Dog Photo Competition 3 2015 : Results

Judges Comment
this image had 'winner' written all over it from the moment it opened on the display. what a stunning photo. the deep blacks and clean whites, the strong contrast ... the framing is exquisite with the old, twisted tree splintering through the frame ... and the crouch of the dog as he balances on the high point ... all make for an absolutely splendid image. well done! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
It is a great honour for me to get this first prize, thank you a lot for it. My name is Martina Valihrachova, I am from Czech Republic. Thit shot was taken during this winter on a walk with my dogs near Prague, where I live. It is abandoned piece of nature near big city and I love to go there, so my dogs. I shoot for fun, mostly nature and animals. I use my D750 Nikon camera and 50mm objective, for BW conversion I use Photoshop. www.martival.cz
martival.wix.com/photography

Judges Comment
what a superb image! an instant fave. the soft tones and background in this image allow for the subject to truly shine -- the sweet little dog and the chipped boat ... so many wonderful textures. wonderful light on this dog's eyes as well in spite of being backlit. wonderful job! ~ illona

Judges Comment
what a stunning black-and-white image ... strong contrast, deep blacks and clean whites, and the subject matter and captured moment are wonderful. such a unique capture and wonderful framing as well. nicely done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
i am in LOVE with this image, and this scruffy dog, of course! what a straight-forward but super fun black-and-white portrait of this zany happy fabulous dog. nicely done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
what an immediately standout image ... the framing is strong and simple, and the tones are exquisite. the soft reflection of the sky in the shallow water, as well as the dog's, and the gentle ripples around him invite us into this simple space. nicely done. my only wish would be that there be a little light on this dog's face so we can enjoy his expression, but otherwise a wonderful image. ~ illona

Judges Comment
this image is just so immediately captivating ... the wonderful depth and rich texture of this setting surrounding these two small dogs is unique and captivating. well done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
the beauty in this photo is the soft and shallow depth of field, the gorgeous bokeh background and soft foreground, and then the pin-sharp border collie in the midst of this glorious swirl. the dog's expression only adds to the impact of this image. nicely done. ~ illona

Judges Comment
what a superb capture and action shot ... the dog diving into not just the frame of this photo but the idyllic pond, the reflection on the nearly undisturbed surface of the water, and the flailing legs ... all make for a wonderful capture. well done. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you so much, Ilona! I am an animal photographer from Germany. Taking these pictures of the "golden" Barney has been a great luck und a pleasure. I was standing inside this river with water almost to my neck. Barney has been very happy while we take these pictures, because he loves water. I have been a little bit afraid of falling into it with my camera. But when I arrived home and watched the photos I was very happy too. Greetings from Germany, Nadine
www.tierfotografie-westfalen.de

Judges Comment
what a wonderful capture and beautiful summer light. the dog's glance back over his shoulder is captivating, and his wet coat makes us imagine the river below. great filtering light and post work. nicely done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
the light and colors in this image are truly gorgeous, as is the perfect capture of the incoming wave. the dog's distant glance leaves the viewer wondering what has caught his attention on this beautifully lit sunset beach. nicely done! ~ illona