Pet Photography Competition 2026
Pets are part of the family, and we know just how much personality, character and joy they can bring to a photograph. The SWPP Pet Photography Competition celebrates the special bond between people and their animals, together with the creativity and skill involved in capturing unforgettable images of our much-loved companions.
Whether it's a beautifully lit portrait, a playful action shot, a funny moment or an image that perfectly captures your pet's unique personality, we want to see your best work.
From dogs and cats to horses, rabbits and everything in between, this competition is your opportunity to showcase your pet photography and share your images with photographers around the world.
What Are We Looking For?
We're looking for photographs that reveal what makes a pet special. Your image might be a carefully created portrait, a spontaneous moment or a creative interpretation of an animal's personality.
Personality & Character
Capture the individual personality, expressions and character that make your pet unique.
Pet Portraits
Beautifully composed portraits that showcase your subject, whether in the studio or outdoors.
Action & Play
Freeze energetic, playful or unexpected moments that bring your pet's personality to life.
The Human Connection
Show the special relationship and connection between people and their animals.
Fun & Personality
Funny expressions, quirky behaviour and those moments that make us smile.
Creative Ideas
Think creatively and experiment with lighting, composition, perspective and storytelling.
How Can You Make Your Image Stand Out?
A great pet photograph does more than show an animal — it makes the viewer connect with the subject. Think about how your image communicates personality, emotion and story.
Capture Personality
Look for the expressions, poses and behaviours that make your subject instantly recognisable. The strongest images often reveal something about the animal's character.
Think About Light
Consider how light shapes your subject. Beautiful natural light, controlled studio lighting or creative use of shadows can all help create a memorable pet portrait.
Consider Your Composition
Pay attention to backgrounds, framing and perspective. A clean, considered composition can help keep attention exactly where it belongs.
Tell a Story
Think about what your photograph makes the viewer feel. A powerful image can communicate a relationship, a moment, a personality or simply the joy of sharing life with an animal.
Ready to Show Us Your Best Pet Photography?
Entry is just £1 per image, and you can enter as many images as you like. Share the photographs that best capture the personality, character and charm of your favourite animals.
Enter the Competition View All EntriesCompetition Prizes
The top three photographers will receive free Digital Membership of any of our Societies, along with access to a range of valuable benefits.
Overall Winner
One year Free Digital Membership of any of our Societies.
- Entry to membership-only competitions
- Access to the members' photography forum
- Access to the members-only Facebook group
- Listing on our directory
- Qualifications and distinctions through image submission*
- Professional Imagemaker digital magazine for 12 months
2nd Place
Six months Free Digital Membership of any of our Societies.
- Entry to membership-only competitions
- Access to the members' photography forum
- Access to the members-only Facebook group
- Listing on our directory
- Qualifications and distinctions through image submission*
- Professional Imagemaker digital magazine for 6 months
3rd Place
Six months Free Digital Membership of any of our Societies.
- Entry to membership-only competitions
- Access to the members' photography forum
- Access to the members-only Facebook group
- Listing on our directory
- Qualifications and distinctions through image submission*
- Professional Imagemaker digital magazine for 6 months
*Qualifications and distinctions are subject to the relevant Society's requirements.
No cash alternatives will be given.
Previous Winner
See the photograph that took the top prize in the previous competition.
2025 Dog Photography Competition
Take a look at the overall winning image from the 2025 Dog Photography Competition.
View the 2025 WinnerDon't Miss the Deadline
The Pet Photography Competition closes on 30 November 2026.
Competition Rules
- Enter as many images as you like.
- The work must be that of the entrant.
- No entry will be eligible that has been made under the supervision of an instructor or as a class assignment.
- Images submitted must be no larger than 2000 pixels wide.
- All entrants must be able to supply a high-resolution image at 300dpi.
- No distinguishing marks on the images.
- Copyright of the images remains with the photographer. The Societies recognises that the entrant, the author of the photograph, retains complete and full ownership of the copyright in each submission.
- Entries can be used for publicity purposes by The Societies and may be printed in our magazine Professional Imagemaker and used for other promotional purposes.
- Competition closes 30 November 2026.
- The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Celebrate the Animals You Love
Whether you've captured a stunning portrait, a moment of pure joy or an image that perfectly sums up your pet's personality, we'd love to see it.
Enter Now for £1
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