The Merit Image Challenges
Award-worthy, jaw-dropping images of your dog
A series of 11 dog photography challenge sessions designed to create images that meet the prestigious Professional Photographers of America’s 12 Elements of a Merit Image
Ever looked at your dog and thought, “You’re basically a masterpiece”?
Here’s how it works:
Apply for Your Dog’s Chance - Tell me why your dog is PERFECT for one (or more!) of the challenges.
Participate in a Merit Image Challenge Session - If selected, your dog will star in a creative session tailored for their challenge. Each session is carefully planned to create imagery that aligns with PPA’s merit standards.
Image Reviews by Industry Experts - Your dog’s image will be submitted for professional review by PPA jurors, who will evaluate them based on the 12 Elements of a Merit Image—like Impact, Composition, and Creativity.
Celebrate Your Dog’s Masterpiece - Not only will you have incredible images of your dog, but you'll also have an incredible experience to treasure for a lifetime.
These challenges aren’t just about creating beautiful images—they’re about crafting art.
At the end of the year, the best images will even be submitted to the International Photographic Competition for a chance to earn international recognition.
Whether you’re here for the art, the feedback, or the sheer fun of it all, the Merit Image Challenges is here to make your dog a masterpiece!
11 Dog Photography Challenges
The Merit Image Challenges
Through the Frame - Use a natural or man-made frame to direct attention to your subject. The ideal dog for Through the Frame will have a solid stay command and be comfortable around novel items.
Reflection Perfection - Incorporate a reflection into your image. Pay attention to symmetry, balance, and clarity while ensuring your subject remains the focal point. The ideal dog for Reflection Perfection will have a solid stay command and be comfortable being positioned.
Golden Glow - Capture your subject bathed in golden hour light. Utilize backlighting to create a glowing rim around your subject, and ensure the camera-facing side is evenly illuminated to highlight the warmth of the scene.
Motion Mastery - Create a dynamic action shot. Capture your subject in motion—running, jumping, or playing. The ideal dog for Motion Mastery will be high energy and happy to repeat actions.
A Quiet Moment - Capture a serene, intimate moment that tells a story. Focus on the emotional connection between your subject and their environment or companion, with soft, natural lighting to enhance the mood. The ideal dog (or dogs!) will have a down stay command. Bonus points for a pout or head down behavior.
Unexpected Perspective - Experiment with unusual camera angles to create a fresh and engaging composition. Shoot from above, below, or even through an object to bring a unique perspective to your image.
The Great Outdoors - Feature your subject in a stunning outdoor setting, making the landscape a key supporting element. The ideal dog for The Great Outdoors will love being outdoors, hiking, or other outdoor activities.
The Minimalist - Create an image with minimal distractions, using negative space to emphasize your subject. The ideal dog for The Minimalist will be solid colored or very uniquely marked.
Water Works - Incorporate water as a key element in your image. The ideal dog for Water Works will LOVE water and be happy to play and explore in water.
Urban Edge - Photograph your subject in a cityscape or urban environment. The ideal Urban Edge dog will be comfortable in busy city environments.
Shadow Play - Use light and shadow to create drama and mood in your image.
Every dog has his day.
Your Merit Image Challenge Session Includes:
A Merit Image Challenge Photo Session
Image reveal session to select your favorite photos
Two digital files of your choice
$500 credit toward additional portrait purchases
And, of course, bragging rights - your dog is part of an exclusive group of art-worthy pups!
$790 Session Fee
A $1,290 Value
Scholarship spots are available — because every dog deserves their moment in the spotlight.
“But, my dog would NEVER sit still for photos!”
And other Frequently Asked Questions
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YES!
You're session includes 2 digital images of your choice and additional images may be purchased.
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Want to know a secret?
98% of the dogs you see on my website were wearing a leash!
Leashes help us direct your dog to stand in the right spot and limit their options.
With the magic of photoshop, I can create the off leash artwork you want while keeping your pet safe.
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Yes!
Some challenges would work with multiple dogs, depending on their training levels and willingness to interact with each other. Otherwise, you might find a custom Signature Session is a better fit for your family.