Behind the Lens with Lucie Nermutova: Capturing the Soul of Dogs

The photo, titled Sandstorm Spirit, captures a dog standing against a dramatic sandstorm, symbolizing resilience, freedom, and grace. It was inspired by the idea of inner strength in the face of chaos. Winning this award feels incredibly validating—it reminds me that emotion and storytelling still hold power in photography. It motivates me to keep creating from the heart.

I choose images that evoke strong emotions and have a clear artistic vision. For competitions, I look for photos that tell a story, have technical excellence, and reflect my unique style. It’s important that the image speaks for itself and leaves a lasting impression.

It was my dog. I wanted to capture our moments together, but soon I realized I was drawn to the artistic side of photography. It became a way to express emotions and stories that words couldn’t capture.

Fine art dog photography is my favorite. I love it because it combines emotion, beauty, and storytelling. Dogs have such expressive souls, and capturing that in an artistic way feels incredibly fulfilling.

I use a Nikon Z8 camera and 135mm f/1.8 lens. This setup gives me incredible sharpness and dreamy background separation—perfect for highlighting the dog while keeping the scene soft and artistic. My favorite feature is the eye autofocus, which works beautifully even with animals.

I want them to feel a deep emotional connection—to sense the soul of the dog and the story behind the moment. If my photo moves someone, even for a second, I’ve done my job.

The wind and sand were intense during the shoot, making it hard to keep the dog focused and the equipment safe. Timing was everything—I had just a few seconds when the light, pose, and atmosphere aligned perfectly.

The wind and sand were intense during the shoot, making it hard to keep the dog focused and the equipment safe. Timing was everything—I had just a few seconds when the light, pose, and atmosphere aligned perfectly.

Nature and animals are my biggest influences—they teach me patience, presence, and emotional honesty. Artistically, I’m inspired more by painters and classical art than photographers. But the most personal influence was my father. I started taking photos when he was diagnosed with cancer.

We often talked about photography, and he was excited to see my first big success. Sadly, he passed away last summer before that moment came. This award is also for him.

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” If your work comes from the heart, it deserves to be seen. Awards like the MUSE Photography Awards are not just about winning—they’re about growth, connection, and being brave enough to share your vision. Stay true to your style, and focus on emotion and storytelling. That’s what makes an image unforgettable.

Follow your curiosity, not trends. Practice often, be patient with yourself, and photograph what truly moves you. That’s where your unique voice will start to emerge—and that’s what the world needs.

Editing is a key part of my creative process. It allows me to enhance the mood, emphasize emotion, and bring my artistic vision to life. I see post-processing not as correction, but as the final brushstroke on a painting—it completes the story I want to tell.

I haven’t really connected with AI in photography—at least not yet. While I see its potential, I believe the heart of photography should always pass through the eye and soul of the photographer. That human connection, emotion, and instinct can’t be replicated.

I would love to photograph wild horses in nature—somewhere remote and untouched. Capturing their raw freedom and beauty, unshaped by human hands, would be the perfect harmony of fine art and untamed truth.