The winner of our ultimate dog photo contest is Stephanie Milanowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan and her pup, Wally!
Wally (aka The Next Colonel Sanders) is a two-year-old mini Goldendoodle who is goofy, loveable, and “will let you fall asleep hugging him,” says Stephanie. When offered a costume, Wally immediately goes into acting mode.
Per Stephanie, “his cooperation and dedication to the art of acting are admirable! He's incredibly patient when getting dressed or sitting still. He just loves it and jumps right into character, even when he's seated next to a bucket of delicious, crispy fried chicken and a refreshing glass of lemonade!”
Wally's goatee and his expression reminded Stephanie and her husband, Joe, of Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. So she stitched a little white suit coat for Wally with a string tie and lapel pin, topped with 1970's eyeglass frames. From there, Wally jumped right into character!
Congratulations Stephanie, Wally, and family on your winning photo!
The pups are ready for their close-up! We’re pet parents who believe in the healing power of dog photos in our camera roll and their ability to boost our moods. That’s why Vet Naturals is thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever Ultimate Dog Photo Contest where contestants can flaunt their funniest and most outrageous dog photos of their furry friends for a chance to win $1,000, plus a three month supply of Vet Naturals products!
We’re looking for amusing, meme-worthy photos of your dog. The photo can include crazy eyes, doggy smiles, costumes, props, or funky outfits – you name it! As long as it’s hilarious and sparks joy, it’s eligible.
Either snap a new photo or send us an existing funny photo from your camera roll!
Don’t own a dog? No problem. You can still enter the contest with a photo you took with a family member’s or friend’s dog.
Additionally, applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply.
To enter the contest, contestants MUST FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW to the entry form where you’ll be asked to upload your photo. The page also requests your name and email address, so that we can notify the winner, once one has been selected.
Any contestants who do not complete the entry form by following the below link will not have an official entry into the contest.
For contestants who have a Facebook or Instagram account, please share your dog photo with us either on the Vet Naturals Facebook page or post your photo as an Instagram post, tagging the Vet Naturals Instagram within your post. Spread the word to your social media friends and family about the contest and your entry, so that they can witness your dog’s hysterical photo as well!
The deadline for contest submissions is Friday, April 9, 2021. Contestants will need to submit their dog photos via the below link by that date in order to be considered. After this date, no further entries to the contest will be permitted.
The winner will be announced on Friday April 23, 2021. The winner will receive a $1,000 payment as well as a three month supply of Vet Naturals Hemp & Hips products.
Hemp & Hips provides joint nourishment to help rebuild, support, and maintain healthy joints – even as our dog’s age. This natural relief also makes sure our dog’s joints are protected, keeping them healthy, flexible, and lubricated, while naturally reducing those aches and discomforts.
The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows:
Every dog’s face tells a story. And it’s nearing that time of year when you might want to capture that face—to feature it on your holiday cards. Or maybe you want to gift someone some pet photography! Here are five tips to help you score the best photos of your dog.
If you truly want to capture your dog’s essence, consider the location for your shoot. Does your dog love to romp in the stream? Or perhaps it’s a constant game of fetch. Maybe he’s a fan of sticks. Answering these types of questions can help you choose the right spot for your shoot.
If your dog is older, home may be the best bet. You can photograph him while he is going about his daily activities, such as resting on the couch, playing with a favorite toy, or doing other activities he enjoys. This will also help you capture his unique personality.
Consider Natural Light
Photographing your dog is much the same as with humans. Natural light can give you a better (and easier) outcome than when using flash. (Forget red eyes.)
“The best times for outdoor lighting are in the morning before Noon, which will give a cooler feel to the portrait, and late afternoon to evening which will give a warmer feel,” says professional photographer, Christy Frazier. “Avoid using early afternoon sunlight as it can be harsh and unflattering.”
If you must use a flash: Note that some dogs may find this uncomfortable. Place a piece of wax paper in front of the flash to diffuse the light.
Get the Right Angle
The most common mistake people make is taking a photograph using a downward angle—it can often distort the image and leave you with an impersonal portrait. Instead, get down on your dog’s level, and view the world from his perspective. The next time your dog is laying on a blanket, for example, take the photo with the camera closer to the ground so you can capture the way his chin rests on his paws.
Get Your Dog’s Attention
Not all dogs are going to sit perfectly and look right at you. You may need to use some treats or noises to get your pup’s ears to perk up. Noises from squeaky toys, whistling or even talking can help make a dog look at you. Just be careful that it isn’t a noise that will make your dog get up and run towards you, unless this is what you want. Treats are helpful if you need your dog to look up at you or off to the side. Dogs react to treats differently, so use what you know works best for your dog to get him to react the way you want.
Sometimes just letting your dog be himself is all you really need. Candid shots will show more of your dog’s personality, and tell the stories you remember.
Come Well Equipped
Digital cameras are highly recommended when taking photographs of your dog. They offer the freedom of multiple back-to-back shots (and even burst mode), and you can check everything instantly.
You may want to consider a tripod or something stable to set your camera on. This will help prevent camera shake as well as keep the angle you intend for your shots.