Judges Comments

Very clever.  Technical is excellent--it could have been sharper, that’s true, but in this case that could have hurt the image. The soft nature of it emphasizes the dreamy quality of the situation.  Great lens selection.  This works because it has room to breathe.

This image involved creativity, planning and perfect execution. The couple illuminated in the separate elevators were placed perfectly against the graphic of the building.

Judges Comments

For me, this was the best image of the entire contest. There were so many elements that made this image. The long exposure of the Ferris wheel and sparklers added beauty and mood to the image. Great use of framing and setting.

Judges Comments

Priceless portrait. These two look like they're caught at a crossroads. The photographer had to be screaming, "YES, YES, YES," in his/her head when this moment happened. Great location matches their outfits perfectly. The light is perfect, too. Nice and warm. This is an amazing portrait.

Judges Comments

Beautifully done.  The long lens, the shallow--but not too shallow depth of field , the perfectly toned image, and the positioning of the bride and groom in the rear window are all excellent. Very classy choices. I would have also liked seeing a version of this image where there was a small strobe inside the car, very diffused, and on low power gently throwing a touch of light on their faces.

Judges Comments

Pictures in the picture.  An oldie but a goodie.  Clever having each hold the others image.   The depth of field makes this work.  Flat light was also a key to keeping this subtle and fun.

Goofy portrait. I love the execution and concept of it. An image like this shows the photographer's personality.

Judges Comments

I love the body language, the kiss, the holding of hands, in the midst of all this street chaos and traffic which is hard to do. Nicely executed.

Judges Comments

The body language is sweet and the moment perfect. B&W really sets off the subjects. It makes me want to do a story on their lives together.

Judges Comments

Uh... weird. Yep. That's the right word. Weird. I'm not sure how the photographer came up with this one or why the photographer came up with this, but I'm glad it happened. Funny stuff. Brave subjects. Thank goodness for towels.

Judges Comments

This image was one of the best compositions of the contest. It combined all the elements of good picture making. Dramatic light and color introduced into a monochromatic situation, framing, and moment.

Judges Comments

Normally in a group shot I want everyone to be sharp, but in this image it’s just not necessary for a reason I can’t really define other than to say it looks right with the men sharp because it feels like a portrait of them, not the entire group.  Group photos are often the toughest thing to make interesting.  This one is a work of art.   The color is perfect.  Sets the mood, fun, and keeps the image alive from front to back. The composition works, I would have also liked to see it with a little more room on the left keeping the foot of the man in the frame.  That may have invited clutter, but I’d like to see for myself.

Judges Comments

What a great feeling this picture evokes. Action portraits seldom work with brides and grooms, but this one sure as heck does. The composition is quirky as is the leap of the groom. The bride is in the perfect spot to allow her to be part of the craziness. I also feel like his leg bisecting her head from her body somehow connects them. Oh yeah, the light and color also are wonderful.

Judges Comments

This was well done with great lighting. The starkness of the large dining table with the couple dining alone set it apart from the others in creativity and composition.

Judges Comments

Just very nicely done. Classic, simple portrait. Nice family portrait on the wall. Nice black and white tones.

Photographer's Comment

I am always looking for an "environmental" anchor for a portrait, in the sense of an appropriate, natural or existing setting. After a day of photographing this couple at beautiful Mohonk Mountain House we happened upon this couch and the old early American portrait on the wall. This setting was missing one ingredient, our couple. We accommodated. It evoked an "American Gothic" style portrait. It is important to keep the lighting properly balanced when mixing flash and ambient.

Judges Comments

Just lighting one person and letting everything else go to silhouette was a gutsy, and wonderful choice.  Love the graphic. Keeping the light from spilling onto the others was the key to making it work.  Plus it was directional enough to make the image appear even sharper. A different modifier that allowed the control while not causing the shadow on the face would have helped make this excellent image better.

Judges Comments

These subjects are definitely originals and the photographer treated them as such. Shot with attitude to capture their attitudes. The strobe adds a starkness of light and shadow. This picture could be great in B&W as well.

Judges Comments

A simple portrait done in a creative way because of the side view of this couple. They blend into slightly blurred trees in nice light, with a Gothic look.