The results of the 2025 Dog Photography Awards are in, with Australian photographer Belinda Richards taking the top honor of Dog Photographer of the Year. Her winning series, titled "I’m All Ears," creatively documents the growth of a puppy named Penny by focusing on her changing ears.
The global competition attracted thousands of entries from photographers who captured the unique personalities and moments of dogs in various settings. Winners were selected across six distinct categories, showcasing a wide range of photographic styles and emotional connections between humans and their canine companions.
Key Takeaways
- Belinda Richards of Melbourne, Australia, was named the overall Dog Photographer of the Year 2025.
- Her winning entry, "I’m All Ears," is a conceptual series tracking a puppy's growth through her ears.
- The competition saw 2,036 submissions from photographers in 48 different countries.
- Prizes included a total of $2,900 (€2,500) in cash and a custom trophy for the grand prize winner.
Australian Photographer Claims Top Prize
Belinda Richards from Melbourne, Australia, has been crowned the overall winner of the prestigious 2025 Dog Photography Awards. Her unique and heartwarming series of portraits captured the judges' attention, earning her the title of Dog Photographer of the Year.
The winning collection, "I’m All Ears," is a conceptual project that follows a young dog named Penny. Richards chose to focus on the development of Penny’s ears, which she noted on social media was the most significant physical change as the puppy grew.
This creative approach set her work apart, showcasing not just technical skill but also a thoughtful narrative about the passage of time and the subtle transformations of a growing animal.
Global Reach and Fierce Competition
The 2025 awards highlighted the global passion for pet photography. The contest received 2,036 entries from talented photographers based in 48 countries, including submissions from China, Italy, Finland, and the United States.
A Look at the Category Winners
Beyond the grand prize, the competition recognized excellence across six specialized categories. Each winner captured a different facet of a dog's life, from high-energy action shots to quiet, intimate moments.
Portrait Outdoors
The award for best outdoor portrait went to Denisa Zbranková Albaniová for the photograph titled "The Shape of Stillness." This category celebrated images that beautifully integrated dogs with their natural surroundings.
Action
Capturing the prize for the Action category were photographers Sylvain Langler and Rudy Anthoine with their dynamic shot, "Catch It!" The image freezes a moment of intense focus and athleticism, a hallmark of great action photography.
Studio
In the Studio category, Jane Thomson took first place with a charming and humorous photo titled, "Can You Please Trim My Bangs?" This work demonstrates the creativity and control possible within a studio environment.
Dogs and People
The powerful bond between humans and their pets was the focus of this category. Jane Thomson also secured a win here with her entry, "May the Fur Be With You," highlighting a moment of connection and shared joy.
Diverse Photographic Styles Honored
The awards celebrate a wide spectrum of photography, from carefully planned studio sessions to spontaneous documentary-style shots. The categories are designed to give photographers from all backgrounds a chance to showcase their specific skills, whether in capturing motion, emotion, or storytelling.
Documenting the Lives of Dogs
The Documentary and Open categories provided a platform for more narrative-driven and unconventional images, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and unique circumstances of dogs around the world.
Documentary
Rebecca Williams from New Zealand won the Documentary category with her photo, "Watching and Waiting." The image provides a fascinating look at the life of working farm dogs.
Her photograph shows a team of sheepdogs, a fox terrier, and a German Shorthaired Pointer patiently waiting on a quad bike and trailer, a common mode of transport for working dogs in the region, while their owner completes a task without them.
Open Category
The Open category allows for creative freedom and artistic interpretation. Katie Brockman was named the winner for her entry, "Suppertime." This category often features some of the most imaginative and unexpected compositions in the entire competition.
The Dog Photography Awards continue to grow each year, establishing themselves as a premier event for celebrating the art of pet photography and the animals that inspire it.