2007 Q1 Contest
Emotion
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Judges Comments
The eyes just say it all. Beautiful subject and beautifully handled. The hands coming into the frame give the picture even more energy (as if the eyes weren't electric enough). This is one proud mother or grandmother and this picture of her will be remembered long after she's gone. Emotion can come just from the power of a look, and this look was one of my favorites in the edit. I loved her expression and the photographer recognizing that and moving in for the tighter crop was the right thing to do.
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Judges Comments
I like that the photographer is so close to the couple yet they are completely unselfconscious and natural. It is clear that the woman is so thrilled to be marrying this man. I like the expressions on both their faces. The photographer did a great job of capturing their joy and the photo makes me happy for them.
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Judges Comments
Not all emotion is in your face or loud. Many of the best images of emotion are subtle and quiet. This picture exhibits the latter qualities. The orange rose adds just enough spot color to spice up the image.
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Judges Comments
This image tells the whole story with perfect exposure, a well-controlled color palette and clean understated composition. As such it is more about the subjects than the photographer - a fly on the wall image here subtle facial expressions can be read and appreciated. It is not an expected or hyper real image of weeping females or stoic males. Just a real moment well seen and very well rendered. Kudos!
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5th Place: Mindy Belcher from Virginia, United StatesJudges Comments
I like the exuberance, inhibition and happiness reflected in this photo. The photographer captured a special moment. Composition and light bring you to the emotion of song or speech with the body language of the bride adding to the overall feel of the moment.
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6th Place: Charlotte Geary from Virginia, United StatesJudges Comments
Sadness is captured in a truly unobtrusive manner to bring home an image with emotional impact. Wow.
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7th Place: Scott Lewis from Pennsylvania, United StatesJudges Comments
A photograph of an honest if somewhat ambiguous emotion. It isn't a reaction to something outside the man, but rather to his own feeling, experience or memory. It is clear that what he is feeling is pleasurable and perhaps slightly sweet which universalizes the image - who hasn't felt this way - especially about love? Nice layered composition provides a sense of privacy that reinforces the feeling that this is a personal or private experience.
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8th Place: Marianne Earthy from London, EnglandJudges Comments
I am used to seeing the groom reaction pictures, but his expression caught my attention. Once again, a little humor goes a long way in a category about emotion. Not only is the subject having an emotional reaction, but I have one observing him. There is a sincerity in this picture that I found charming.
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Judges Comments
Another quiet moment that says tons. The blue flowers mimic her mood as well as create an interesting framing of the girl. Very nice seeing.
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10th Place: Matt Emrich from Oregon, United StatesJudges Comments
Most unexpected wedding reception picture - looks to the world like the first fight of the marriage. Not beautifully composed, but then this isn't a beautiful moment. It is, however, a real one and I'm glad the photographer captured it. Color is well handled, particularly the balance between the indoor and outdoor lighting. This is what comes from being prepared.
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11th Place: Philip Thomas from Southern Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
I like the composition of this photo with the man encircled by a group of people. It makes me wonder if he's the groom's father and he's just thrilled to have the bride joining the family. He's clearly happy with the day's events and addition to the family.
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12th Place: Susie Hamidi from Washington, United StatesJudges Comments
Makes you wonder what she's responding to. Two different expressions make you think and take a longer look. Good catch.
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13th Place: Stacy Sodolak from Central Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
Not unexpected, but well-handled image of the mother-of-the-groom's classic feeling and reaction. Her emotion is readable as is his body language and the photographer handled it respectfully. The selective focus and narrow depth of field work nicely to isolate the two of them in their private moment.
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14th Place: Barbara Kyne from Pennsylvania, United StatesJudges Comments
This photo makes me laugh. Obviously the man on the left is congratulating the man on the right, who's not too thrilled with the kiss he's receiving. He might have preferred a handshake or hug! A wonderful moment.
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15th Place: CK Hwang from Southern California, United StatesJudges Comments
Just a nice record of shared joy. The whole room seems happy on this occasion. Intimate.
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Judges Comments
I thought the photographer did a great job allowing us to see a very intimate moment for the bride in this picture. He/she was discrete about getting the picture as well. Really nice moment!
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17th Place: Noah Wolf from Minnesota, United StatesJudges Comments
OK, so here's a loud moment, but it also feels classy. The use of black-and-white probably gives it the classy feel. Sometimes color just makes things too complicated. The composition is simple and perfect and there's no denying the bride's joyous mood.
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18th Place: Mark Adams from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
This is such a lovely, tender scene that must reflect what many parents experience when their son or daughter marries: happiness tinged with perhaps some anguish, concern or worry.
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19th Place: Stacy Sodolak from Central Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
Interesting Mother of the Bride image – not the expected moment of the two of them in actual contact, but the aftermath of that moment, with the mother wiping her tears and putting on her ceremony face. The layering with the out-of-focus and smiling daughter coming directly at the camera on the left side of the image gives the image context and depth that add to its strength and appeal.
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20th Place: Adrienne Maples from Kansas, United StatesJudges Comments
I just kept coming back to this picture. The more I looked at it the more it grew on me. An uncertain future to be sure. The guests on the outside edges of the frame help reinforce the image's power.
