Photos of dogs can usually be classified into one of two main categories - portrait, where the dog is still, or action, where the dog is doing something, moving around, often with lots of energy, and at great speed!

But what about the middle ground, the grey area?

What if an image mostly fits into the category of a portrait, but there’s also a suggestion of movement? A step, a paw raise?

Or what if the image can be defined technically as action, but the action is very slow and deliberate, rather than a crazy moment, frozen in time?

We like to call these images “slow action”, and in this challenge, we asked our Emerge challengers to expand on this concept and create their own slow action shot!

Here, in no particular order are our top 10 images, which are absolutely fantastic. Well done to all the 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!

Angela Schneider | Big White Dog Photography

What a striking image that uses balancing elements (the dog and the power poles) really well. The position of the dogs paws, especially the back one, indicate slow movement through this hazy, barren landscape. It's a fantastic narrative and a captivating image.

Carol Wolfram

A collie herding chickens is definitely a new take on the Slow Motion challenge brief, but one that fits it perfectly! The low angle draws the eye in, the sharp focus on the dog, mirroring its focus on the birds. It makes for a dynamic capture and immersive narrative.

Jackie Searies | Photos By Jackie.S

What a sweet paws up moment. The dog sitting on the post and performing a trick in such a beautiful setting is lovely. The rim light so well handled and adds a touch of magic to the image.

Laurie Vermiere | brodys_tale

This is a wonderful image that shows the bond and trust shared between dog and owner. Beautiful atmospheric light adds to the emotive qualities of the subject matter.

Liz Dranow | TimePunk Pet Photography

This is all about the texture, that has been brought our due to the well-handled side light. The sense of motion in the stride and water droplets  is really enjoyable and gives the viewer a lot to explore before the eye rests back on the subjects face.

Monica Radu

What an elegant capture. This dog could be walking the catwalk in any fashion show! The soft blue/grey building provides a subtle complementary colour scheme and the expression of the dog is excellent.

Rebecca Labs

What a great moment and a great slow motion capture of this dog searching in the water. The texture brought out in the dog's fur is lovely and the cinematic crop works well.

Sara (Nell) | oslo_oska_whippet_boys

There's a wonderful richness and saturations int he colours of this image which the direction of light emphasises well. The point in the dogs stride and direction of their gaze is well timed and thought out.

Tania Mackie | Tania Mackie Photography

There's a wonderful subtlety to this image. The colours, light, composition and the subject movement all work in quiet harmony to bring together an excellent Slow Motion submission.

Tracie Dereszynski | Tracie Dereszynski Photography

There's a lovely feel of a late afternoon stroll about this image. The soft treatment of colour works really well and the moment captured with the dogs point of stride really engages the viewer.

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.