2009 Q2 Contest
Creative Portrait
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1st Place: Jake Holt from Central Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
This is a whimsical photograph that reflects the personalities of the bride and groom.
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2nd Place: Mindy Tan from Singapore, SingaporeJudges Comments
Very nice! This was something unexpected and I really love that the photographer thought outside of the box to get this frame. It's something unlike anything else I've seen in this competition, it's unusual and it's whimsical, which is really nice. It's a refreshing break from the norm. It's an image that stands out, and kudos to the photographer.
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Judges Comments
A lot of the portraits were gimmicky and tricky, and would not hold up years after the wedding. Here’s a gimmicky portrait that will. It has so many elements to it: Fun, perfect composition, great expressions. It looks like the image you used to see when you went to the barber shop and saw yourself reflected a million times in the mirrors to either side of you. Cool photo.
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5th Place: Dorota Kaszuba from Warsaw, PolandJudges Comments
This was one of my favorite photos in the contest. A journalistic approach to a well executed portrait. Nice layered imagery.
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6th Place: Ron Storer from Washington, United StatesJudges Comments
Very unusual photograph. Mirrors are passé, but this one is so unusual, it works. Taking it outdoors in the street and having it held by someone makes it different than most mirror photos. Exposure is tough on an image like this, but here it’s perfect.
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7th Place: Piotr Gajewski from Wielkopolskie, PolandJudges Comments
I haven't seen this before, and there's a lot of energy in this frame. It took some thought and orchestration, and I'm glad both the subjects and the photographer went the distance. The energy from the smoke and the body language of the kiss really ramps this above the others.
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Judges Comments
Love the shallow depth of field in this image where the bride and groom are sharp but the tree frames them nicely with a surreal look.
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9th Place: Derrick Ong from Singapore, SingaporeJudges Comments
The creativity in this image leads it to this position. I also like that it was shot from an unusual angle. Time and time again, it pays off to think outside the box, and in this case the photographer did so. Great thinking!
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Judges Comments
This is an image that can be cherished forever. No gimmick, no prop, just two people in love with each in an unpretentious photograph that can be hung up with the rest of the artwork in the house. It has a timeless feel to it that I am sure the bride and groom will be grateful for many years from now.
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11th Place: Agnieszka Mandal from Silesia, PolandJudges Comments
The photographer captured the joy and simplicity of this couple with the use of a slow shutter to blur the background so the couple is the main focus.
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12th Place: David Jackson from Wisconsin, United StatesJudges Comments
This is a funny, stilted, posed, almost fake looking portrait that evokes a smile and a sense of kookiness. The color pops - the green tie and socks, the toenails. The expressions are priceless and the exposure is perfect. Looks like a still from the movie “Trees Lounge.”
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13th Place: David Hartlage from Indiana, United StatesJudges Comments
This was the least "unexpected" of the bunch, but it's so well done. I love the classic nature of it and what bride wouldn't want this in their album? Well composed and well lit. Nice job.
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Judges Comments
Could be mistaken for a Grant Wood painting, this photo is strong because of the monochromatic scene, the art direction from the photographer and the general sense of quiet resolve that is captured. I think the inclusion of the lamp on the left hurts the symmetry of the image.
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15th Place: Caius Maries from Timis, Romania -
16th Place: Matthias Richter from Niedersachsen, Germany -
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18th Place: Christian Keenan from London, England -
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20th Place: Jason Brown from Illinois, United States
