I Completed the Unleashed Embark 6-Month Challenge!

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially completed the Unleashed Education – Embark – 6-Month Challenge Course! Over 12 themed challenges, this program pushed me creatively, technically, and mentally. It asked me to experiment, to refine, to problem-solve—and most importantly, to see dogs (and photography) in new and meaningful ways.

I’m proud to have finished with:✅ 5 Top Ten awards✅ 5 Top Twenty awards!

Each challenge pushed me to photograph with intention. I approached new environments, compositions, and lighting styles; I played with action, water, cityscapes, landscapes—and sometimes all at once. I also learned to accept critique, make adjustments, and resubmit my work, helping me grow with every image.

This journey would not have been possible without the help of many generous friends, patient canine models, and an encouraging community. Want to learn more? Visit: Unleashed Pet Photography Education

Below is a look back at the incredible challenges that shaped the experience.

The 12 Challenges

01 — Colouriffic

A bold entrance!I sought out strong, vibrant color as a backdrop—whether one solid hue or multiple shades that harmonized beautifully—to keep the dog as the focal point.

02 — Get Down

Probably the most knee-bruising challenge of them all.Shooting from the ground—literally—gave me an intimate perspective and highlighted my subject’s full body against the earth.

03 — Composition 101

A masterclass in simplicity.The primary goal was a perfectly centered subject. The exercise taught me how balance, symmetry, and framing can change everything.

04 — Dogscapes

Show the dog, but showcase the place.Combining landscape photography with canine portraiture helped me express story through environment while keeping my pup front-and-center.

05 — Up Ups

All paws up!This playful challenge asked for elevation—front paws or all four—capturing personality and engagement on stairs, stumps, benches, and beyond.

06 — Soul Searcher

One of my favorites.A high-angle perspective created a sweet, heartfelt connection. Eyes sharp, face bright, background calm—it was all about an emotional gaze.

07 — City Slicker

Into the city we went.I incorporated man-made elements that added texture and storytelling—while ensuring the dog still stole the spotlight.

08 — Front Runner

ACTION!!A fast, forward-driving shot with no motion blur, even lighting, and eye contact. Timing mattered—especially catching the perfect stride.

09 — Say What?

That irresistible head tilt.This challenge was all personality—expression, connection, and perfectly sharp eyes.

10 — Glow-Up

Backlighting at golden hour = magic.A rim of glowing light paired with soft, directional brightness on the face taught me how to balance subtle technical details for dramatic effect.

11 — Splash!

Bring on the water!Running, swimming, jumping, drinking—anything wet counted. Sharply capturing the water droplets was the ultimate test.

12 — Party Time

The final hurrah!A lively action challenge with toys, playmates, or the photographer. Frozen motion, engaged expression, and joy at full volume.

What I Learned

The challenges were diverse, but a few lessons carried through all twelve:

✨ Intent matters.Every shot benefits from a plan—light, emotion, composition, and environment working together.

✨ Critique helps you grow.Revisiting and re-editing images based on feedback improved not only those photos but all my work moving forward.

✨ Community is everything.Friends loaned me dogs, came up with ideas, helped wrangle pups, offered encouragement, and shared so many laughs with me along the way.

✨ Dogs make the best collaborators.Their joy and authenticity inspired me every single day.

Recognition

I’m incredibly proud to have earned:

🏅 Five Top Ten Awards🏅 Five Top Twenty Awards

Seeing my work recognized alongside so many talented pet photographers from around the world was both humbling and energizing.

Gratitude

A huge thank-you to everyone who helped throughout this challenge—especially the humans who volunteered their time and the dogs who worked their tails off.

I could not have completed this journey without your help, encouragement, time, ideas, laughter, support, and—of course—your wonderful dogs.

What’s Next?

I’ll be using what I learned to continue creating intentional, story-driven dog photography—whether for personal projects, competition, or client sessions. I am excited to see how these new skills shape my work moving forward.

Stay tuned—there’s more to come! 🐾And to all my wonderful models: snacks are on me.