Katie Brockman, Winner, Creative (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Katie Brockman)
From adorable cats and dogs to majestic horses, the International Pet Photography Awards captures all types of animals that provide us joy as pets. In its sixth edition, the photo contest drew in 3,621 entries from 41 countries. For the first time, a special equine category honored photographers who specialize in this sub-genre of pet photography.
Dogs were the most photographed animals submitted—followed by horses and cats. But plenty of other pets, from ferrets and pigs to mice and parrots, were also immortalized by the competition’s photographers. Dutch photographer Janneke De Graaf was named International Pet Photographer of the Year for her portfolio of images that capture her favorite subject—Basenji dogs.
As the proud owner of four Basenjis, De Graaf’s pets have become her muses, which shines through in her extraordinary portraits that capture their personality. Another photographer who often photographs her own animals is Katie Brockman, who won the creative category with a fun image of her former foster kittens.
“They are brother and sister, and I wanted an image that showed both of their personalities—Ed was a spicy and cranky boy, while Cleo was super mischievous and loved harassing her siblings.” she shares. “This image is part of a series I’ve been working on with “painted” kittens, to show off cats’ unique markings and personalities.”
Sabrina Einig won the inaugural equine category for her dynamic shot of Friso, a 7-year-old Friesian stallion. While Einig usually sticks to portraits, she took advantage of a moment to capture Friso in action and, in the process, was able to document his strong, gentle demeanor.
The entries, which were judged by an all-star panel of experts that includes My Modern Met Academy’s Belinda Richards, offer a heartwarming look at the world of pet photography. Scroll down for a look at the winners and our favorite finalists, as well as a video slideshow of all 100 finalists.
The 2024 International Pet Photography Awards has announced its winners.
Dutch photographer Janneke De Graaf won the top prize for her strong portfolio of images featuring her beloved Basenjis.
Janneke De Graaf, International Pet Photographer of the Year 2024 (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Janneke De Graaf)
Janneke De Graaf, International Pet Photographer of the Year 2024 (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Janneke De Graaf)
For the first time, there is a special category recognizing equine photography.
Sabrina Einig, Winner, Equine (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Sabrina Einig)
Emma Steel, Finalist, Equine (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Emma Steel)
Lina Kronholm, Finalist, Equine (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Lina Kronholm)
The winners and finalists were selected from over 3,600 entries.
Regine Jensen, Winner, Action (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Regine Jensen)
Kerry Martin, Winner, Pets & People (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Kerry Martin)
Rebecca Williams, Documentary, Portrait (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Rebecca Williams)
Anna Failner, Winner, Portrait (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Anna Failner)
Chohee Courtois, Finalist, Pets & People (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Chohee Courtois)
Lenka Silhova, Finalist, Pets & People (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Lenka Silhova)
Emma Pope, Finalist, Portrait (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Emma Pope)
Jaydene Chapman, Finalist, Action (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Jaydene Chapman)
Heidi Adler, Finalist, Portrait (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Heidi Adler)
Celine Robel, Finalist, Action (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Celine Robel)
Mattia Gorno, Finalist, Creative (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Mattia Gorno)
Immie Keizer, Finalist, Documentary (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Immie Keizer)
Padraig Maguire, Finalist, Creative (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Padraig Maguire)
Rebecca Kostka, Finalist, Documentary (Photo: © Copyright 2024 Rebecca Kostka)