Judges Comments

I wish that there was just a one line caption to confirm what everyone is thinking as they look at this photograph. The photographer captured a moment that the bride and the family will remember forever. By waiting and “riding the light” (a term that magazine photographers use for putting the subject’s head between a spotlight and the camera) the photograph brought drama to this beautiful moment.

There's a quiet beauty to this very personal moment. Her peaceful expression is accentuated as she's framed by the strong backlight, and one takes away from the image feelings of love and contentment.

Judges Comments

Now that’s a dance!! Who says that weddings aren’t part of a tribal ritual? Just being there right in front is all the photographer had to do. I am sure that everyone has heard the ancient news photographers saying “F8 and be there”.

This group looks as if it's performing a traditional Maori dance; unlikely as that may be, their choreographed intensity makes for an engaging image.

Judges Comments

This could have been another “flash for cash” candid but “Dragging the shutter” and the extra light makes this a prize-winning picture. The photographer had the good thinking to anticipate and get in a high position (I’ll bet it was the bandstand) to make this photograph.

Nice work.  You managed to capture the motion and feeling of the ambiance all at once.

Judges Comments

Great action photo. Expression on jumping guy is great.

Judges Comments

The little girl's fingers and feet suspended just above the floor make this image. Its good separation and framing make for a quick read.

Photographer's Comment

I saw a group of girls dancing on the deck and I laid down waiting for the right moment...and caught this this little one jumping for joy. ,

Judges Comments

A wonderful mood is created by the patterns of light. This is very simple, but tells a great story.

Judges Comments

The hands and the framing with the wide angle lens is perfect.

Judges Comments

This is a story telling moment captured in a street scene. It is nice to see moments like this outside the traditional reception hall.

Judges Comments

I like the photographer's openness to experimentation. The color cast works really well and the blur is fairly successful. Overall, it just gives the viewer a nice feeling.

Judges Comments

Nice composition.  The tilt of the camera (whether intentional or not) helps the viewer to feel the motion and perhaps the influence of alcohol.

Judges Comments

This is simple and genuine. I like that the elderly man is enjoying his dance with the younger woman and not camera aware.

Judges Comments

Great framing with the bride/groom on cake and bride/groom on dance floor.

Judges Comments

Many of the photos in this category looked the same, but this one stood out. I like how the photographer incorporated the detail of the fingers. Nice seeing. I just wish the horizon line wasn't so tilted.

Judges Comments

An excellent job of seeing by the photographer.

Judges Comments

This group has assuredly embraced the injunction to "get down tonight!" The photo is fun, well-composed and bursting with energy.

Judges Comments

This is a beautiful picture. Nice use of backlight and the loose crop on the top gives the bride room.

Judges Comments

Great effort on taking a different perspective of a reception.

Judges Comments

Nice energy in this image and I particularly like the movement of the tie around the guy's hand. Good filled frame as well; there's a lot going on and it's composed well.

Judges Comments

Wonderful sense of light. Beautiful.

Judges Comments

A wonderful photograph that will live with the families for decades. Again, having the light and watching the players involved tells the important story of a wedding.