Judges Comments

Really excellent image. Very hard to make this image work and the photographer did a terrific job. Your eye goes right to the couple kissing at the top in the cafe.

The world hasn’t stopped but they have to share a kiss framed beautifully with life passing them by. Lens selection, framing, graphics all work together to make this intimate moment juxtaposed in this city scene a wonderful image. The lime green color above helps focus on the couple above. Very nicely framed with the white lights above them.

What's not to like about an image with compositional and lighting balance that works together like a surprise ending. Even an observant soul like myself missed the obvious among the crowd. I looked once. Then twice. And there they were, alone in a kiss. That's some very fine photography with a real "payoff" to reward the suspense of my search.

Judges Comments

The composition works really well here and I love the concept.

There is real joy in this image, which i can feel. This makes it a successful engagement photo.

Judges Comments

This was by far a standout in the group. Very funny and great use of size, color, and the moment.

Judges Comments

The genuine warmth of this moment overtakes the portrait set-up. That's how the best portraits are made, by gently creating circumstance. The rest is no different than any other form of photojournalism. We feel. We watch and wait. We press the shutter unseen. I remember getting my portrait made by some high-priced photographer in Dallas back in the 80's. The newspaper had hired him to take my photo for some promotional ads. The session went as expected - to a point, the rest is a blur. Something had happened as the strobes flashed. When he finished I asked him how he did "that." He smiled and explained that it was all me. All he had done was create the moment for me to step into. This image reminded me of that moment when the minutiae of my brow told a story to a photographer who cared enough to let me "speak."

Judges Comments

Great idea. Creative and well executed.

Judges Comments

Photographer got a really wonderful moment that is not forced or fabricated but alive and full of positive energy on this roller coaster ride. Sometimes it takes patience and time with couples to really capture their personalities. This photographer took that time!

Judges Comments

Very strong and graphic silhouette. Great composition and design.

A little cliche' but very well done, and the flipped umbrella is a nice touch.

Judges Comments

I like the way this portrait includes their dog! Just adds an element about them that gives us a sense of who they are. Their embrace is very sweet and the urban context is interesting and the dog is not sure what to think of it all. Nice framing of the image.

Judges Comments

I loved how the graphic elements, the shapes and colors of this image reflected the structured elements of the couple's dress and, yes, even their kiss. The image spoke of their individuality in the midst of the crowd of distracting colors and lines. No one has to sift through the photo to see the impact of their joined lips, hands and posture. Somehow the image works by defiantly speaking of the power of oneness.

Judges Comments

Love the design and the color and the angle is a nice touch that works well here to help drawn in the eye.

Judges Comments

The muted colors and reflection add to the intimate mood in this image.

Judges Comments

At times I am concerned that photographers believe their images wont have impact outside of their personal (and oft profound) efforts to create phenomenal scenes. In fact, I see a lot of images that I would describe as "trying too hard." More impressive are images, and photographers. who have the skill to know when enough is enough. I am drawn to the simplicity of an image, If the moment is there it will speak volumes more than our efforts. This image is an example. There are many reasons to love it. But the primary reason is the beautiful blending of image and moment. It's relaxed and real in spite of itself. The colors, the expressions, the bird, the light, the composition, the lens choice, the angle - its all there and, in a way, invisible, choosing a back seat for the moment to live.

Judges Comments

Generally speaking I'm not fond of portraits that place the primary subject in an out-of-focus blur in the background. Ahhh, but then there is an image like this that reminds us about the primary purpose of a portrait - to speak of the character and personality of the subject. A portrait should give us an "insider's view" of someone or something - information that might be unseen in a common snapshot view. This image quickly rose to the surface for its indelible revelations about this couple. Focusing on their feet was the perfect way to tell us something about their personality. What a fun approach to an obviously fun couple. This couple would get an invite to my next party.

Judges Comments

Another strong silhouette and a great sense of scale. I love being able to see the detail in the buildings and the framing of the foreground and background with trees.

Judges Comments

This image makes me smile. It’s very simplistic but also heartwarming. The couple had to really think about this and the photographer collaborated well with their subjects. I like the way the boards behind them graphically frame them. Reminds me of small town USA.