Dogs in Action: Photographers Capture Canines in Motion For Competition

Every year, the Dog Photography Awards® celebrates the captivating world of canines, as captured through the lenses of exceptional photographers. One of the standout categories is “Action.”

Every dog parent knows the challenge of capturing the perfect action shot. From the constant motion to outdoor distractions and the need to be in just the right place at the right time, getting that “wow” photo is no small feat.

We’ve already shared this year’s winners of the Dog Photography Awards 2024 as well as all the Honorable Mentions in the Studio category. Now, it’s time to showcase the incredible photographers who earned Honorable Mentions in the Action category.

Shake It Off!

Gold Dust
“Australian shepherd puppy Jax, playfully jumping around the field as he was searching for a ball, that was hiding in the dry grass. Let’s all stay as curious as this little puppy!”

Violet
Kjara Kocbek says, “The photo was taken in the lavender fields in Slovenia. It shows my dog Ori happily jumping while running towards me.”

Pawesome Spitz!
“This photo shows lovely Sakura running through an avenue of white magnolia,” writes Celine Robel. “We were lucky to get a beautiful sunrise this morning and Sakura enjoyed our Shooting being absolutely energetic and happy. This is what joyful energy looks like!”

Tone in tone
Maren Pieper writes, “A little Bee (it’s the name of the dog) in a great location. Colour-reduced, tone-on-tone and pure joy of life.”

Run, Girl, run
“If it takes too long again…The golden retrievers should actually be posing here for a group picture. But it took a little too long for one of the six and she decided to run off to me,” says Sarah Ewers.

Splash and Dash
“This photo was taken during a charity photoshoot for victims of terrible flooding we had in Slovenia last summer. We did many action shots of dogs jumping in the water and this 11-year old Boston terrier named Bounty stole the show. It is one of my favourite photos I have ever taken,” writes Nika Kuplenk Golobič.

Running through the Streets

Shark Mode Activated
Bulle, the sweetest Bouvier des Flandres, going into Shark Mode for her frisbee

Breeze
Anne-Laurie Léger writes, “Rio is one of my favorite models. He is an awesome working dog and does dog shows with his human. This photo was taken almost a year ago, it was my first time photographing him. I got some amazing action shots. I knew I wanted to shoot more action shots, but that photoshoot really confirmed it. Some running in the water, some frisbee shots, some frisbee freestyle with his human… I was just in love with the photos.”

Running in a Dream

Focus on the important
Lexie is very calm.. until she sees her ball. As soon as she has eyes on the ball, nothing else is important,” says Celine Robel. “Tornado? A buffalo herd? I think she wouldn’t even notice. The beach was the perfect location for her energy. We saw the most beautiful sunset this day and used the light to create beautiful shots like this.”

Blazing Through The Water
Michelle Dawkins writes, “Blaze the Duck Tolling Retriever giving his all as he dashed through the water towards my camera. His intense focus, energy, and love for the water shined like the sparkles from the water drops in this photo when he came to work with me in the Chesapeake Bay. This was my first time ever working with this special and amazing breed and Blaze’s drive and love for the water brought back a part of photography that I was missing for so long.”

Moving in time, 1st place

Burst of energy, 2nd place

Floating, 3rd place

Anne-Laurie Leger writes, “Maze was trotting and I was lucky enough to have the perfect timing for this shot. She’s just floating and her paws touching make it exquisite.”