This week we're diving into the very first challenge in our intermediate Unleashed Challenges course Emerge – Framed!

Framing is a powerful and unmistakable way to draw the viewer’s eye directly to your subject. It also opens the door to adding interest to your shot – think colour, texture, and a sense of place or story. From natural surroundings to urban elements, doorways to foliage, the ways you can frame a subject are practically endless.

We were seriously impressed by the submissions from our challengers in this very first challenge – what a way to kick off Emerge!

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!

Abi Bradbury | Abi B Photography

This image has immediate impact. Not only does the frame work beautifully from both detail and tonal viewpoints, but that POSE! The double curve creates a sinuous S-bend that immediately captures the viewer's imagination. Awesome work!

 Angela Schneider | Big White Dog Photography 

Such a fantastic location for this challenge, the dog is not only perfectly framed but the centred composition and leading lines all draw attention to the subject in a clear and bold way. The black and white treatment gives the image a moody feel, well done!

Carol Mudra | Apawture Studios

Choosing a wide angle for this dog and location was a bold and clever move to really accentuate the size of the monument and the long-legged, gangly appearance of this dog! Tonnes of expression and beautifully lit, great work.

Carol Wolfram 

The well-crafted tonal range of this image is secondary only to the framing effect of the wheel. The perfect marriage of subject and background! The centered composition tops it off and gives the image a stable, peaceful feel.

Clarice Olayvar | R Olayvar Photography

The sweetness and curiosity of this little kitty is showcased perfectly in the blue frame, with a gorgeous soft background also picking up the tones present in the rest of the image. Despite being off-centre, the image balances so nicely. Well done!

Gaetane Marchand | Gaétane Lf Photographie

Using an instantly recognisable landmark in this way for this challenge was a genius move. Beautiful light and colour scheme. The pug's pearl necklace is very French and completes the look perfectly.

Jo Lyons | Jo Lyons Photography

Our first impression of this image was the well-crafted fine-art feel that it has, due to the limited colour palette and oodles of texture in both the subject, props and background. The dog is perfectly framed and the centered composition gives the image classic appeal.

Rachel McCready | Furtographer

So very clever – what a great interpretation of the brief! We especially loved the dog's pose in the mirror, and the yellow background of the reflection really draws the eye. Technically and artistically fantastic!

Tania Mackie | Tania Mackie Photography

The dog's wet ears and the scene elements really help to craft this story. There are multiple levels and devices used in the framing that add complexity, tell the tale of the location and frame the subject beautifully.

Tanya Honkanen | Dog Letters From NY

It's a very literal interpretation of the brief, but the result has so much presence and impact! We loved the ample negative space around the subject, which works to focus the viewers attention on the subject inside the frame.

Emerge is the intermediate 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, focusing on helping you to expand your shooting shot list and learn valuable new skills.

Emerge is open to students who have previous completed the first course in the series, Embark.

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