Why I Enter the International Pet Photography Awards

For years, I avoided entering my work into photography contests. First, I didn’t feel confident in my work and then I believed the focus should be on the images themselves, not the accolades. Then I started noticing awards designed specifically for pet photographers. At first, I thought I had found one competition that might be a good fit, until I realized the judging was heavily weighted toward things that did not actually matter in pet photography (honestly, who needs a border on a digital photo?). Over time, I also came to see that the approach and values behind those awards did not quite align with my own philosophy as a pet photographer.

So, I stepped back from the awards world.

That changed when the International Pet Photographer Awards came under the leadership of Craig and Charlotte at Unleashed Pet Photography Education, one of the best places in the world to learn the craft of pet photography. And yes, pet photography is a niche that takes a unique set of skills and a lot of learning.

With Craig and Charlotte guiding the awards, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. Not just for the recognition, but to challenge myself, grow my skills, and work toward earning enough points to become an accredited pet photographer. Over the past three years, I worked towards that goal, and this year I was proud to receive my International Associate of Pet Photography.

When I submit a photo for judging, I am really entering into a challenge with myself. It keeps me learning, experimenting, and growing as an artist.

One of the most valuable parts of the process is the feedback I get from some of the top photographers in the world. They do not just say “nice job.” They tell me exactly what worked, what did not, and how I can make my work stronger. That feedback does not just stay in a competition folder. It comes right back into the studio with me. Every time your dog or cat steps in front of my lens, you are benefiting from the skills I have sharpened through those critiques.

Now, here is the other side of it. Awards are not the only measure of a great photograph. In fact, some of my most meaningful images, the ones that have made my clients laugh, cry, or hug their pets a little tighter, will never win a single ribbon. And that is okay. Judges cannot always see the story, love, or history behind a moment the way you can.

So why keep entering? Because it keeps me striving to be the best photographer I can be for you and your pets. And when an image does earn recognition, it is really a celebration of that moment we created together.

To every client who has trusted me to tell their pet’s story, thank you. You are the reason I keep growing, keep learning, and yes, keep entering. The awards and the accreditation are wonderful, but they are not just mine. They are part of every session we create together. Earning my International Associate of Pet Photography is a milestone I am proud of, but the real honor is being invited into your lives to capture the pets you love. You and your animals are the heart of everything I do.

To see the collection of award winning pet images, click here.