2008 Q2 Contest
Reception
-
1st Place: Franck Boutonnet from Lyon, FranceJudges Comments
A wonderfully quirky yet storytelling reception scene was captured unobtrusively by the photographer. The girl isolated on the swing is a marvelous bookend to the isolated man at the table. Even the two adults conversing in the background seem isolated from each other as does the man standing near them with a drink. Also the out-of-focus leaves at the top of the frame add depth to the sophisticated frame. I like the elements of space and the old-time feel of this photograph. It's a subtle moment where all the expressions draw you into the photograph. This is another great piece of “seeing†a situation.
-
2nd Place: Rob Witzel from Florida, United StatesJudges Comments
I like the energy in this photo. Looks like some party! The faces of the women are great and I think the movement in the ambient exposure also adds to the topsy-turvy feeling. Good use of flash to balance the ambient light and capture the decisive moment of the glass in the air, as well as nice expressions.
-
Judges Comments
The juxtaposition of the light and shadow of all these hands and the timing of the photograph so gracefully framing the bride or bridesmaid (it's not clear) sets this image apart from the rest. Great composition makes this a work of art. Well done!!
-
Judges Comments
Great closing image! The bride and groom are framed perfectly in the doorway. And nice to get the sense of place – sums up the night well.
-
Judges Comments
I was surprised at how many pictures there were of people being drunk and crazy at wedding receptions, so the tender pictures like this one really drew me in. Plus the light is so sweet. Under the circumstances, I know the photographers are struggling with on-camera strobes and lights they set up in very difficult situations. So this very simple rim light that catches the bride's eyes and rims her husband looking down at her stood out from the rest
-
Judges Comments
The strong joyous expressions and body language captured during a dance pushed this image to first (for me). Also, the photographer balanced foreground and background light so well that the audience is readable. The shallow depth of field prevents the background from being distracting. Many indoor reception photos in this category over-flashed the foreground while underexposing the background.
-
7th Place: Scott Lewis from Pennsylvania, United StatesJudges Comments
A strong use of back-lighting silhouettes this dancing couple with good use of color. A flash in the foreground would have ruined this photo!
-
Judges Comments
This was the most unusual reception picture in the group. The photographer had a very interesting venue to shoot in, and made the best of it.
-
9th Place: Tracy Timmester from Virginia, United StatesJudges Comments
Great energy in this photograph of this child dancing where we can still see a layering of faces below. Expression and the composition are very strong. This is a very fun and well-caught moment in the genre of men and boys gone wild dancing. Like sports, timing is very important and the photographer was well placed and hit the shutter release at the right moment.
-
10th Place: Eric Yeh from Southern Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
Great face! The unexpectedness of this photo also makes it funny. I wish the background was a little cleaner on the left side – it would make her face pop even more.
-
11th Place: Ruth Rackley from South Carolina, United StatesJudges Comments
I just loved the body language and the moment in this picture. Weddings are a time for friends and family to gather and tell stories and reminisce. It is a very simple photo but one I find engaging. A nice piece of looking and hunting for moments. It's a small but important element in documenting the day.
-
12th Place: Adi Susanto from Oregon, United StatesJudges Comments
Working in difficult lighting conditions, the photographer did a fine job making this an image. It's nice that the bride is softly lit while the strobe stops the action of the bouquet grab. And the shadow adds a nice unexpected dramatic element.
-
13th Place: Jesse Chamberlin from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
This picture illustrates a feel-good light moment to me. I love his smile and the airy composition. It makes you happy just looking at it.
-
14th Place: Robert Mirani from Massachusetts, United StatesJudges Comments
I like the focus of this photograph and framing as the guests take a photograph of the wedding couple. Nice expression on the girls in the foreground
-
15th Place: Oscar Setiawan from Illinois, United StatesJudges Comments
The bride's hand on the groom's cheek is really nice. He has a sweet expression and the photo is framed well with the couple surrounded by people. Also lit very well.
-
16th Place: Justin Runquist from Illinois, United StatesJudges Comments
Good job balancing the flash on the groom and his mother (?) with the ambient light on the guests. Nice composition that captures the expressions of those reacting to the piggyback ride.
-
17th Place: Sol Tamargo from Riviera Maya, Mexico -
18th Place: Mark Earthy from London, England -
19th Place: Alea Moore from Georgia, United States -
20th Place: Luigi Rota from Lecco, Italy
