For our "Dogs" photo contest, we didn’t just ask for pictures of dogs; we asked for portraits of personality. And the results? Absolutely "paw-some." You showed us the soul behind the snout, from the quiet, contemplative moments in the woods to the wind-swept adventures on the coast.
We were blown away by the storytelling in these images. It wasn't just about cute faces (though there were plenty of those); it was about the bond between the photographer and the subject. We saw loyalty, joy, and that specific, unconditional love that only a dog can offer. Narrowing it down was a challenge, but these three images stood out for their exceptional light, composition, and emotion.
Here are the top dogs of the competition!
And... the new photo contest is live! Discover it here
🏆 And the Winner is... Kevin Verherstraeten!
Photo by: Kevin Verherstraeten
Title: Sun-Kissed Serenity
1st prize: Xpozer (100x150cm)
Kevin’s portrait of Chuppa in the Lommelse Sahara is a masterclass in natural lighting. The way the soft sunlight creates a halo effect on the dog’s fur transforms a simple "sit and stay" into a magical moment. The low angle puts us right in Chuppa’s world, looking up with pure, unadulterated optimism.
The background blur (bokeh) is creamy and smooth, ensuring absolutely nothing distracts from that expressive face. It captures the essence of a happy dog at peace in nature - a technically flawless image that warms the heart instantly.
🥈 Second Place: Cindy van der Steen
Photo by: Cindy van der Steen
Title: Double the Relaxation
2nd prize: EPIX photo tiles (4x)
Cindy brings us a scene so cozy you can practically smell the autumn leaves. Capturing one dog is hard enough; capturing two in such a perfect state of relaxation requires immense patience and skill. The composition, anchored by the textured log, frames the two chocolate Labradors beautifully.
The rich brown tones of their coats harmonize perfectly with the golden fall foliage in the background. But it's the eyes that grab you - soulful, calm, and trusting. It’s a wonderful "family portrait" that celebrates companionship in the great outdoors.
🥉 Third Place: Donna Descamps
Photo by: Donna Descamps
Title: The Golden Wanderer
3rd prize: EPIX retro tiles (4x)
Donna’s shot of Riley on the beach of Cap Blanc-Nez is atmospheric and dramatic. This isn't just a pet photo; it's a landscape shot where the dog is the hero of the story. The golden hour light flooding in from the right casts long, dramatic shadows and highlights the wet texture of Riley’s fur, suggesting a fresh dip in the ocean.
The wet sand acts as a mirror, adding depth to the foreground, while the cliffs in the distance provide a rugged sense of scale. The wind in the ears and the alert stance give this image a feeling of wild freedom that we absolutely loved.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their furry best friends with us. Scrolling through the submissions was the highlight of our month. The bond you share with your dogs is clearly the secret ingredient to these amazing photos.
Ready for your next challenge? Our new photo contest is already live!
Happy shooting!
