We've made it to the final challenge of Emerge, Shake!

Shaking off water is a distinctly animal thing to do, and also a behaviour that can look super cool when captured in a photo. Water droplets flying, drool strings extending from flapping lips, ears askew and rolling eyes - capturing a dog mid-shake is the ultimate in freezing a moment in time.

Our top 10 images for this 12th Emerge challenge are incredible, so congratulations to all our photographers.

We'll be back in a few days to show you all the overall winners of Emerge 2025! Until then, enjoy these fabulous shots.

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!

Abi Bradbury | Abi B Photography

What a bold shake image with heaps of impact. The pinwheel shape of the fur and splashes pulls you in to the centre, where the viewer is rewarded with those sharp eyes. 

Clarice Olayvar | R Olayvar Photograph

What a fun moment with a fantastic expression. The hint of motion blur in the lip makes this image more interesting and the soft colour gradient in the background is simple and pleasing to the eye.

Jill Blathwayt

Bright, contrasty light gives this a punchiness that makes this image feel fun. The subtle lines in the sand lead you up to the subject. The moment and water have been frozen in time with a fast shutter speed.

Laurie Vermiere | brodys_tale

The diagonal line acts as a leading line and adds interest to this image, with the softness of the water and the hardness of the pebbles. The shake moment is great and really commands attention.

Liz Dranow | TimePunk Pet Photography

What a moment! The light is gorgeous and the bokeh surrounding the sharp face really draws you in.

Polona Železnikar

The slow shutter speed technique used to capture the streaks of water has been expertly used in this image, retaining one sharp eye at the central pivot of motion and rendering the ears and neck of the dog into blur, giving it the look of a lion's mane.

Sara (Nell) | oslo_oska_whippet_boys

The rim light around that dark muzzle really draws you to the subject. Then it directs you to the negative space filled with all those splashes.

Szekelyi Beatrix | beatrix7607

This image is all about the direction of light. Coming from behind, it defines the shape of the subject beautifully and it emphasises all those sparkly droplets.

Tehya Hunter | Collie Tales Pet Photography

What fantastic timing for a humorous, engaging expression, and the tail end (pun intended) of the shake makes for a quirky, gangly appearance of the subject that adds to the fun!

Yvonne Jansen | BlissfulTails

The 's' curve of water here adds a really dynamic feel to this image, with the dog at the centre of that shape and the force creating it.

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 previously 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.