Judges Comments

I love the composition and the sense of texture. The groom all alone in the field contemplating the moment is truly captured in a very artistic manner.

This photograph has a dream like quality. The photographer framed this beautifully though the window and captured a very private moment of the groom that we don’t often see. The body language on the groom adds another element to the photo.

Sometimes it is nice to just step back and not interfere with the moment. Looking through the window feels like we are witnessing the groom seriously contemplating the gravity of his big day.

Judges Comments

Very nice image. The sense of joy and emotion work together to make this a very compelling and spontaneous image.

Weddings are about capturing emotion and clearly this is a nice behind the scenes photograph filled with the emotion of the groom and perhaps the father or a close relative. I like the framing of the groom’s jacket in the window in the background and the nice light coming through the window.

Judges Comments

This is a touching sweet moment between the groom and groomsmen. Longer lens cleans up the background so that the focus is on the expression of the groom.

Photojournalism is the art of capturing real moments. Every time I see an image like this I think of this powerful ad campaign for gold jewelry sometime in the late 70's or early 80's. The pitch was, "Nothing else feels like real gold." It was perfect. You can buy cheap gold-plated jewelry but it will never feel like the real thing. The same thing is true for real moments. No amount of effort by any photographer can replace the real thing - a genuine moment frozen in time for all to enjoy.

Judges Comments

Robert Capa once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough you aren’t close enough.” This photo is successful because of the closeness and low angle that it was shot. Not only is it framed nicely giving you a feeling of being there but it also has a range of emotion from the groomsmen to the groom. Delightful moment!

I've seen a lot of "guys drinking beer" photos but this one really brought me to the moment through lens choice and angle. It creates a feeling of being there. "Pass me a beer please. I'll have a Corona Light."

Judges Comments

I haven't got a clue what is happening in this photo but the beauty of a great photo is that we don't need to know because the image has a voice of its own. That's how moments work. They tap into universal themes and corral our individual and collective experience. Thus the image gains power by bringing us back to our own memories. And who hasn't been "there" wherever there is for the man in this photo. He's at a wedding, perhaps the groom, and he's doing his best to get ready for a big moment in life. The tennis shoes apparently aren't working, and the sauna behind him is empty. He is frozen here for us, just as we are as we take that last gasping breath to regain composure. Okay, let's do it. But, we wonder if we're wearing the right shoes.

A more humorous look at a groom preparing to take the plunge. Made me chuckle. Well done.

Judges Comments

I rarely come across an image that leaves me mystified as to the reasons why I keep turning to it. Most can be quickly described as poignant moments, personal interpretations of a universal theme, a window into the endless light and shadows bordered by life and death. But occasionally there comes an image that simply "is." Nonetheless, I can say that the framing, composition and lighting is the perfect package for a photograph that speaks to me in relative silence. Kudos to the photographer.

Judges Comments

Nice quiet moment of the groom illustrating the intensity of emotion behind the scenes. Not sure if that is the bride on the phone in the background but it’s nice to have another element in the frame that adds to the tension of the moment. Natural window light also adds a nice element to the scene.

More contemplation, this time more intimate. The photographer really feels invisible here. Nice composition, nice moment

Judges Comments

It took me a moment to realize that this image wasn't just another in a long line of split screen photos via a mirror reflection. It's a beautiful photo that borders the realm of classic.

Judges Comments

A nice spontaneous moment and a great hairdoo help to make this a winning moment.

Judges Comments

Funny moment of the groomsmen peeping at a women's magazine.

Judges Comments

I love the composition and the moment. Normally I would be bothered by the angle of the doorway but in this case it really helps the composition.

Judges Comments

Nice angle for a fun moment.

Judges Comments

A nicely captured emotional moment.