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!

Belinda Heyne | Bold Horizon Photo

Great location, used in all the right ways to both frame and centre the subject. The low angle gives an epic feel that matches the architecture, while taking us into this dog's world.

Breanna Weber | Breanna Rae Photography & Design

An asymmetrical pose is well balanced in this image, with the visual weight feeling well distributed, supported by symmetry in the location. Great handling of blacks in the dog's coat and lovely fresh greens!

Caryn Glover | Katiepal Photography

Such an endearing expression! This pup is perfectly positioned centrally in the scene, with the railings both framing the subject and providing effective leading lines. Great work on the fur colours too.

Courtney Bryson | CM Bryson Photography

Fantastic use of the location elements to cleverly centre and frame the subject. An engaging expression with eye contact draws the viewer in to the gorgeous pup.

Emma Coulter | Rustie and Co

A visually striking image created in this unusual location where the asymmetry is offset by the strong leading lines. An engaging expression and pose keep the viewer in the centre of the image.

Katie Pierce | @katiebatie13

Great use of a shallow depth of field and wide angle of view to draw attention to the subject. The foliage on the edges softly frames the scene and draws the viewer back to the centre and to the perfectly positioned centred subject. Nice work!.

Michelle Osborne | The Spotted Tongue Photography

The subject is perfectly centered in an unusual but fantastic location. The joy and animation on this dog's face, along with the handling of the tones in their coat, are the icing on the cake.

Sam Rowe | Sam Coral Photography

Aside from the visual magnificence of this image, the technicals have been well handled to balance light sources and colours and highlight the subject in the scene perfectly. Everything has come together in a perfectly centered composition that not only nails the brief, but feels epic and masterful!

Sara Waldon | Love 'em Furever Photography

What a striking point of view of this stunning dog, as we stare directly into that captivating gaze given even more weight by the perfectly centered composition. The reflection adds the finishing touch!

Valerie Bavegems | @valerie_rusty_luka

The orange against the dark green highlight the subject well, which is also perfectly positioned between the bright railings which also form leading lines. There's lots to love about this image!

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.