Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities 1st Place Winner, Michael Higginson, UK

Title of image: "The Watchdog"

Dog: Esta, German Shorthaired Pointer

“The photograph was inspired by the bond between my youngest brother Dale and one of my parents’ dogs Esta, who was born when Dale was four years old. When Dale was just 6 years old and again at age 10, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and was left with brain damage and now has problems with balance, memory, growth, epilepsy, learning and much more.

Dale and Esta have always spent considerable time with each other and their bond grows stronger every day. Esta has been his unwavering companion and supported him through his life. Esta still helps Dale when he’s lonely and treats him with great love, loyalty and respect. She never judges him as a disabled 14-year-old boy. To her, he is just her pal. I wanted to capture this special connection for my Dog Photographer of the Year entry so my Mum agreed to meet me on the park with Dale and Esta in an attempt to do just that. After a few hours of crafting shots with Dale and Esta in the park, the sun had started to set. I was already in a good position to make the most of the light and contemplating my next set up when Esta voluntarily sat next to Dale and Dale began to stroke her. I couldn’t have directed them any better myself as Esta looked up to the light, protectively watching the horizon.

Winning the Assistance Dogs category has made it even more special. It’s an honour to be able to show the world what a difference a dog can make to someone’s life.”

Michael Higginson has nominated the dog charity prize of £500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust to be donated to Dogs for Good.
http://www.dogsforgood.org

Website / catsdogphotography.co.uk
Instagram / catsdogphotography

Technical specification
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Aperture: f/2.8, ISO Speed: 125, Focal length: 70-200@70 mm, Exposure program: Manual, Exposure time: 1/500 s, Flash: No

2015cameracategory winnerDog photographerDog photographer of the yearDog photographyDogsphotographywinnerAssistance Dogs and Dog Charities1st PlaceUKGerman Shorthaired Pointerservice dogassistance dogDogs for Gooddog charityThe Kennel Club Charitable Trustdonationprize

Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities, 2nd Place Winner, Diana Andersen, Australia

Title of mage: “Happy to Help”

Dog: Upton, Labrador Retriever

“I am a professional animal photographer specialising in canine events and private shoots. I have also volunteered my services to Assistance Dogs Australia where I met Melanie. This photo is of Melanie and her assistance dog Upton. Melanie lives independently but relies on Upton for many things, not the least of which is the love and companionship that her dog provides. Melanie loved the photo when she saw it and was convinced that it would win a prize. I am thrilled to have won an award but also delighted that Melanie will not be disappointed!”

Website / animalimages.com.au

Technical specification
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, Aperture: f/3.2 ISO Speed: 500, Focal length: 142mm, Exposure program: Aperture priority, Exposure time: 1/2000 S Flash: No

2015cameracategory winnerDog photographerDog photographer of the yearDog photographyDogsphotographywinnerAssistance Dogsservice dogsdog charitiesLabrador RetrieverAustraliaAssistance Dogs AustraliaCanon2nd PlaceAssistance Dogs and Dog Charities

Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities, 3rd Place Winner, Ed Felker, USA

Title of image: “Comfort”

Dog: Finn, 8 years old, Wirehaired Hungarian Vizsla

“People are drawn to Finn. Sometimes even subconsciously, people would veer slightly as they walked toward us, close enough to absently run fingers down his back as they passed, or rest a hand on his head as he stood next to them. Last summer the young son of a friend met Finn out in public and put his hands on the sides of Finn’s head and said quietly, not for me to hear but just for Finn, “I love you, too.” I realized then that this special dog was put here with me to be a therapy dog. So we got certified through Therapy Dogs International, and now Finn brings his calming spirit to those who need his comfort most. He visits hospitals and nursing homes and makes people feel the love I am lucky enough to feel every minute I’m with him. This photo captures one such moment as Finn visits with a woman at a nursing home. He will sit still while she pets him, and give her a friendly reminder of a nudge if she forgets to keep petting.”

Ed is a graphic designer, writer and photographer from Virginia, USA. His favourite subjects are his best friends, Wirehaired Vizsla Finn and Winnie (collectively known as Team Orange).

Website / dispatchesfromthepotomac.com
Instagram / dispatches_potomac

Technical specification
Nikon D7100, Aperture: f/5.6, ISO: 1600, Lens: 38mm (16-85mm lens), Exposure program: Aperture priority, Exposure time: 1/80 sec

2015cameracategory winnerDog photographerDog photographer of the yearDog photographyDogsphotographywinnerAssistance Dogs and Dog CharitiesUSAassistance dogservice doggundogHungarian Wirehaired Vizslateam orangeFinncomfort3rd Place