Regine Jensen’s winning Action Category image is a masterclass in planning, creativity, and storytelling. Inspired by sighthound elegance and ancient symbolism, she imagined a desert scene filled with motion and grace, then brought it to life in an unexpected Norwegian sandpit. The result? A breathtaking image that took out the Action category in the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards.

This was Regine’s very first year entering competitions! In this interview, she shares the story behind the image, how a Kris Anderson creativity workshop changed her process, and the role her beloved sighthounds have played in shaping her photographic journey. Get ready to be inspired. 

About the winning image

Is there a story behind this winning image you'd like to share?

Yes, this image was inspired after a masterclass I took about creativity with Kris Anderson, which sparked ideas about motion and structure. I imagined a desert-like setting with pyramids and fabric flowing around a sighthound, symbolizing grace and fluidity. Living in Norway, I had to get creative and found a sand excavation site that resembled what I envisioned. After planning, sketching, and experimenting, I captured the perfect shot with the help of a whippet model, the owner and assistant.

What inspired you to capture this moment?

The inspiration came from combining visual elegance with the natural beauty of sighthounds. The fabric, the movement, and the contrast between soft curves and strong lines all came together in my imagination.

What was the most challenging part of creating this photo?

The biggest challenge was finding the right location. Norway doesn’t offer desert landscapes, so I had to find a creative solution. I also struggled with my camera's autofocus when the subject was moving at a distance. These obstacles pushed my creativity and problem-solving skills (lol..a good excuse to buy a new camera, and I did afterward)

Did you know right away that this image was special?

I had a good feeling after we wrapped up the shoot. It felt like everything had come together, from the planning to the final capture, and I thought; “This went pretty well.” But I didn’t expect it to win an award, which made the recognition even more meaningful.

Was this a planned shoot or a spontaneous moment?

It was very much a planned shoot. I sketched out ideas, sourced fabric, scouted locations, doing test shoots, waited for perfect weather, and coordinated with an assistant and model.

If this image had a title or caption, what would it be?

The image is titled Moving in Time, a title that captures the harmony between movement, design, and the timeless elegance of the subject. Inspired by the sighthound’s journey from ancient civilizations, where they were revered companions in Egypt, Greece, and Rome — to the present day, the image reflects both the breed’s enduring grace and its historical significance.

About Regines Process

What's in your camera bag?

In my camera bag, I keep extra batteries, memory cards, and plenty of lens cloths. I also carry filters, a camera strap, an additional lens, poop bags, treats, show leads, wanter and a water bowl for the dogs. I usually pack a bag of nuts or a snack for myself (or the dog owner) too — working on an empty stomach is never a good idea!

How do you prepare for a shoot like this?

Preparation includes brainstorming, sketching compositions, sourcing materials like fabric, location scouting, doing test shots, coordinating people, and waiting for the perfect light and weather.

What techniques or equipment did you use for this particular photo?

I stitched together several images to create a panoramic composition. I also used long, flowing fabric for visual impact and had an assistant helping manage the setup. The assistant stood at one end, holding the dog and the fabric. Just as the dog was released to trot toward its owner, the assistant threw the fabric into the air — all to catch that perfect moment of motion.

Do you have a favorite lens or tool that you rely on?

Yes, my absolute favorite is the 70-200mm f/2.8.

How much post-processing went into this image?

Quite a bit. I stitched multiple shots together to create the panorama and edited out a few "bloopers" to ensure the final image matched the vision. I also had to change the color of the sand to get the Sahara vibe. Also the fabric is out of two images to get the floating curvy structure.

How do you connect with the pets you photograph to bring out their personalities?

I always talk to the owner about the dog’s personality beforehand. I ask questions like: How does the dog react to strangers? Are there any words or sounds that trigger a reaction? Is it more motivated by toys or treats? I always try to work with the dog’s natural way of approaching me. With my own dogs, I know exactly what makes each of them respond. For example, one of them will tilt his head just from hearing the names of people or dogs he loves. Understanding those cues helps me capture authentic expressions.

About Regines journey

How did you get started in pet photography?

It started during the pandemic when I had more time to explore photography. My dogs were always around and naturally became my first models. That’s when the passion really took off.

Have you entered awards or competitions before?

2024 was the first year I entered any photography competitions. It started as a personal challenge with That Tog Awards. I didn’t care much about winning — I just wanted to learn. But things took off when Moving in Time won its category in the Pet Photography Awards, Dog Photography Awards, and the ND Awards. Early in 2025, I submitted it to The Societies of Photographers and was thrilled when it was marked as a Judges’ Choice. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see this image resonate with others and receive recognition. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever create something as impactful again — the bar feels high now! But that’s okay. I’ll let creativity bloom when it’s ready, whether it wins awards or not.

What does winning this award mean to you?

It means the world. It validated my creativity and planning, especially since this was my first major project. It gave me confidence and reminded me to trust the process (The Kris process). Also it has giving me a boost for my photography business.

Who or what has influenced your photographic journey the most?

Without a doubt, Jess McGovern from That Tog Spot. I started following her on YouTube many years ago and eventually joined her membership. Through the community she built, I’ve met photographers from all over the world! Some of whom I now speak with daily. We share ideas, critique each other’s work, and support one another. A few of them have become some of my closest friends. I also have to (once again!) mention Kris Anderson and his masterclass on creativity. His approach taught me to sketch out ideas, create mind maps, and translate what’s in my head onto paper. That’s exactly what led to Moving in Time, and it’s a method I still use today.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to other pet photographers?

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Not with your images or your editing. Don’t let your inner critic win. Don’t compare yourself to “everyone else” or the perfect feeds on Instagram. You are you, and your work is valid just as it is. Instead, focus on being just a little better than you were yesterday. That takes practice! Practice in taking photos (lots of them!) and in spending hours learning how to edit. And above all, be kind to other. Support other photographers, no matter where they are in their journey. You never lose by being kind. Never......

About Regine

Do you have any animals of your own? Tell us a bit about them!

I’ve bred Italian Greyhounds on a small scale, and my heart belongs to sighthounds. Today, I co-own several who live with family, and four live at home with me, each with their own unique personality. Most of them love being in front of the camera, except for my youngest girl. She hates it. No matter how much I’ve tried to desensitize her to the lens, she finds it uncomfortable. She’s rarely part of my projects or photos. The few good images I have of her are thanks to having an assistant on set who brings joy and positivity — allowing the focus to be on something other than me and the “scary” lens. I recently had to say goodbye to my oldest and dearest companion, Phoenix. Looking back, he was the start of it all, and I have him to thank for launching my photography journey. It’s strange, but also beautiful, how everything began with him.

If you could photograph any animal in the world, who (or what!) would it be?

Easy: elephants — especially baby elephants. They’re funny, clumsy, adorable, and vulnerable. Being close enough to observe and photograph them would be a dream come true. I’m also fascinated by insects — the details, the intricacies. And birds, as well as the wild animals we have here in Norway, like moose, bears, and wolves. The list is long.... Another subject that’s close to my heart is the galgos of Spain and the cruelty they face after hunting season. I’ve thought about documenting that from a photojournalistic perspective, but honestly, I’m not sure I’d be strong enough to handle it emotionally.

What’s your favourite part about working with animals?

They give you their authentic selves. Whether it’s the bond between a dog and their owner or the dog alone, there’s no fake smile or makeup to make them look “better.” Yes, we have our tricks to capture the expression an owner recognizes, and we can edit small details. But I never alter the structure or facial expression of a dog in post-processing. I’m very firm about that.

Do you have any fun or memorable behind-the-scenes stories from your shoots?

There’ve been plenty of bloopers, from twisting an ankle mid-shoot to the strange poses I’ve found myself in just to get the shot. Someone once asked if I practiced yoga because of how oddly my arms and legs were positioned! One memorable moment was during the Moving in Time shoot. I had been tracking the weather forecast for days. The location was several hours away, and the forecast finally called for cloudy skies. But when we arrived, it was full sun. Yes, there were clouds, but they never passed in front of the sun from our vantage point. We waited... and waited. I had to keep the dog model, owner, and assistant entertained in the meantime. When we finally saw the clouds move into position, we had to act fast. It was a stressful moment — my camera’s autofocus wasn’t cooperating, and the cloud was drifting quickly. But I managed to get the shot I wanted.

What's next for you and your photography?

This is just the beginning. I’ve started sketching new ideas may turn this into a long-term creative project (but maybe this will be only personal). I’m excited to grow and push my creative boundaries further. Also my photography business have got a kick start, getting clients and doing dog several events.

You can follow Regine on Instagram and Facebook.
See more of her inspirational images on her website