Dog Photo Competition 2 2017 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $831.20
  • Judges Comment
  • There were so many amazing photos in this Dog Photo Competition. Why this one edged out many others that were just as skilled and just as stunning is the story-telling quality about this image. The darkness of this image, as well as the close crop, leave us wondering exactly where this dog is -- in a car? a convertible? outdoors somewhere? -- and what the dog's story is ... lost? rescued? The direct gaze from the wet dog engages the viewer and draws us in. And while the image is limited in elements and textures, we are invited to explore the water droplets, the blanket, and most of all this sweet dog's wet face and trusting eyes. I think the only thing I would suggest is bumping the whites just a little ... still keeping the deep shadows, but popping the dog just a wee bit more and adding a little more contrast to the over image. Otherwise, a wonderful capture and image. Well done! ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • Michael Menzel, Armidale NSW - Australia, Huawai P9 monochrome mode, Lightroom 5 I noticed this dog in a carpark after a heavy downpour. It's sitting in a motorcycle sidecar patiently waiting for the owner. I was lucky to have my camera phone on me to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you to the judges for picking my photo - there are always so many photos deserving of winning first prize.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is such a stunning image ... from the cold tones, the expert framing, the incredible light and depth of field, not to mention the majestic subject ... all work together expertly to create an unforgettable image. An absolutely super job capturing this image and then managing it in post. Well done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is an absolutely wonderful image and has such a 'film feel' to it. The dock leading in from the left corner, the dog's slow, careful pace down the planks, the deep shadows suggesting dusk or dawn, and the light on the distant mountains ... all make for a fabulous image. There is almost a story-telling quality to the image as well, inviting the viewer to imagine many different scenarios behind this photo. Nicely done. ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • First of all , I want to say thanks to the judge. My name is Jarmila Eckardt, based in Germany - Erfurt. This photo was taken in germany, closed to ramsau. It was november and we were there for holidays. It was a special moment with my dog and for me it is a big honor to received the "mark of excellence" badge. Model: Raffinski Camera: Canon 7D, editing CC
  • www.stadthunde-erfurt.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This black-and-white image is absolutely stunning ... the variety of textures, from the filthy floor to the dying vine, the broken glass in the window and then the dog ... the high contrast ... the dog's gaze out of frame ... ALL work to make this a very intriguing and expert image. Nicely done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is a stunning image ... and it's as though you ordered up those clouds, and specifically that spot of open blue, just for your shoot! While I do like some careful vignetting, I do find that the amount of vignetting in this image is a little distracting from the main subject, especially the darkness at the bottom and sides of the image. Otherwise, a wonderful capture. Nicely done. ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A beautiful backdrop and a perfect poser. Nicely done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • As someone who has always had rescue and shelter dogs, this image evokes a lot of emotion and response (even if these might not be shelter dogs). The choice to convert to black-and-white makes this image simpler and allows us to focus on the activity and energy within the frame, with our eye always coming back to that paw. If it was me, I would do a little bit more careful dodging on that front dog -- his head and front paw -- so that he stands out the most. A very strong piece. ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is such a sweet image ... this little dog looks more a stuffed animal, but I love how the wet, slightly dirty fur reminds us that it is a rough-and-tumble puppy. Beautiful tones and white-balance, as well as stunning depth-of-field. Brilliantly done. ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you very much! My name is Nadine, I am from Bochum, Germany. Melly is indeed a very wild pup and was running through the wet gras just moments before this picture was taken in a beautiful cherry tree. I worked with a Nikon D750 and a Tamron 70-200 VC, Lightroom and Photoshop CC.
  • www.seelenhund-photography.de
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • What a super fun and creative image. I'm almost thinking it might work better turned vertically, but either way it is a wonderful image. Nicely done! ~ illona