Challenge number three of Embark, Composition 101 is all about centred compositions.

Centring feels very natural and is probably one of the first things you tried when you picked up your camera. After all, the focus point on your camera by default is usually smack bang in the middle, right?

Once you learn to move the focus points around and expand your compositional repertoire, centred composition may seem overly simplistic. However, it does have its place. Centring can be used to create a sense of calmness, stillness and serenity. It can also work hand in hand with another compositional element, symmetry.

But however far along you are in your photographic journey, centring your composition is still worth considering. Centring can result in beautifully balanced, impactful images that are pleasing to the eye.

We had a fantastic set of submissions for this challenge and we're very excited to reveal here the top 10 images. Huge congratulations on the fantastic work go to our photographers.

Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

We provide video feedback on all images submitted for the challenge, and from there, we select our Top 20 and Top 10. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 images for this challenge!

Ave Paasuke | Coastal Tails

This image has a very calm and serene mood, the composition is centred and balanced, the dog literally balanced! Tone and textures are lovely and the depth created by the wooden beams draw you in.

Camilla Johannessen | Hundefoto.nu

A simple but very well executed portrait, with careful attention to detail and colour harmony. Pose, expression and centred composition are all fantastic.

Dawn McBride | Fuzzy Love Photography

There is so much texture in the foliage to enjoy here, yet it doesn't distract from the dog thanks to the centring and expression holding our attention. The mountain adds a wonderful, symmetrical triangular shape that stabilises the composition further.

Erica Harvey | Erica Lane Photography

Beautiful tonality, wonderful symmetry and the dog's pose and expression really draw you to connect.

Kelly Munce | Heart Dogs

This is an exciting take on this pet photography trend. The treatment and texture really add mood. The centring is well considered using the dog's pose and the hole in the backdrop to create a lovely balance.

Kristy Wallis | Borderfame photography

A fantastic action shot, that is well balanced. The slight lean of this hound is balanced by its tail. Lovely light and fantastic sharpness.

Linda Van Oeffelen-Brosens | Jinterwas photography

This image has so much impact. Like some kind of alien life form staring into your soul! The symmetry and centring are excellent and the blue edges add a strange sense of motion that support the alien-like qualities.

Melissa Rodewald | Instagram

This is so well balanced, beautifully centred, symmetrical and it is also emotive. The dog's pose and expression are gorgeous!

Nancy Taylor | Patched & Ticked Photography

These brown tones are delicious, so rich and inviting! The pose is balanced and well centred through the dogs position. The location is perfect for a dog like this!

Sherry Glassman | Instagram

With the feeling of a high fashion editorial image, this really grabs your attention. The centring is excellent and the symmetry really supports the composition.

Embark is the foundation 6-month interactive challenge-based online dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, focusing on helping you to learn new shooting skills and create more variety in your work.

Want to be the first to hear when Embark opens for enrolment each year? Register your interest here.