“A Life-Changing Event” © Michael Zoghzoghi / Comedy Pets
The winners of the 2023 Comedy Pet Photo Awards have been announced. Photographer Michel Zoghzoghi has emerged victorious, claiming the top prize for his photo of his two rescue kittens, Max and Alex. Zoghzoghi, a professional wildlife photographer from Beirut, Lebanon, who has captured captivating images of numerous large wild cats throughout his career, managed to capture a deceptive moment of a sneak attack in progress in his award-winning image. Despite their playful nature, Max and Alex appear rather wild in the photograph. Zoghzoghi shares his experience, stating, “Max and Alex form an incredibly cute and mischievous duo. The process of photographing these two characters has been the most enjoyable and surprising experience, even surpassing my most adventurous wildlife trips. As a wildlife photographer, I never envisioned submitting photos to a pet competition until I discovered Comedy Pets. The competition exudes wit, fun, and hilarious photos. Winning this award fills me with immense joy and pride, especially considering the remarkable caliber of the other finalists, some of whom had me laughing till tears. Pets are an essential part of our families, deserving celebration.”
As the overall winner, Zoghzoghi has received a £500 cash prize, a new camera bag from ThinkTank, and a custom trophy. Additionally, Zoghzoghi triumphed in the competition’s “Cat” category.
People’s Choice Award
In addition to the overall winner, the 2023 Comedy Pet Photo Awards also bestowed a People’s Choice Award. Voters selected British photographer Chris Porsz’s image titled “Barking.” Porsz not only secured the People’s Choice Award but also emerged victorious in the “Dog” category. Porsz recounts the story behind the winning photograph, stating, “Being an amateur street photographer has taken me on countless miles of walking, and yet, this photograph remains my best and favorite. Interestingly, I almost missed capturing this shot. However, by some stroke of luck, as the owner tossed the ball, I instinctively raised my camera and snapped away. The dog’s gaze fixed upon its owner, and then it launched itself mid-air, executing an impressive flip to catch the ball. Out of the five images taken, this particular shot had the perfect blend of magic and sharpness. I’m tremendously privileged to receive this esteemed award among so many other magnificent photographs. My heartfelt thanks go to the judges and all those who voted for the People’s Choice.”
All Other Creatures
Dayra Zelentsova emerged as the winner in the “All Other Creatures” category, capturing an endearing moment with her cherished ferret, Boudicca, in her photo titled “The First Outdoor Walk.” Darya expresses her delight, stating, “I’m ecstatic to witness my lovely Boudicca among the winners. Ferrets rarely receive recognition in major international photo contests, so it’s rewarding to promote them as amazing pets and models. They are intelligent, cheerful, social little creatures with captivating personalities and boundless cuteness. When you have a ferret, laughter genuinely becomes an everyday occurrence! Additionally, I’m thrilled to represent the US as the first Ukrainian participant in this marvelous photo contest. The world certainly needs more joyful and peaceful moments, and amusing pet photographs radiate positive vibes, kindness, and love.”
Pets Who Look Most Like Their Owners
“The Three Greys” © Klaus-Peter Selzer / Comedy Pets
“Is It a Seal or a Dog” © Monyque Macedo Dos Santos / Comedy Pets
Highly Commended
While these photographers did not secure victory in their respective categories, they received commendation from the judges for their exceptional entries in this year’s competition. Among the recognized entries is the mind-bending and adorable image of two cats bonking heads, captured by Kenichi Morinaga, last year’s contest winner.
“Keep Your Eye on the Ball” © Gill Woodcock / Comedy Pets
“Zorro Reborn” © Karl Goldhamer / Comedy Pets
“Victory” © Kazutoshi Ono / Comedy Pets
“When Digging Gets Serious” © Sophie Boynton / Comedy Pets
“Football Free Kick” © Kenichi Morinaga / Comedy Pets
“The Big Boss” © Kenichi Morinaga / Comedy Pets
Tom Sullam, co-founder of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “This competition may still be young, but within a few short years, we have received some incredibly uplifting, life-affirming, and hilarious images of pets from around the world! We are thrilled to share these moments with all of you. Pets have played an instrumental role during the time of COVID, and being able to laugh wholeheartedly with these lovable creatures is the essence of why this competition exists!”
To view more incredible entries from this year’s competition, visit PetaPixel’s previous coverage of the 25 finalists and the Comedy Pet Photo Awards website.
Image credits: All images courtesy of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards, individual photographers credited in the captions.