Judges Comments

Quintessential toasting picture not the quiet polite kind either, but a robust heartfelt toast that everyone in the room wants to get in on. The motion blur and pop flash technique adds to the feeling of frenzy, but wish the photographer had paid just a bit more attention to balancing the color temperature of strobe with the existing light so the picture could have been properly color corrected when toned.

Judges Comments

Great moment and nice composition. I get a real sense of the power of the toast through her expression. Wonderful expression on the face of the woman communicates that sweet things are being said. Selective focus perfectly placed in a low light situation. The slight discordance created by the action of the mic being passed behind her make it confusing about whether she is reacting to what the man in the picture just said or to something said someone out of the frame.

Judges Comments

I like the expressions on all of the faces, especially the bride. I also like the bride's body language. The photo makes you wish you could hear the toast the man at the mike is giving.

Judges Comments

This was one of the most interesting compositions in the whole contest. Every inch of space is used well and the graphic lines add to the complexity. It's a picture you can look around and get a little more information from each of the layers. The topper is the bride's outfit. Besides being visually interesting, it offers insight into who she is and where she comes from. I also like the way her head-covering mimics the palm fronds.

Judges Comments

The warmth of this image really compliments the quietness of the subtle moment of the bride dabbing a tear. The strong sidelight adds depth and definition to the scene. It's a great overall scene-setter, too. Seeing the entire wedding party table and some of the ambiance of the room adds good context. This image also does a good job of telling the entire story. Photographer chose a good angle to the right of and slightly behind the toaster, but more attention to the white balance setting would have made the image even stronger - while warm is better than cool, this is too warm.

Judges Comments

I like that this photo shows another aspect of toasting...what to say and the need to make notes so you don't forget the important things you want to include.

Judges Comments

Captures the tenderness of special sentiments. Very nice seeing and anticipation.

Judges Comments

Great expression and the photographer did a nice job filling the frame and using light. Fun picture.

Photographer's Comment

Jenn was do dynamic and photogenic that capturing this moment just happened to naturally and easily.

Judges Comments

I liked the color palette of this image- even the hair is red! And it is a nice moment as well. A good job on capitalizing on color!

Judges Comments

Got to love the contrast of the wine and the evening sky. The couple stands out, but subtly

Judges Comments

Of the many photos of the couple reacting to the toast, I liked this one the best. I like the way they're both leaning back; they laughing in a natural, heartfelt way that seems to show that they enjoyed the toast.

Judges Comments

Good use of the foreground figure to isolate the toasting woman and give a sense of context. Nice peak moment, readable emotion, good color palette, and strong composition – like the slight tilt.

Judges Comments

Another example of great lighting, this time strobed with lots of warm ambient. The composition is flawless. My eye goes directly to the guy serving up the drinks since he's framed so well against the dark suits behind him. Also, the leading lines of the hands coming into the shot glasses help direct you to him as well. I also want to add that this picture's not just about the technical qualities... it's a great moment that this couple will be thankful for having. Preserving moments is what it's all about, right?

Judges Comments

This image was simple, but I found it funny. The juxtaposition of his expression with the formality of the room struck me as funny. Nice moment captured of a toast- good job capturing personality.

Judges Comments

It is a simple moment, but well captured and composed. I like the comradeship represented between the guys.

Judges Comments

This is one stylish image. Not just the great outfits (although it helps), but the use of the over-exposed black-and-white. Letting the highlights blow-out offers a perfect exposure on the subjects faces and also a nice contrast between the foreground and the background. I might even guess it was shot with infrared film except for the pronounced blacks. I feel like I've been invited in to a Jackie O meets The Sopranos wedding. The photographer must have been in ecstasy getting to cover this wedding.

Judges Comments

I enjoy this spontaneous moment when everyone in the group extended their glasses into the center of the table for a toast.