Join Embark!
em•bark (ɛmˈbɑrk); to commence or engage in a new project, venture
Our 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.
Running now! May 1 - October 31, 2024
Enrolment is closed!
Our 2024 course is currently running.
Spaces for 2025 are limited, so to join the waiting list, please enter your details below.
Feel like you're stuck in a creative rut?
Are you taking the same standard set of shots every time you head out to shoot?
Scrambling for new ideas to make your work interesting and fun for yourself, your dog, or your clients?
Let's flip the script...
Just imagine.
You’re heading out to a photo session, feeling confident, inspired and excited.
Tucked away in your brain is an entire library of possible shot ideas, with a solid knowledge of exactly how to create each type of shot.
You'll instinctively know how to find the perfect spot, how to use the light, how to handle the dog and which exposure and focus settings to use - plus what to do when things don’t go according to plan!
This is the outcome we want for you after completing Unleashed Challenge courses. Never again will you stop in the middle of a session, client waiting expectantly, completely out of ideas and struggling to know what to do next.
We’ve put our many years of dog photography experience into creating these world-first interactive online dog photography challenges. And we'd love to share them with you!
We can give you the key to unlock your creativity and unleash amazing variety in your work!
- Charlotte & Craig 📸 🐶 ✨
"Embark has been phenomenal! If you are wondering if you should enrol, the answer is YES! You'll learn more than you can imagine and have fun doing it."
- Jennifer, USA
Andrea Fleury
I loved Embark! It got me out shooting and trying new things. I loved being part of a group of other photographers who were all working on the same things. The support from Craig and Charlotte was incredible. These challenges really help you spice things up, push you outside your comfort zone and turn you into a much better photographer.
How does it work?
Embark (Timeline mode) is an interactive dog photography course based on completing shooting challenges. The course runs for six months, and includes 12 challenges - a new one every two weeks.
We guide you step-by-step through the creation of each shot!
We provide a full instructional video, behind-the-scenes footage, plenty of real-life examples and stories, a downloadable cheat sheet and daily encouragement and inspiration.
Meet your new friends in the community!
Each year we create a private pop-up Facebook group just for Embarkers! Get support, feedback and inspiration in this friendly and supportive Embark community.
At the end of each two-week challenge, you get feedback!
In a recorded feedback video we provide constructive critique (guaranteed to help you improve) and select the Top 20 and Top 10 images. This has been described by many as the most valuable part of the experience!
Get your work shared!
Get valuable exposure for your website, blog or social media accounts if your submission is selected for the Top 20 or Top 10 - we share on our socials and blog.
Finishing off with final celebration of all your hard work!
At the end of the six month course, we wrap up with the Embark Awards! We assess all the completed image portfolios and choose an overall winner plus second and third place, plus an overall winner of each individual challenge.
Improve your skills and get your photo-mojo back with Embark!
Looking for a more flexible learning experience?
If you'd love to participate in these challenges, but...
⏱️ The timing just isn't right
❄️ The seasons where you live don't make it easy to shoot, following the timeline
😩 You're just way too busy to get all the challenges shot in six months!
🚫 You'd prefer not to participate in any of the interactive components (feedback, Facebook group, awards etc)
Embark Self Paced is available for you to enrol in right now.
Discover Enrolment ModesJacqui Jensen-Roy
Charlotte and Craig have done an incredible job. These challenges will get you out shooting, push you to think hard and try harder, and your photography will improve as a result. You’ll have a whole new set of skills and experiences. The other participants are supportive and the bar is HIGH!
Michelle Crandall
I am part of several pet photography education groups and nothing has gotten me behind the lens like Embark. It is easy to get feedback both from other photographers in the group and Craig and Charlotte. My portfolio has expanded and my skillset has grown more in the past 6 months than in the past 2 years!
We don't just throw themes at you and leave you to your own devices...
We show you how to shoot capture these diverse shot ideas, with instructional videos, cheat sheets and some fun behind-the-scenes videos into our own photo shoots!
Learn exactly how to create these shots...
Let's find some COLOUR!
Learn how to find and incorporate bold colour into your photos, whether it's a natural or a man made location.
Why low is the new high.
Find out why getting down low can completely transform your pet photography, and exactly how to do it properly.
Don't be shy to center!
Discover why centering is such a powerful compositional technique, and when you should (and shouldn't) use it.
A tail of two genres.
Showcase the landscape but make the dog the star of the show - we'll show you exactly how to do it!
Not just a dog on a log.
Learn the many advantages to elevating your subject - it's a handling technique and so much more!
Who can resist these shots?
Discover how to bring the emotion and connection to this classic shot, and how to make those eyes extra captivating!
Head downtown.
Take the stress out of urban shoots by finding the best spots, how to work with the light, plus essential handling tips.
Ready, set, action!
Shooting action isn't just about camera settings - we'll share some crucial secrets to getting amazing action shots.
Expression is king!
Inject some personality into your work by learning to elicit expression and create connection.
Warm up to this technique.
Ever wondered how to capture those incredible, warm, glowing backlit shots? We share all the secrets!
Wanted: water babies!
Splashy water play shots exude joy and fun, and we share how to capture them safely and sharply!
It's time to par-tay!
The ultimate action challenge to test your newfound action photography skills, this one brings the fun and games.
When you've completed Embark you'll be able to...
Find the right angle to shoot from to make your subject the HERO!
Find the best spot to shoot from in a challenging natural or man-made environment
Confidently position your subject in the frame for excellent composition
Connect with your subject for amazing EXPRESSION
Use handling techniques to encourage the dog to stay put!
Capture sharp, expressive ACTION shots!
Shoot confidently with backlight
Capture fun, expressive and sharp candid action!
"Embark is a brilliantly creative and fun way to upskill the beauty of pet photography and learn new techniques from the best in the business. Charlotte and Craig are supportive, encouraging and convey their insights and knowledge to be successful in really clear and easy to follow ways."
- Yamile, USA
Embark Modes
We offer two different modes of completion to suit your lifestyle.
Timeline Mode
$497 USD
Education + Maximum Motivation
NEW Self Paced Mode
$297 USD Special Introductory Price
Education + Full Flexibility
* Members discount. If you are an Unleashed Education Premium Member we have emailed you with the discount code, but if you need us to send this again please get in touch.
** Private Portfolio Review. Add this on when you enrol to get a 1 hour online review call with Charlotte or Craig to get feedback on your completed Embark portfolio after the course ends. Save $50 by adding on when you enrol, or decide and pay later. Availability is limited!
Enrolment is closed - please join the waiting list
If you'd like to be notified when the course is open for enrolment, please enter your details below.
Have questions?
The Unleashed Education team is here to guide you!
If you have any questions about Embark, simply reach out and ask!
Get in touch and let us know more about your current situation, skills and experience, so we can recommend the best Unleashed Challenges solution to suit you.
We look forward to helping you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you probably have a lot of questions about exactly how Embark works, so we’ve put together some answers for you. If your query isn't answered here, please get in touch.
Requirements and Suitability
What level photographer is Embark suited to?
What camera equipment do I need?
What editing software do I need?
I don’t run a pet photography business, is this course still suitable for me?
Can I use my own dog or dogs for the Embark challenges?
Participation in Timeline Mode
Can I enrol in Embark Timeline mode after it's started?
How much time will each individual challenge require?
Once the course starts, can I see all 12 individual challenges straight away?
Do I have to submit my challenge images on schedule?
Can I submit images taken before the challenge start date?
Do I get anything special if I complete Embark in the 6 month time frame?
Is there an overall “winner” of Embark, and what prizes are on offer?
Do I have to join the Facebook group? And what does "popup" group mean?
Do I get feedback on my submitted images?
What happens if I can't keep up with the challenge deadlines?
If I miss out on Timeline mode, will there be future opportunities to enrol?
Do I get access to the course content after it finishes?
Can I complete Embark on the Timeline more than once?
Self Paced Mode
How long do I have to complete the course in Self Paced mode?
Can I get feedback on my submitted images?
Can I switch from Self Paced to Timeline mode?
How do I get my completion certificate?
Premium Membership
Is Embark included in the Premium Membership?
Do I need to be an Unleashed Education Premium Member to enrol in Embark?
"I’ve learned so much from participating in Embark and have experimented with my photography more than I ever have before. The challenges have really helped me think more about how I approach each session in order to achieve variety throughout. Charlotte and Craig are always encouraging and constructive with feedback and the Facebook Members group is such a happy place to be. Thank you so much for a fantastic experience."
- Sarah, UK