The final judge has now been announced for this year's Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year competition ahead of the entry deadline on 30th March 2016.
Clare Grafik, Head of Exhibitions at the world renowned Photographers' Gallery, will join fellow guest judges, Martin Keene (Press Association) and Samantha Clark (Farlap dog photography), in choosing a winner from each of the eight categories: Dogs at Play, Portrait, Dogs at Work, Puppies, Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities, Man's Best Friend, the under 18s category I Love Dogs Because…, and new category, Oldies.
Completing this year's judging panel will be competition sponsor SmugMug representative, Alistair Jolly and Kennel Club representatives Chief Executive, Rosemary Smart, Chairman, Simon Luxmoore and his wife Pauline Luxmoore-Ball.
Speaking of her appointment to the judging panel, Clare said: "The history of the dog is inextricably tied to the history of mankind; however photographs of animals can sometimes be the most challenging thing to get right. The non-human sitter is often little interested in holding a pose or in taking instructions. But what presents a challenge can also be a great advantage, animals - in this case dogs - in photography can offer a welcome and important reminder of our own fallibility, generosity and ability to relate outside of ourselves."
For more details or to enter the Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year competition, please visit www.dogphotographeroftheyear.org.uk. The deadline to enter is 5pm (UK time) on 30th March 2016.
This year's competition is sponsored by photo-sharing and image hosting service SmugMug.