This is an innovative new category we have added to celebrate the skills and expertise of working pet portrait photographers.

Rather than rewarding one standout hero shot, this category recognises the photographer’s ability to deliver a complete body of work that demonstrates creative and technical skill, while capturing personality and expression.

Because this format is very different to single image entries, we’ve included additional entry guidance that is specific to this category. Please read the details below carefully.

A 10-image Commissioned Portfolio entry counts as one entry in the competition. A maximum of two Commissioned Portfolio entries are allowed per entrant each year. RAW or source files for every image in the portfolio will be required at the time of entry.

Images in the portfolio may be of any style, but must be from a single session that was paid for by a client. The session must not feature the photographer’s own pets, and must not be a model call or unpaid session. The vetting team may request documentation (such as an invoice or contract) to confirm the session was commissioned.

The session must feature a pet or pets from the same household. If multiple pets were included, images featuring each pet individually are allowed. Images featuring the pets with their owners are permitted. If no group images are submitted in a multi-pet session, the vetting team may request proof that the pets are from the same household.

Judges will be presented with the full set of images, with the ability to assess each image individually in more detail. Individual scores will not be provided for each image within the portfolio.

The portfolio will also be assessed both according to the usual judging criteria and as a complete body of work, including editing consistency, variety, storytelling, and overall cohesiveness in style. The 10-image portfolio should reflect the high standard of work clients expect from working photographers.

The entry will be scored using the same scale and award levels as a single entry, with the final score an average of three judges’ scores. Finalists in this category will be the top five highest scoring portfolios.

Commissioned Portfolio provides a direct link between competition work and the real-world experience of working photographers. We are excited to celebrate the standard of client work being created around the world through this new category.

An example of a 10-image commissioned portfolio (courtesy of Craig Turner-Bullock) that you'd expect to be entered into this category:

Please note: this montage is for illustrative purposes only, and is not representative of the layout of images required for submission. Images will be submitted individually and viewed one at a time by judges.

For the full listing of categories and rules, please see Entry Information.