Judges Comments

Everything comes together to make this a really outstanding image. The spontaneity of the veil blowing up and the framing of the leader of the ceremony is fantastic. The only thing that bothers me is the dead space in the upper right hand corner. A simple crop above the flowers at the top and along the steps a the bottom make this image even stronger.

The photographer captured a very funny moment of the bride’s veil as it blows straight upward as the wedding officiant continues to read the vows as if nothing is wrong. Photograph is nicely framed considering this was probably just a blink of an eye moment.

Judges Comments

Wow, a black cat at a wedding? Has to be one of the more interesting moments I’ve seen at a wedding and it’s perfectly framed in the center so the cat is silhouetted with the bride’s white dress behind it. Love the element of the groom’s expression as he looks back. The flowers to the right and left nicely frame the photo.

An image like this might not have as much meaning to some cultures, but for many, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of bad luck. This image was a tough contender for first place. I've judged photos at some of photojournalism's top contests - including this one and I've never seen a more forebodingly funny image from a wedding. Let's face it, getting married is scary enough, but when a black cat strolls past the frame, one has to wonder what comes next. The groom gives the cat a rather smirking smile. I know what he's thinking.. "Blame it all on the cat." At least in this case, the black cat brought better fortune to the photographer who captured a fun moment with excellent lighting and composition.

Judges Comments

Gorgeous photo, though the ominous clouds make it seem more like a funeral rather than a wedding procession.

Judges Comments

Generally speaking, when it comes to events, the more access, the greater the chance of making a great photo. This image is a microcosmic view of the role access can play. If access is the fuel, the photographer is the spark. Ladies and gentlemen. allow me to introduce the "Cardinal Cam." It's not often you can obtain a POV image from the pulpit. Also included is good lighting, composition and the ever important "moment." It's all there. Moments like this are usually captured in a silent gasp before you're either arrested, chased away or scorned by the crowd. Kudos for a unique frame.

Judges Comments

The bride’s expression is captured magnificently where she proudly shows off her wedding ring. Her veil blowing in the wind makes the photograph cleaner by blocking the face in the middle, focusing on the groom’s expression of joy also. Shallow depth the field gives a soft background.

Judges Comments

This image is all about gesture . Great moment and nice composition and color.

Judges Comments

Nice to see some other kinds of weddings rather than traditional caucasian American weddings. I realize wedding photographers take the jobs given to them, but it is important for building even a diverse body of work to take advantage of all the different kinds of cultures.

Judges Comments

Great design and great light help to really make this a nice image.

A little wide, but gorgeous setting and great light.

Judges Comments

Here's a photo that rests in the confidence of a moment. Moments are the life blood of great photojournalism. They don't require a great deal of technical fuss other than abiding by the "laws" of basic photography. However, they do ask us to be sensitive and aware. They ask us to notice. Simply said, this image is a wonderful moment "noticed."

Judges Comments

You can almost feel the rice going down the grooms back. Nice job.

Judges Comments

Classic photo, well done.

Judges Comments

The beauty of light and composition combines artfully with the solemnity of the bride. Yet, the scene itself is radiant, bathed in light and framed by shades of grey that vanish into black. A bridesmaid smiles in the background echoing the path from light to dark, from smile to downward gaze. What a beautiful image.

Judges Comments

A more uncommon view of a common scene. Nice to see some risks being taken and the light being used so well.

Judges Comments

Love the cinematic feeling of this photograph! The wedding couple is swept up in the moment of the kiss and the reaction of the bridesmaids is priceless. The light highlighting the bride’s veil and the attendees also adds a nice feeling to this image that is filled with love.

Judges Comments

It could have been just another scene from a wedding. We've all made photos of quiet rows of well-wishers watching the wedding ceremony - as we should. But here we see how a small detail, a "thumbs up" from a smiling girl, can transform an image from a simple "record shot" to a delightful moment in time.

Judges Comments

The photographer captured a very sweet intimate moment of a little boy and an adult at a wedding where they both mirror each other’s fingers as they signal to be quiet. The lighting is a little overexposed though and should have been a little less obvious.

Judges Comments

Very cute and funny and a nice low angle by the photographer.