The final challenge of the Embark series was called Party Time (or really, Play Time). The goal was simple: photograph your pup at play. Easy, right? Ha. You’d think so.

Mabel loves playing, but most of her play involves chasing a ball, which felt too much like Front Runner. She had already walked out of water in Splash, so that was out too. I tried photographing us playing tug, but she did not appreciate the camera getting between her and her toy. Then I remembered something — the dog-safe bubbles she loves! I was on to something.

In theory, this idea was genius. In practice, pure chaos. Mabel moves fast, the bubbles move faster, and good luck getting both in focus while she’s trying to eat them. I had to call in help from my husband Adam because blowing bubbles and shooting at the same time was a disaster waiting to happen.

Our first attempt was downtown near a nice brick wall, but it was way too windy, and Mabel was way too distracted. Scratch that plan. The next day was warm, calm, and perfect, so we decided to practice in the backyard. I quickly realized that I hate my fence. I have tried using it for so many challenges, but those lines always ruin the composition.

So I looked down and thought, the brown concrete could work. If I shot from above, kind of like the Soul Searcher challenge, it might just work. And guess what? It did! Well, sort of. If I could actually keep my focus where it needed to be. After 1700 photos (yes, really), I finally found one I was happy with that had her eyes in focus.

I had wanted to keep the bubble idea a surprise (though I found out later two others did bubbles LOL), so I shared one of the simpler shots with my classmate Camilla. She thought it was cute, but then I spammed her inbox with all the other outtakes — and she came back with the most adorable idea. She sketched a mock-up showing Mabel inside multiple bubbles. At first, I was skeptical, but I told her I’d think about it.

When I got home, curiosity got the better of me. I made one practice bubble, then another, and before I knew it, I was hooked. Three hours later, Mabel had her own magical bubble world.

At first, my main image was one where her eyes were sharp and her tongue was out, but after rereading the brief, I realized it was supposed to emphasize action. So I switched it to a shot where she was actually eating a bubble. Her mouth was sharp, her eyes not so much, but it told the story better. It was a risk.

When the judging video dropped, I was a nervous wreck. Then I watched Charlotte and Craig lean in close to the screen, giggle, and smile as they looked at Mabel’s bubble chaos. Their joy made all the effort worth it. I was thrilled to hear their comments and even more thrilled when I made the Top 10 yet again.

With the 6-month challenge now complete (except for the award ceremony TOMORROW!), I was honored to receive a total of ten "Top 10s" and one "Top 20" out of twelve challenges. To say I am proud is an understatement. This portfolio represents some of my favorite work ever. I owe so much of that to my amazing support crew: Mabel, of course, my friend Toni, my husband Adam, and my photo buddy Stephanie, who has been there for every challenge, edit, and panic moment. And to my classmates — thank you for being the creative community I needed.

Participating in the Embark Challenge has been one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. It gave me purpose, joy, laughter, and memories with my dog that I will treasure forever. It reminded me that when we lift each other up, we all rise together.

You can see all the Party Time winners here:
👉 https://www.unleashed.education/blog/embark-2025-party-time-top-10

— Erica (and Mabel, bubble chaser, joy maker, and my little creative muse)