Leena’s Humanitarian Award

• The award is open to 18 years or older amateur and professional photographers.
• Must be a resident of the United States of America.
• Important advocacy to further the Companion Animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship in the previous period (2022 -2023).
• The body of work may be of either journalistic mission or personal artistic imperatives.
• All images must be created by you.

A companion animal is domesticated or domestic-bred animal whose physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home, or in close daily relationship with humans.

Species suitable to be companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, birds, guinea pigs and other small mammals, small reptiles, and fish. Where they may be kept legally and responsibly, domestic-bred farm animals can also be maintained as companions.

Leena’s Humanitarian Award is a new award being presented at the Animal Image Makers Conference to honor animal photographers who are undertaking important projects that can move the needle of public awareness, to drive change and make the world a better place for all  animals.

We would love to include your company’s product as part of this award to honor animal photographer's important advocacy to further the animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship. 

Leena’s Humanitarian Award was created to honor Leena Patenaude, a Galgo Española (Spanish Greyhound) who was rescued in Spain and transported to Chicago IL.  Leena was a very traumatized Galgo due to the abuse she endured as a hunter in Spain.  Her adoptive family worked with her to help her have a normal life as a spoiled dog.  She also inspired her family to start an adoption group for Galgos and as of 2022 they have  transported and adopted over 200 Galgos from Spain.  Leena passed away due to cancer in April of 2015.  Her dad started to learn photography to tell her story and the story of the hunting dogs of Spain.