Award-Winning Pet Photographer

At Happy Paws Photography, my best “award” is the joy you have when I deliver the images from our pet photography session! To challenge myself and improve my craft, I invest time and energy in entering photography competitions. I do this to push myself and learn how to improve my techniques. 

It’s truly an honor to have my work recognized by professional pet photography organizations. These awards celebrate not just technical skills, but heart, humor, and personality behind every image. 

Friends and family know that I don’t love bragging about myself, but maybe you would find this interesting to check out!

Pet Photography Award and Recognition

The International Pet Photography Awards 

The International Pet Photography Awards are judged by a panel of five experts who score images on visual impact, technical excellence, emotional response, originality, and creativity. With thousands of entries worldwide, each award level is increasingly challenging to achieve, making recognition at any level a true honor.

Featured 2025 Images 

Image Title: “The Gossip” – Guinea Pigs Portrait

  • Judge feedback highlights: Fun, well-lit, unique character captured.

  • Behind the photo: Taken outdoors (not in a studio), which made capturing this “chatty” moment especially challenging and rewarding. The timing of this portrait was also bittersweet because one of the guinea pigs passed away the very next month. It’s a reminder of how fleeting our time with our pets can be, and why it’s so meaningful to treasure these moments while we can.

Image Title: “Winter Stroll” – Dog in the Snow

  • Judge feedback highlights: Strong use of color, atmosphere, and snow details.

  • Behind the photo: A serene winter portrait where timing and lighting brought out the dog’s vibrant coat. As a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, June seemed completely in her element! Once she discovered the snow, she couldn’t stop begging to go outside.

Image Title: “The Catch” – Dog with Treat

  • Judge feedback highlights: Excellent focus, detail, and energy.

  • Behind the photo: Created with a green-gelled speedlight on a grey backdrop — a technically advanced lighting technique. It was taken in honor of St. Pawtrick’s Day and featured sustainable treats from Chippin, adding a playful and eco-friendly twist to a classic action portrait.

Image Title: “Snow Day Joy” – Dog in Falling Snow

  • Judge feedback highlights: Joyful, playful, perfect focus, great depth of field.

  • Behind the photo: Caught mid-play, snowflakes and all, with irresistible energy. It was taken during a snowstorm when I ended up snowed in at the dog’s family home for four days. Luckily, they were close friends, which meant not only extra bonding time but also plenty of chances to capture joyful, once-in-a-lifetime moments like this one.

Featured 2024 Images

Image Title: “Lake Day Retriever” – June at Lake Accotink

  • Judge feedback highlights: Natural integration into the environment, authentic colors, strong framing.

  • Behind the photo: This portrait of June, at just six months old, was taken at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, VA. Taken with June, in June, at 6 months old. She’s my favorite model. (YUP! The same dog from the snowtos in the 2025 awards.) I'm basically her uncle. This was at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, VA

Image Title: “Wanna Play?” – Shelter Dog Portrait

  • Judge feedback highlights: Strong eye contact, engaging expression, excellent lighting.

  • Behind the photo: This portrait features Dune, a shelter pup from PG County Animal Shelter. I was able to replace his intake image with this portrait, helping him to have a fresh chance to connect with adopters.

Image Title: “Kiwi’s Smile” – Fundraiser Portrait

  • Judge feedback highlights: Joyful expression, narrative clarity, strong client connection.

  • Behind the photo: Captured at a fundraising event for Vindicated Pitbull Rescue at Mustang Sally’s in Chantilly, VA (now Bunnyman Brewing). Kiwi’s new mom fell in love with this photo. Proof of the power of a happy smile.

Image Title: “Ball’s in Play” – Cymber at Bon Air Rose Garden

  • Judge feedback highlights: Great timing, expressive action shot, harmonious color palette.

  • Behind the photo: Cymber, an energetic dog, was photographed during a maternity session at the Bon Air Rose Garden in Arlington, VA. Just two weeks later, she welcomed nine puppies!

Image Title: “Golden Hour Duo” – Brittany & Charlie

  • Judge feedback highlights: Strong posing, pleasing rim light, joyful expressions.

  • Behind the photo: Taken in Old Town Alexandria near the waterfront, this portrait was created for a business announcement. Charlie, the sweet senior pup pictured, stole the spotlight with his gentle, happy demeanor.

Image Title: “Backyard Joy” – Baby June Running

  • Judge feedback highlights: Balanced composition, lively expression, natural setting.

  • Behind the photo: Captured at just 10 weeks old, this early portrait of June shows her boundless puppy energy in her Alexandria backyard. June again! This was back when she was only 10 weeks old; she was the happiest little pup, just in her backyard in Alexandria, VA. I freakin' love her!

Award-Winning Pet Photographer in the DMV


While awards are an honor, what matters most to us is creating meaningful portraits for you and your pet. If you’re ready to work with an award-winning DMV pet photographer, contact me today!