Gorgeous dashing Dachshund photo takes first prize in Dogs Photography Competition

Photographer Emma Pope from West Sussex has not only taken the top spot in The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers' prestigious Dogs Photography Competition with a beautiful image of her Dachshund Levi, titled 'Ebony Elegance', but also third place with her photograph of the collie Bodhie jumping for joy.

Emma says: “Wow! I can’t believe this! Thank you so so much!

"During the second half of 2023, I really wanted to learn and grasp studio photography. Using my own Dachshunds and a very basic single light set up in my living room I practiced hard throughout August and September.

"The dog in the image (Levi) is smooth and very very glossy! Not only that…he is mainly black, which we all know black-coated dogs can be tricky."

Colin Jones The Society of Photographers CEO said: "Congratulations to Emma on winning the Dog Competition. The winning image is a beautiful picture of Levi which has been handled well, showcasing the dog’s personality. Well done Emma."

Emma's winning photograph was shot on a Sony A7R III - FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM.

Second place

Second prize went to Belinda Richards FSWPP from Victoria, Australia. Belinda is a photographic artist specialising in pets and digital manipulation.

Third place

Third prize went to Emma Pope again

"Bodhie the lovely collie belongs to a good friend of mine. While on an autumnal dog walk in the woodland we came across the perfectly placed log. Everything just matched up in perfect harmony. The light, the colours and Bodhie’s coat," says Emma.

Highly commended

Here are some of the images that were highly commended in the competition.