2007 BRIDES Contest
Getting Ready
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Judges Comments
Quintessential “getting ready†image. Each guy appears captivated by his own reflection. Perfectly composed. Such a simple image that works by creating such a powerful feeling. These three “mods†primping for the wedding is a great find, and a great photo. The ‘60's live!! Being a guy at the wedding is not like being a woman. It's all about cool, the look, the swagger, the opportunity to clean up, dress up and strut. These three peacocks are doing just that, and the photographer waited for just the right time to make the picture. Another photo that sidesteps the commonplace. It's more often the bridesmaids we get to see primping, but here we peek in on some men who could just as well be prepping to perform as a hot boy band. The variety of expressions and arm movements pique our interest and add action to the scene, and the one man without a jacket adds a welcome bit of graphic contrast. There is so much style and presence in each of these figures. The color and lighting really add to the retro mood. It's a scene we see so often with the bride and her bridesmaids, but rarely do we see a photo of such hip-looking guys preening before the ceremony. The emptiness of the space puts the focus on their attitude and skinny suits. Great composition and color! Looks like a band photo from the 50's. These guys are just so cool! The viewer feels like their mirror. The red carpet add to the graphics.
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Judges Comments
Fast-forward twenty years and this could be a bride and her bridal party primping for her wedding. At this moment, girls look as though they're caught between duty and the urge to go out and play. Interesting composition - captures such a real moment of the pains of being pretty from a little girl's perspective. Love the expressions of resignation and of disgust - kids looking like kids, despite what adults want.
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3rd Place: Angela Swan from Illinois, United StatesJudges Comments
The color palette of this photo is very striking. The orange and the plain walls make the room look so ordinary. The groom sticks out from the mundane room. He is dressed up and seems very tense and awkward in his suit. You can feel the tension. The straightforward composition puts the focus on the groom (who's determined not to get his clothes messed up), yet places him squarely in the company of the well-dressed men in the portraits above him. He has a face that says "Ok, I'm ready, let's do this..." The orange couch and carpet make it so real.
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Judges Comments
There is so much action, color, energy and decoration yet the boy is utterly bored. He is slouching in his nice suite. It is a great moment. This photo captures all the action of the last-minute details leading up to a solemn wedding ceremony. It's a moment that exists before just about every wedding but we rarely see it captured so well. The boy can't quite seem to grasp what all the fuss is about. The little boy looks so uncomfortable and out-of-place amongst all the bridesmaids - comical!
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5th Place: Gabe McClintock from Alberta, CanadaJudges Comments
Unusual and a beautiful study in color. Nice to see a groom photographed in the same contemplative state you usually see a bride - and he looks as though he appreciates that this is a big deal day. The color is so rich. I like how the decor of the mirror match his dress.
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6th Place: Matt Barton from Kentucky, United StatesJudges Comments
Photographer was just where they needed to be, at the right instant. Humorous expression nicely framed by eight arms. Moments before the congregation sees the elegant bride on her father's arm, this determined dive into the wedding dress takes place as if the bride is lurching into her new life. Love the serious expressions on the faces of her friends, who are just as determined to get her in the dress without ruining her makeup! It seems like she is literally diving into her gown.
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7th Place: Adam Welch from Colorado, United StatesJudges Comments
Really captures the tension of the groom (two cigarettes!) and you feel the confusion of the guy with his tie.
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8th Place: Dennis Drenner from Maryland, United StatesJudges Comments
The moment is so wonderful. I love the man's bruised nail in contrast to his elegant cuffs.
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Judges Comments
The surroundings are incredible. You can tell so much about the couple just from the location that they have chosen. The men are so serious. You feel that the ceremony is just about to start. There seems to be tension in the photo helped by the chaotic walls.
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10th Place: Katrina Wallace from Arizona, United StatesJudges Comments
There is no doubt this scene has been repeated thousands of times, yet, this is the first I've ever seen it. These are the images we know exist, the moments that pass by in a glance, but until a sensitive photographer sees and records it, it is almost as though they have never happened.
