Charlee Helms was a tireless advocate for purebred dogs, and an enthusiastic supporter of National Purebred Dog Day. Her patience with people getting “into” dogs was apparent on the Facebook page she started, “Learning to Show Dogs,” but her kindness was revealed in all her interactions. Charlee was an avid reader, and in her honor, the Charlee Helms Memorial “Scenes From a Book” Challenge returns for a second year. Your challenge is to recreate a famous scene from a well known book using one or more purebred dogs as the character. This will be a lot of fun to plan, and we know our judges enjoy this one, too. Charlee would have been the first to start thinking about how to cast her beloved Dachshunds.
We are grateful to the AKC for sponsoring this challenge with a prize that was right up Charlee’s alley: The New Complete Dog Book, a celebration of every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. This 22nd edition is completely updated and includes over 800 photographs. With over two million copies sold, the New Complete Dog Book is the most successful dog book ever published.
And now for the pesky small print you need to read (or your photo could be disqualified from consideration if it doesn’t meet the dreaded rules):
- This contest is open only to US residents;
- No photoshopping! Our judges, David Frei, and Westminster Kennel Club photographer, Jack Grassa, must see what you actually shoot with your camera;
- One photo submission per person per contest challenge;
- The submitted photo must be taken for this contest. Old photographs won’t be considered;
- Your photo must include a purebred dog;
- Your sign must also include one of the following:
The “I ❤Purebred Dogs” sign
The “Happy National Purebred D❤g Day sign
The “I ❤My Purebred Dog” sign
- You can download and print these signs from the files linked below, or you can make your own sign. You may also substitute the sign with an official NPDD t-shirt, tote bag, bandana, hat, or bumper sticker, all of which are available here.
- Do not photoshop the “I ❤Purebred Dogs, “Happy National Purebred D❤g Day” or “I ❤My Purebred Dog” on top of your image. The signs or NPDD gear must be part of the photo shoot;
- Many people may help you take your picture, but the prize goes to the person submitting the winning photograph. Judges decisions are final;
- A photo submission implies consent that it may be shared on NPDD’s various social media platforms, and by the AKC for promotional use;
- When submitting your photo on Facebook, you must indicate the name of the photo challenge you are entering, which in this case is the “Scenes from a Book” Photo Challenge;
- This contest happens on May 1. A full explanation of how to submit your photo, where and when can be found here.
- Download the “I ❤Purebred Dogs” sign here;
- Download the “Happy National Purebred D❤g Day” here;
- Download the “I ❤My Purebred Dog” sign here;
- Most importantly, be sure that you and your dog model have fun!
Photo Contest 2018