Striking dog portraits by Tianhang Zhang and Jane Thomson showcased for dog photography awards 2026.

Katie Brockman Wins Top Honors at Dog Photography Awards 2026 Among 1,900 Global Entries

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-01

The Dog Photography Awards 2026 has crowned its champions, spotlighting stunning canine imagery from around the world. Emerging victorious, Katie Brockman from the United States clinched the prestigious Dog Photographer of the Year title with her striking portrait of a pit bull.

Highlights from the Event

With participation from 50 countries, the contest attracted a remarkable 1,900 entries. The grand prize for the winner was a substantial 2,500 Euros ($2,800). Entrants vied for top honors in categories such as Portrait, Action, Studio, Dogs & People, Documentary, and Open.

For those who appreciate visual storytelling, Mariano Peccinetti’s Surreal Collages can inspire with its blend of vintage photography and cosmic landscapes.

Portrait of a pit bull capturing diverse emotions evoked by bully breeds.
Dog Photographer of the Year and the winner of the Studio category. This detailed portrait conveys the complicated feelings toward pit bulls and bully breeds; while some people vilify them, others adore them. | Photo by Katie Brockman / Dog Photographer of the Year

According to the organizers, the awards aim to “celebrate the artistry of top dog photographers, uncover emerging talents, and showcase the extraordinary diversity and charm of dogs.”

Dog captures intense gaze in a winning portrait by Elena Marchi.
First place in the Portrait category. ‘Beyond the Track.’ | Photo by Elena Marchi / Dog Photographer of the Year

For more information about the dog photo contest, visit the Photography Awards website.

Hunting-themed dog portrait by Susan Lang wins second place.
Second place in the Portrait category. ‘The Hunter Becomes the Hunted’ | Photo by Susan Lang / Dog Photographer of the Year
Playful dog exuding personality in a creative portrait photo by Kairi Laiapea.
Third place in the Portrait category. ‘It’s Her World’ | Photo by Kairi Laiapea / Dog Photographer of the Year
Dynamic image of a running dog capturing motion and energy.
First place in the Open category. ‘Run.’ | Photo by Elena Marchi / Dog Photographer of the Year
Captivating action shot of a dog losing control, by Callie Soden.
Second place in the Open category. ‘Losing Control.’ | Photo by Callie Soden / Dog Photographer of the Year
Dog swimming, with movement beautifully frozen in time, by Tianhang Zhang.
Third place in the Open category. ‘Swimming.’ | Photo by Tianhang Zhang / Dog Photographer of the Year
Poignant image of a dog patiently waiting, conveying solitude.
First place in the Documentary category. ‘Waiting.’ | Photo by Tianhang Zhang / Dog Photographer of the Year
Dog perched triumphantly on a rocky peak, feeling on top of the world.
Second place in the Documentary category. ‘On top of the World.’ | Photo by Katie Gyltnes / Dog Photographer of the Year
Two dogs resting together alone, embodying togetherness.
Third place in the Documentary category. ‘Alone together.’ | Photo by Katie Gyltnes / Dog Photographer of the Year
Heartwarming close portrait of a dog with its owner by Sarah Ebner.
First place in the Dogs and People category. ‘Close.’ | Photo by Sarah Ebner / Dog Photographer of the Year
Cozy moment captured between a girl and her dog, 'Nika and Cherry.
Second place in the Dogs and People category. ‘Nika and Cherry.’ | Photo by Eco Lorka / Dog Photographer of the Year
Emotional photo highlighting the deep bond between a person and their dog.
Third place in the Dogs and People category. ‘The Weight of Connection.’ | Photo by Santos Roman / Dog Photographer of the Year
Dog launching gracefully into snow with vibrant energy.
First place in the Action category. ‘Winter Launch.’ | Photo by Nika Kuplenk Golobic / Dog Photographer of the Year
Action shot showcasing a dog's impressive balance mid-motion.
Second place in the Action category. ‘Mission Balance.’ | Photo by Gavriella Leon / Dog Photographer of the Year
Dog leaps into the air capturing a weightless moment.
Third place in the Action category. ‘Weightless.’ | Photo by Linda Glomb / Dog Photographer of the Year
Studio shot of a dog with head surrounded by fluffy clouds.
Second place in the Studio category. ‘Head in the Clouds’ | Photo by Jill Garrett / Dog Photographer of the Year
Young puppy experiencing life's changes in a studio photo.
Third place in the Studio category. ‘This is Growing Up’ | Photo by Belinda Richards / Dog Photographer of the Year

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

Who won the Dog Photography Awards 2026?

Katie Brockman from the United States won the prestigious Dog Photographer of the Year title at the Dog Photography Awards 2026.

How many countries participated in the competition?

The contest had participation from 50 countries.

What was the grand prize for the winner?

The grand prize for the winner was a substantial 2,500 Euros ($2,800).