Animal Study Accreditation

I thought I had all the PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada) Accreditations I wanted, but then they went and added the Animal Study Class, so of course I had to add it to my collection. I’m pleased to announce that my submission was successful, with an overall score of Very Good, so I now have my thirteenth PPOC Accreditation!

The Animal Study Accreditation required me to submit 5 photos of each of 2 animals, showing a wide variety in poses, locations, and lighting conditions. I was fortunate to have had so many beautiful pets to choose from - the hardest part was choosing which two to use. Going back through my catalogue really drove home for me how many amazing clients I have, so many of whom have trusted me to capture their most precious pet memories not just once, but on multiple occasions!

It was important to me that I use client work, and not my own pets, which would have kind of felt like cheating (though not actually against the rules).

The dogs I featured for this accreditation submission were Zürich, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and Ruger, the Rottweiler. Each of them has had 3 sessions, during puppyhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It’s amazing to see the difference in large breed dogs, especially, as they grow throughout the first year or 2.

Here is the Class Description:

83  Animal Study:

Submit two series of five (5) images of two (2) different animals (five per animal).
Animal study requires the photographer to illustrate the character and uniqueness of an animal and should make use of a variety of environments relating to the animal (ie: dog indoors portrait, on a walk, doing a sport, photo showing the bond between dog and owner, etc.).  Variety must be shown in viewpoints, cropping, settings, and propping (people or other animals may be used in a group setting but must be considered as props and secondary to the main subject).

The press release for my Animal Study Accreditation from Professional Photographers of Canada.