The bond shared between a pet and their owner is really special. It brings out strong feelings and makes memories that last a long time. When taking pictures of this special bond, it's important to capture the real emotions.

Challenge number 3 of Empower is called Connections. In this challenge we wanted to see images showcasing those relationships in a natural way.

We were blown away with the variety in the submissions, the storytelling and emotional content was wonderful.

Well done to our top 10, this set of images beautifully showcase life with our pets beside us.

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 Rose | Angie Rose Photography

This is a classic style beach walk shot done really beautifully. The dog and owner have a gorgeous gaze between them and the soft twilight adds some extra emotion.

Aubri Poon | Aubri Poon Photography

What a unique way to tell a story many dog owners will be familiar with! The light and colour palette give this triptych a great mood and the final image is delightful!

Beatrix Szekelyi

Gorgeous moment, and the shapes created by their bodies are heart-like, which emphasises the bond they share.

Carol Mudra | Apawture Studios

This is bold, colourful and fun, showing tons of personality and connection.

Connie Passejna

This has a light, airy feel that suits the gentle connection between these two in a way that feels true to their relationship.

Jackie Searies | Photos By Jackie.S

This is such a calm, serene and genuine moment that you can't help get drawn in and feel yourself relax. Time of day and the soft light play an important part of that, but the expressions really nail it.

Liz Dranow | TimePunk Pet Photography

Are they duetting or is this dog telling his human to be quiet? Who knows, but this is a great documentary style storyteller and the connection between these is fabulous, however you interpret what's happening!

Melissa Mattingly | Duke Dog Photography

Candid images like this show genuine connection and, like this one, often a dash of humour. Shot beautifully, the light and low angle draw you in to this wonderful moment.

Rebecca Labs

Lovely posing, which helps give a strong, balanced composition. There is a great expression on both the horse and the human. The love she has for this horse is obvious.

Tracie Dereszynski | Tracie Dereszynski Photography

A super sweet moment with the dog and the owner looking into each other's eyes. The over-the-shoulder view gives the image an intimate feeling and the colour palette is excellent.

Empower is the advanced 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, investing you with the power to refine your creativity and explore new horizons in dog photography.

Empower is open to students who have previously completed the first and second courses in the series, Embark and Emerge.

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