AOP Photographers Awards 2012

This year I entered the AOP (Association Of Photographer's) Photographers Awards.

It's quite a big deal in the UK advertising world to win these Awards so I was thrilled when I heard two of my images were shortlisted and made it through to the second round of judging. Extra thrilled because it was 2 out of the 3 images I entered (and not a series either).

Because it was 2 images I was convinced one would make it through to win. Sadly neither did and I have been extremely disappointed.

Still, I have been told it is an achievement to make it through to the 2nd round so I wanted to share that accomplishment.

Below are the two images that went through.

The cockerel is part of a chicken/ cockerel series I have been working on which I will hopefully be sharing very soon. The rest of the series is still in retouching but I am very excited about it......

AOP British Spirit Exhibition

One of my Bulldog images made it into a curated AOP (Association Of Photographer's) exhibition. The theme is of course 'British Spirit'.

Check out the full exhibition here: http://home.the-aop.org/current-online-exhibition

Prints are for sale.

Here's Cookie....

Born ready!

Butler may only be 7 weeks old but he was BORN READY!

Madge, the grand Diamond Jubilee Queen......

Madge is getting a little hot under the tutu in anticipation of the Jubilee this weekend. Will someone please straighten up her crown?!!

Little Queenie Coco all dressed up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend

This is Coco, all ready and regally prepared for the events of next weekend......

Henry is ready for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee....

......are you?

Excited about my Jubilee dog project....

I have just finished shooting a special dog Diamond Jubilee series.....below is my test shot (and the teaser)....of course it's Ella..... The series will follow, I shall post an image every day in the run up to the Jubilee so keep checking back.....OR you can follow me on twitter.....@alexgracephoto

New Dog book......

Ella on Things Around The House

Today is my friend, Andrew's 30th birthday. Andrew is a special kind of boy and he currently has an obsession with Maddie The Coonhound.

Maddie The Coonhound is a very special kind of dog, Maddie's owner is a photographer who takes photographs of her standing on things, it is quite extraordinary and you really should check it out: http://maddieonthings.com/

...... So Andrew can't stop papping on about Maddie The Coonhound and how amazing she is. Since Andrew and I live together (along with my dog Ella), I decided to embark on a special project for his 30th birthday. Andrew is also a photographer and a collector of books/ prints.....

Inspired by Maddie, I created my own project called "Ella On Things", all shot in our flat and Andrew received a series of prints entitled as such.

Here they are.......


Ella on the cabinet:


Ella on the table:
Ella on the kitchen side:

Ella on the hatch:

Ella on the hallway cabinet:



Ella in the kitchen sink:
Ella on the toilet #1:

Ella on the toilet #2:

FINAL (23rd & 24th) Advent Dog Of The Day's

So I missed the Christmas eve deadline.....very very sorry.

Once again I was traveling and then I got caught up in my own Christmas shenanigans!

Anyway, here we are....better late than never I suppose, the final 2 Christmas Dog's Of The Day are Tigi and Reggie......I'm kind of sad it is over for this year but ce la vie.

Which day was your favourite?

20th, 21st and 22nd DOTD (Dog Of The Day)

Ok, I've been slacking on DOTD but I am in Mexico on holiday - well semi on holiday, the last week has been more like work. Looking forward to unveiling the latest project but for now......Dog's Of The Day's are..... there are only 3 more days of the Advent calendar left....i'd love to know who your favourites were/ are.....

December 18th and 19th....

.....I missed a day again but here are Dogs Of The Day for the 18th and 19th December. Jeremy and Sadie.....

December 16th and 17th

I missed yesterday as I was traveling but here are December 16th, "Merry fucking Christmas" from Purdy, the mini schnauzer and for December 17th, we have Ben. Ben lives in Bolton and is my Aunty Kath's dog. He was actually named after my late Grandad as he rescued him......

December the 15th - It's Ace

Ace was the youngest dog i had the pleasure of photographing.....only a few months old.....i'm amazed i got this (but not really because i always get something!). he seriously could not sit still, apparently me petting him wasn't helping - once i got over his cuteness we were down to business and here is the result......

14th Decmber Dog Of The Day - Ella is a reindeer

I love love love this shot of Ella.....Ella is a great model, she just sits there and is pretty unfazed by anything - in fact, she seems to enjoy being dressed up!

December the 13th - ELLA!!!

Ok, here she is......this is my little one.....the lovely Ella.....I am in Mexico at the moment and missing my little bundle of joy, the special december the 13th dog of the day....

12th December....The Great Dane

10th and 11th December Dog's Of The Day.....

Running a little late the past couple of days as instead of blogging i have been drinking pina colada's around a pool in Mexico and soaking up the sun......

Anyway, better late than never, here are Daisy and Juno, Dogs for the 10th and 11th December...I will try to stay away from the cocktails and continue to reveal my advent dogs over the rest of the month (maybe)....

Dec 8th...

......iiiiiiiiiit's Rudi.....!