Studio portraiture has always been a popular way to capture our furry companions.

A safe, controlled environment allows photographers to shape the light, simplify the scene, and create portraits that focus on the individual, celebrating their unique look and capturing their personality.

Our new Studio category is designed to recognise specialist studio photographers, and our judges will be rewarding masterful lighting, creative posing, expression, and a high level of polish. Attention to detail matters in this category, along with technical control.

Only images captured in a studio or indoors under controlled lighting are accepted. All pet species are welcome, including multiple species in the one image.

Images created in the studio may be entered in other categories if they’re a better fit, or if the photographer intends to be considered as a specific category finalist or winner. For example, unique species (like reptiles) may sit more naturally in Open, or if the photographer’s overall aim is to be recognised as a specialist Feline photographer, that category would be more suitable. Heavily crafted storytelling composites, even if elements have been shot in studio, are often more suited to Creative.

One key rule that applies to studio photography is if the backdrop includes recognisable imagery, it must be the photographer’s own work. Purchased digital or physical backdrops with recognisable elements aren’t permitted. 

We’re excited to celebrate the immense skill of pet studio photographers in this category.

Here are some examples of the kinds of images you'd expect to be entered into this category:

© Ainoa Juan Sancho

© Carolyn Bray

© Travis Patenaude

© Lisa Francescon

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