward facing action and eye contact.

Sarah Jones | Mucky Pup Photography

This is a very focussed dog caught with precision timing perfectly fitting the challenge brief. The colour tones in this shot are great too.

Toni Greatorex

A really creative and humourous triptych, good action and those teeth are the icing on the cake!

The Unleashed Challenges - Embark Round is made up of 12 challenges over 6 months.

More than just a challenge, they 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 and we'll send you all the details when enrollment next opens in October 2021.