Award-Winning Photos by Ellen Zangla Photography
From Beloved Pets to Wildlife—and Everything in Between
Award-winning pet photography and other work
Each year, I submit select photos to professional photography competitions at the state, national, and international levels. These images have been recognized for both technical excellence and emotional impact. I’ve even had the honor of representing Team USA in the World Photographic Cup.
Much of the work featured here comes from my pet photography sessions, but you’ll also see wildlife, landscapes, and other photographic genres that inspire me. Click through each section below to see my award-winning work or jump to a gallery of my highlights.
2025
2025 has been a great year so far. One of my photos—three bear cubs with their mother—was one of just 30 selected (from thousands entered) to represent Team USA in the World Photographic Cup. That same photo earned a Gold Medal at PPA’s International Photographic Competition. And I received three additional Bronze Medals for other photos. I also was honored with Best in Show at the International Society of Animal Photographers Image Competition.
You can see all my award-winning pet photography and other work below.
I achieved some big professional milestones during these years. I earned my Master of Animal Imagery degree through Animal Image Makers. I also earned my Imaging Excellence Award from PPA—something only a tiny percentage of photographers achieve.
I was awarded two Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals at IPC. And I received multiple Photographer of the Year honors from my state photography association, including Pet Photographer of the Year.
Take a look below to see my award-winning pet photography and other images that received honors during these years.
2015-2019
Even though I’ve been a professional pet photographer since 2009, I didn’t start entering image competitions until 2015. It’s a little nerve-wracking—especially when you see the caliber of other photographers’ work. But after that first year, I was hooked!
Highlights: One Silver Medal and two Bronze Medals at IPC. I also earned my Master of Photography degree and became a Certified Professional Photographer—both credentials through PPA.
You can see all my award-winning pet photography and other work from these years below.
