Man’s best friend comes out on top

After months of ‘pawsturing’ and a final round of ‘appaws’, the results from this year’s Dog Photographer of the Year awards are in.

As a sponsor of the event for a third consecutive year, it’s been a pleasure seeing what ‘man’s best friend’, and their owner, had to offer in the biggest and best competition yet.

Now to the stars of the show…


The winner is… ‘A Girl’s Best Friend’ by Maria Davison Ramos

It’s with great pleasure we congratulate Maria Davison Ramos on her winning image, ‘A Girl’s Best Friend’, that scooped the ‘Overall Winner and Man’s Best Friend 1st Place’ prize.

Dog Photographer of the Year

The beautiful shot features ‘Yzma’, Maria’s friends’ cross breed rescue dog, perched comfortably under the table and looking up past the camera lens.

The winning image was captured on a Nikon D7100 and was chosen from thousands of entries from across the globe.

Technical specifications of the shot:

  • Camera: Nikon D7100
  • Aperture: f/ 1.8, ISO
  • Speed: 3200
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Exposure program: Manual
  • Exposure Time: 1/125
  • Flash: No flash

Looking back on the winning shot, Maria said: “For me, capturing real and candid moments is what photography is all about. This is one of those moments. My friend had just adopted Yzma and while we were chatting in the kitchen I was taking some photographs. The location and the light were far from perfect, but I ended taking one of the photos I’m most proud of.”

The Dog Photographer of the Year

Our very own Graham Brough was on hand to congratulate Maria on her fantastic win. And from everyone at Loxley Colour, Maria, congratulations once again.

In taking the top award, Maria, and Yzma, receives a superb haul of prizes, including:

  • Her image printed on the popular Loxley Colour Art Panel
  • A business account courtesy of our friends at SmugMug
  • A mentorship day with renowned dog photographer Andy Biggar
  • An original oil painting of their winning image by Sara Abbott
  • Her very own winning rosette along with certificate
  • Finally, the winning image exhibited at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in Mayfair, London
Maria Davison Ramos
Maria in action on another shoot with ‘Branquinha’.

View more of Maria’s work on her website here >


Who doesn’t love an underdog?

With so many canine competitors battling it out for the top prize across several different categories, we look back at the best of the competition this year.

With nine further categories all up for grabs, there’s no shortage of images featuring lovable pooches to capture your heart.

Categories included:

  • Dogs at Play
  • Dogs at Work
  • Dog Portrait
  • Assistance Dogs
  • Rescue Dogs
  • I Love Dogs Because… (ages 12 to 17)
  • Young Pup Photographer (11 years and under)
  • Oldies
  • Puppies
  • Special Mentions

With two of the categories for charitable awards, winners of the ‘Assistance Dogs’ and ‘Rescue Dogs’ groups each received £500 to go to their dog charity of choice.

This year’s competition saw 30 lucky winners pick up a variety of incredible prizes, including products from yours truly.

Every winner and runner-up also received their very own Art Panel from Loxley Colour featuring the print of their image. They also receive a certificate, rosette and a trophy from The Kennel Club.

View all the categories on The Kennel Club website >


Roll on 2018

We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition after a ‘pawsitively’ fantastic field of entrants in 2017.

Dog Photographer of the Year Awards

Could your trusty canine companion be next in the starlight?

Register your interest by providing your email to The Kennel Club via their website and be the first to receive all the latest news and updates about next year’s competition.

Register your interest today >


And with that, the Dog Photographer of the Year Awards is over for another year.

We’re already counting down the days until next year’s competition.

In the meantime, view the adorable gallery of pooches from this year’s competition on The Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year website.