2009 BRIDES Magazine Photo Contest
Customs / Culture
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Judges Comments
While hands create focal points in this rich image, the only visible face is the bride’s. The Hindu ritual of bride and groom showering each other with rice becomes a moment of private delight. A great lens choice, not going super wide with this composition. Throughout the contest there seemed to be a lot of times when the photographer opted for going too wide when it was unnecessary. A slow shutter speed gives life to the image, as does the bride’s expression. I'm not sure of the exact tradition here, but the expression of the bride comes through as she has a ritual performed over her head. The slow shutter speed creates just enough blur from which her smile shines through. A nice angle with great framing from the hands and arms.
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Judges Comments
The photographer’s soft focus and delicate lighting make for an all-around stunning image. It is a sweet, private moment shared with the viewer. A strong, vertical composition combined with the touching moment of hand on face work together in conveying a feeling of connection in this photo.
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3rd Place: Daniel Kudish from Quebec, CanadaJudges Comments
The photographer gives us a glimpse of a sincere and spiritual moment. The low vantage point adds to the intensity and graphic quality of the image. The photographer placed themselves in a good position to capture a prayer scene without being too intrusive. The use of negative space brings the eye right to what’s important.
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Judges Comments
The circle of women visually represents the women’s bond with the bride. It is all the more amusing that the face peeking out of the center is a young girl with vibrant eyes. The crown and eyes of the bride make the photo. Friends surround her and frame her expression with their arms and bowed heads.
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5th Place: Marc Climie from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
The colors are amazing! From the dresses worn by the guests to the cloth held over the bride’s head, every element draws your eye around the entire image. This ceremony is well documented by the use of camera angle which brings your attention to the ritual being performed by the elderly woman towards the bride. The angle creates the mood because it affects the lighting as well. The ceremony itself also brings attention to the people observing the event.
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Judges Comments
The photographer marries a glowing light source with an arresting moment to capture this beautiful image.
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Judges Comments
The gold color scheme and circular shapes that occur throughout the image contribute to the viewer’s understanding of this deeply spiritual moment. The crowns being blessed during this Greek-Orthodox service are framed nicely between the bride and groom. The shape of the crowns being held against the background of the church murals create a nice graphic element.
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Judges Comments
This makes us laugh! Although we’re not sure of the custom, it seems everyone is having a great time.
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9th Place: Geoff Hansen from Vermont, United StatesJudges Comments
This team is clearly having fun. Their expressions tell the story!
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10th Place: Oscar Setiawan from Illinois, United StatesJudges Comments
There is so much going on in this image, it’s hard to know where to look first! The couple is stunning in their attire, and the setting matches their beauty and intricacy.
