2024 has been a huge year for me.
I was asked a poignant question by one of my customers. They asked, "If you weren't a dog photographer, and you wanted to get some professional photos of Moosie, which photographer would you choose?".
I was taken aback by my response; all except one of my preferences were outdoor dog photographers. This made me consider offering both studio and outdoor options to my clients. After some contemplation, I made the decision to become a member of the Unleashed Pet Photography Education online community. This platform provides a wealth of valuable resources for photographers at any skill level to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Having consumed a large amount of content, I decided to conduct some outdoor test shoots. Despite being a self-proclaimed homebody, I ventured into this new territory, which was quite intimidating for me. While I enjoy the beach, activities like hiking, navigating uneven terrain, and dealing with unpredictable weather and wildlife are not particularly appealing to me. After a few test shoots, I recognised the need for more organisation, prompting me to take the plunge and join the Unleashed Education Embark challenges.
And so, the real excitement started here! Embark was truly a rollercoaster ride! I joined with just a vague idea of what to expect, hoping to enhance my outdoor photography skills and gain knowledge from two top pet photographers in the industry.
The Embark challenge consists of 12 briefs. All challenges are very different and taught me the absolute essentials of outdoor dog photography.
Every month, there are two challenges, and in order to receive valuable feedback from the judges, you need to submit your image before the deadline. Initially, I was apprehensive about receiving critiques, especially since I had never had my photography evaluated by industry professionals. However, Craig and Charlotte provide gentle and encouraging feedback, offering praise generously. Their critiques are always constructive, aimed at improving your photo and enhancing your skills as a photographer.
I had some highs and some lows. But in general, I absolutely smashed any expectations I had for myself. I slowly found myself looking forward to the critique days. Being able to hear the in-depth critique on every single image submitted (up to 120 images some weeks) was invaluable. I not only learnt from my own critique but from all the other images.
There is also a private Facebook group for all challenge participants to chat and share their progress. It's another invaluable resource allowing you to gauge your progress against others (and yourself) and find new friends from all over the world who are going through the same experience as you.
I learnt so many things doing Embark. Not only about photography, but about myself, what my style is, what I don't like, and what I do like. It also helped me to grow as a person. Learning to take on constructive criticism and use it in a positive manner. Being brave enough to put myself and my work out there into the world. Reaching out to other photographers who I admire. Helping other photographers with their images. Making friends from all over the world. All of these points are probably the most important in my constant growth as a human.
I have already signed up for the 2nd step in the challenges, Emerge. It will push me further than I'm comfortable with and make me re-evaluate myself all over again and I wait with nervous anticipation for it to begin!
Now for the unexpected parts...
At the end of the Embark challenges, there is an awards ceremony. Held via Zoom that reveals the winner of each of the 12 challenges and the top 3 overall portfolios. I was absolutely floored to be awarded first place in the Composition 101 challenge and 3rd place overall!!!
Below are all of my submissions and the very unexpected fantastic results I achieved. When I look at this, I still can't really believe it!
And now even more unexpected...
Your Unleashed Premium membership gives you one free entry into the Pet Photographer of the Year competition. A prestigious worldwide competition that the world's best pet photographers enter to gain feedback, awards and accreditation. I had never even considered entering before this year, but I had some images that I was proud of, so I took the plunge and entered 4 images.
Despite feeling anxious and having low expectations, especially considering the incredible photographers who entered, I was thrilled when all 4 of my images received awards! My old friend, the winning Composition 101 image from Embark, received a Silver with Distinction award, scoring 86 out of 100 points. This achievement also placed me in the top 100 scoring images out of more than 3600 entries!
I'm absolutely over the moon with my results. I've already started thinking about next year's creations and will be searching Sydney, the Illawarra and Southern Highlands regions for more amazing models in 2025 to help create more award-winning images!
If you'd like to sign your dog up, please fill out the application form here: https://www.furtographer.com.au/wanted
A huge thank you must go to my models and their families. You are a huge part of making these images incredible and a massive credit to you, for loving your dogs, loving photography and being as crazy as me to see the vision!
More thanks to my family. You may not understand the craft behind it, but you are always encouraging, cheering me on, sharing my content and generally keeping my spirits and motivation up.
My nieces Olivia and Ella get a special shout-out. Often coming to help me on shoots. They love dogs and love working with me. They are only 12 and 9, but I love that they are interested in what I do and that they like to tag along to assist me!
Lastly, my friends in photography, Abi, Aubri, Julie and Cassie. We have a sometimes brutal but fun group where we critique each other's images. It's been a massive part of my life this year, there are always questions being asked, images being submitted and congratulations and commiserations to be handed out. In the sometimes lonely world of photography, it's so nice to have these girls with me, no matter where in the world they are, I know they are always there to offer advice, inappropriate memes, encouragement and laughs. Thanks girls!
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