In the early part of 2019, I became an approved photographer taking part in The National Dog Portrait Awards. 38 Studios from around the country actively participated and a total of 376 images were entered. I entered 50 from my studio alone (the highest number of any photographer). The competition closed on 31/10/19 and the organiser’s creative team selected the top 50 finalists.
I was thrilled to have 11 entries in the final 50. A group of industry-acknowledged dog photographers then voted on the final 50 and votes by the public on social media were then added to those of the judges and this resulted in a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. I was thrilled to have one of my entries come in 2nd place (apparently I missed out on first place by one point!) The family with the winning woofer, is the Pople family of Cheddar. Dad, Lee, mum Fiona, and their daughters, Hallie and Imogen. The prize-winning woofer, Earl is a Bedlington/Whippet cross and he was rescued by them last year. The family won £1000 in cash and a canvas wall portrait of Earl’s winning image – nice job, Earl!
The competition was run to also raise money for local dog charities, and my nomination of Westbury-sub-Mendip-based Dogs Friends was chosen to be a recipient of the shared funds. Three dog charities can be shared £400, £200 and £150 respectively, depending on the number of public votes. Dogs Friends ultimately received £200.
