Dog Photo Competition 3 2016 : Results

Judges Comment
This image was an instant favorite. It is the absolute essence of 'the joy of dog.' The gait of the dog, the prancing paws, the lift of the head, the raised happy tail ... all perfection! The only element in this image that is somewhat distracting is the shadow(?) just right of center of the frame. Even though it is likely a naturally occurring element of the cascading water, I feel that if you were able to clone this out the resulting image would be much stronger. But overall, this is an absolutely fabulous, unique and magical image. Well done!! Congrats. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Hello to everyone! First of all, thanks a lot for being chosen as the winner of this lovely contest, full of nice and gorgeous pictures in competition. This picture was taken three months ago, in a nice and sunny winter afternoon in Santiago , Chile . I was walking through a park near to the downtown - called O'Higgins Park - and I saw away the scene of the dog trotting in circles under the water.... fantastic, a unique moment. I walked slowly toward the sink and straight to get the backlight. The dog went three times in front of me and then left , and it was enough to accomplish what I imagined when I saw the scene from afar. Thank you very much , greetings from the south of the world ! Cheers !
www.hectormillar.com

Judges Comment
This image is so many kinds of wonderful. So simple in its palette and composition, this photo is ALL dog. Perhaps one needs to have shared their life with a pointer to truly appreciate how "dog" this image is ... the connection between a human and their dog and the earth. Beautifully scene and captured, wonderful tones and textures ... so simple and yet so rich. Thank you for sharing! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you very much Ilona for selecting this picture. My name is Jana and I live in erfurt, germany. I shot this pointer named ginger in a very special environment close to our city. Ginger is a great dog and she like to be with the nature. www.facebook.com/stadthunde.erfurt www.instagram.com/stadthunde_erfurt/
www.stadthunde-erfurt.com

Judges Comment
What an absolutely stunning and memorable image. While a simple image, there is SO much to see in this image. Of course, the viewer's eye is immediately drawn to the subject, the beautiful eyes, the wet hair on the face, ears and neck ... just as important and delicious to the eyes is every ripple in the water, the drop coming off the ear, the warm glow of the sun on the water, the muted tones of the sky. An instant fave. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you very much for selecting my picture. My name is Jana and I live in erfurt, germany. I was out in the evening taking photos for a friend with her dog close to my hometown at a small lake. Paula is a young labrador girl and she love water more then dog treats. This photo was taken by Canon 7D (35mm, f2.0 1/250, ISO100), and developed by Photoshop. Please visit my homepage to see my portfolio. www.facebook.com/stadthunde.erfurt
www.stadthunde-erfurt.com

Judges Comment
This image makes fabulous use of light, especially the beam of light coming down from the rafters overhead lighting up the subject and pooling on the floor around him. I do find that the space between the dog's raised muzzle and the light from the far window to be a little tight, causing a fair amount of tension, leading the viewers' eye as much to the window as to the dog. I think if the angle had been different - providing more breathing room between the distant window and the dog - centering the dog more on the concrete wall, would have offered a better composition ... however, I realize (as a pet-exclusive photographer) that composing and moving your subject around on the 'set' isn't always possible. Great job! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Hello everyone! Thanks for choosing my picture as one of the best pictures in this competition. My name is Katja and I am currently living in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. I agree with your critical evaluation. This picture was taken two months ago while an urban exploration. I was busy, thinking about the right setting and then suddenly the dog looked up to a small roof window. I had to take this chance, so I immedately pulled the trigger without checking the setting or camera settings. At least, it actually is a very lucky shot, but I am very satisfied with the final version. Hopefully, there will be more time at the next attempt :)
www.facebook.com/KatjaDemuthFotografie

Judges Comment
What a stunning image ... rich, warm tones, inviting light and deep shadows, beautiful sunflare, perfectly controlled depth of field, and wonderful focus on this gorgeous subject's piercing eyes. Nicely done. ~ illona

Judges Comment
The unique setting of the pine tree branches makes this image stand out. Beautifully framed with the sweeping branches and soft tones. Nicely done. ~ illona

Judges Comment
This is a very striking image. Awesome job working with the available light and embracing the shadows. Wonderfully seen, captured and managed in post. ~ illona

Judges Comment
What a sweet, very story-telling image. Great concept and execution, although I do find the two different temperatures of light on the dogs somewhat distracting -- the warmer tone on the golden and the blue/cold tone on the aussie pup. I'm not sure if this was done deliberately. Either way, it is a lovely concept and image. Well done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
This is such a fantastic and almost mystical image. Very creative, and beautiful framing, along with striking colors and clean white balance. Great job. ~ illona

Judges Comment
What an absolutely fun image, made even more fun with the fisheye lens to emphasize the doberman's sad eyes. Beautiful tones and white balance. Nicely done. ~ illona