These 35 Pet Photos Prove the Best Moments Are Simple and Unfiltered

In a world obsessed with filters, presets, and perfectly staged everything, these pet photos hit different. They don’t try too hard. They don’t pose. They just are. And that’s exactly why they work. Pulled from the Pets in Nature Photography Contest by 35AWARDS, these 35 images remind us that the most powerful moments usually happen when nobody’s trying to impress anyone.

Picture this: a dog mid-sprint through tall green grass, ears flying like flags of freedom. A cat soaking up golden-hour light on a mossy rock, eyes half-closed, totally unbothered. A horse standing still in the fog, strong and calm, like it owns the whole landscape. These photos don’t scream for attention—they pull you in. Shot by photographers from all around the world, they celebrate pets doing what they do best: living in the moment.

The magic here is in the simplicity. Natural light. Soft bokeh. Deep greens. Wild colors that come straight from nature, not a heavy edit. You’ll see dogs, cats, sheep, and horses blending into forests, fields, and open land like they belong there—because they do. The photographers behind these shots understood one thing: you don’t need tricks when the story is already real.

Founded in 2015 by the creators of the professional photography community 35photo.pro, 35AWARDS has become a global stage for raw, honest photography. And this contest proves that when pets meet nature, something quietly beautiful happens. No drama. No overthinking. Just pure, unfiltered joy—captured at exactly the right second.

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#1. "Wild heart in the sand" by Lucie Nermuťová

#2. "Guess on fly" by Alessandro Grandoni

#3. "Photo" by Elke Braet

#4. "Photo" by Izabela Lyson

#5. "Dogs at the spa" by Alessia Monaco

Let the Environment Do the Heavy Lifting

• Scout locations early and look for open shade, tall grass, or textured backgrounds
• Use nature as a frame—trees, hills, paths, or fences add depth
• Keep backgrounds simple so your pet doesn’t get lost in the scene
• Shoot during golden hour for warm light and softer shadows
• Let weather work for you—fog, clouds, or wind add mood fast

#6. "Photo" by Karin Bruhin

#7. "The King of the World" by Daniela Schmid

#8. "Photo" by Anne Geier

#9. "Photo" by Fleur Scholte

#10. "Photo" by Audrey Bellot

Choose Gear That Keeps You Fast and Flexible

• Use a zoom or mid-telephoto lens to give pets space to act natural
• Stick with wide apertures (f/2.8–f/4) for creamy bokeh
• Set a fast shutter speed to freeze sudden movement
• Keep your setup light so you can move quickly
• Ditch the tripod—handheld shooting keeps things spontaneous

#11. "Serious" by Krul Alexander

"Sometimes, while out on a photo hunt, you come across characters like these. It’s cold, cloudy, and gloomy, and then suddenly there he is – all expressive, brutal, and stern. You definitely won’t pass him by without taking a photo!"

#12. "Photo" by Yulia Boldinova

#13. "Photo" by Lenne Renders

#14. "Photo" by Natalia Orel

#15. "Przewalski’s wild horses" by Biryukova Tatyana

Focus on Natural Poses, Not Commands

• Let pets sit, stand, or lie down naturally—don’t force it
• Shoot at eye level to create an emotional connection
• Wait for relaxed body language and calm expressions
• Capture pauses between actions—those moments hit hardest
• Embrace imperfections like tilted heads or messy fur

#16. "Photo" by Krisztián Csalami

#17. "Ray of light" by Fleur Scholte

#18. "Photo" by Zubkova Yulia

#19. "Photo" by Izabela Lyson

#20. "Photo" by Oleg Sukhenko

Chase Action, Not Perfection

• Photograph pets while they run, jump, or explore freely
• Use burst mode to catch split-second magic
• Follow the motion instead of trying to control it
• Expect misses—great action shots come after many failures
• Let pets lead the moment; react, don’t direct

#21. "Nemesi the wood elf" by Alessia Monaco

#22. "Saluki" by Tatiana Kaufman

#23. "Photo" by Ekaterina Kireeva

#24. "Photo" by Dina Damotseva

#25. "Photo" by Tatiana Frolova

Compose With Intention, Not Rules

• Use the rule of thirds, then break it when it feels right
• Leave negative space to show scale and freedom
• Layer foreground, subject, and background for depth
• Try wide shots to tell a bigger environmental story
• Look for leading lines that guide the viewer to your pet

#26. "Photo" by Yana Narbutovich

#27. "Photo" by Barbora Holinková

#28. "Photo" by Dorota Hnatová

#29. "Photo" by Tamara Dmitrieva

#30. "Run" by Denise Strauch

Lead With Love and Respect for Pets

• Never stress or overwork an animal for a photo
• Take breaks and let pets rest when they need it
• Bring treats, water, and patience—always
• Build trust before you lift the camera
• Remember: their comfort matters more than any shot

#31. "Lucky" by Alessandro Magaro

#32. "Photo" by Tamara Lebón Sánchez

#33. "Photo" by Natalia Orel

#34. "Horse" by Helena

#35. "Lagotto Romagnolo 3.5 months" by Matyukhina Natalia

In Summary

What is this article about?

• It showcases 35 top-winning images from the Pets in Nature Photography Contest by 35AWARDS, focusing on natural, unposed pet moments.

Who organized the photography contest?

• The contest was organized by 35AWARDS, an international photography award platform founded in 2015.

What types of animals are featured in the photos?

• Dogs, cats, sheep, horses, and other pets photographed in natural outdoor environments.

Why are these photos special?

• They highlight simple, unfiltered moments using natural light, real emotions, and scenic landscapes—no heavy staging or editing.

Where were the photos taken?

• The images come from photographers across the globe, capturing pets in diverse natural settings worldwide.

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