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 challenge, we asked our Emerge challengers to expand on this concept and create their own slow action shot!

Here, in no particular order are our top 10 images, which are absolutely fantastic. Well done to all the photographers.

Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Allison Schwickerath | Allison Mae Photography

This has such a great perspective, it's fantastically sharp and detailed and the movement is perfect.

Blue Amrich | Beyond the Fence

This is a really dynamic pose which is really enhanced by the slightly unconventional composition leaving a lot of space above and the deeper depth of field showing more of the trees behind the subject.

Chantal Levesque | Chantal Levesque Photo

This is a really impactful image, the hunched pose with the body framing the head and ears, the diagonal stride, and the dark moody edit.

Christel Wellens | Fotografie Christel Wellens

Beautiful composition that has a lot of depth, the slightly raised paw is just enough to give a hint of movement that we're looking for in this challenge.

Kim Hawkins

Light, airy and ethereal with warm colours across the whole image. It's a well-timed capture of the movement and expression.

Lindsay Baca | Sit Stay Pet Photography

This is a great trick for the Slow Motion challenge. The textures of the sandy paw is replicated by the lichens on the rocks which tie everything together really well.

Nadia Hall | Barking Dog Images

A great slow-action moment, the trees frame the subject nicely and the colour harmony is excellent.

Nancy Paynter 

Lots of texture, lovely soft light. The snow has been handled really well. Most importantly of all, the slow motion of the dog coming towards the camera is great and the expression is really engaging.

Pine McCabe | Pine and Eclipse Photography

A wonderful moment, whimsical and humourous. The salad bar is open! great use of colour and composition and a unique take on the Slow Motion challenge brief.

Rebecca Williams | Rebecca Williams Photographer

This is a great static pose with movement from the yawn. A fantastic documentary-feeling shot, with lovely light fall-off and the white whiskers against the black facial fur is such a sweet detail. 

Emerge is the second series in our Unleashed Challenge courses and is made up of 12 challenges over 6 months. It’s open to anyone who has completed our first course in the series, Embark.

So much more than just a challenge, the 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 and we'll send you all the details when enrolment for Embark next opens in April 2024.