“It’s a huge honor,” she said. “There are some insanely talented photographers who participate.”

The photo, a close-up color shot of her red Doberman, Mojo, is featured in this month’s issue of AKC Family Dog magazine, along with the other winners.

Animals can be tricky subjects, but Spencer, who also shoots dogs and their owners via her studio Lumos PhoDOGgraphy, says its less about the pose and more about getting the personality to shine through.

“It’s a whole lot of waiting and knowing what they’re after,” she said.

To view Spencer’s work, visit lumosphodography.zenfolio.com.