Judges Comments

Absolutely gorgeous rays of light streaking through the cathedral illustrate what great natural light can really look like...

God light, in a church, combines with some nice moments. Can't go wrong with that.

Judges Comments

Photographer used light brilliantly with this hairspray photograph that would never have captivated this mood otherwise. I love the serious nature captured in their expressions as the spray engulfs the room.

I've seen (and photographed) many images of spray filling the room as the bride gets ready for her wedding but this image has a quality to it seldom found in many others. I love the way the mixture of tungsten and daylight gives a cool blue appearance to the spray and how it forms a cloud that frames her head. Compositionally, the spray also forms one of several leading lines drawing us to the upper left third and then directly to the bride. Finally, I enjoy this use of light, putting aside the off-camera flash long enough to allow the setting to speak its own story. This is a gentle image made possible by good light and good photography.

Perfect positioning to make the most of that moment. Well done.

Judges Comments

A classic moment that leaves no doubt as to the subject and scene. The bright light enveloping the birds spills across the veil of the bride and groom as both leave for new horizons. This image is simply beautiful.

Judges Comments

Window lighting adds to a sweet moment of a little girl as she looks up admiringly at the bride. The photo is framed beautifully with the veil and flowers catching side light of the bride focusing on the little girl. Black and white adds to the simplicity of the image.

Judges Comments

The crowd of people in the background serves as the perfect juxtaposition for this scene. I suspect the world has "stopped," for the little girl in the photo as she gleefully twirls on a warm day wearing her most beautiful dress.

Judges Comments

The hat creates a very graphic image. I love the continuity created by the arches of the four chairs and the juxtaposition of the pattern on the dress agains the hat. Nice Job.

Judges Comments

A backlit dress hangs elegantly in a doorway as the bride is beautifully side lit unzipping it. Adding to the frame is the woman backlit holding the veil. This photograph is framed well and the use of light gives it more intimacy.

Judges Comments

Simple and graphic. Nice design and great light.

Judges Comments

A slow shutter speed reveals the thundering drama of a lightning storm above the wedding reception. It's a simple photo that impresses not only by the technical skills required to make it but also that the photographer did so.

Judges Comments

Nice close-up of the bride who seems unaware that her photograph is being taken. She has a beautiful expression and the use of black and white and light give her a very elegant look.

Photographer's Comment

The bride had just been in tears after receiving blessings from her family at the end of a very musical bedeken ceremony. Her groom had placed her veil and now, taking a moment to gather herself, she adjusts it and readies herself for the ceremony to follow. I love how she's caught somewhere in a sad joy, between fear and anticipation. A harsh light softened by many windows.

Judges Comments

Cute kid photo, but a very well done one.

Judges Comments

Another great image in this category. The light is fantastic and I love the composition with the two chairs and the couple hugging.

Judges Comments

Good timing combines with good light to capture a moment so ordinary one can almost hear the expression of relief in the room as the bride approves her "look" with a faint smile that hints of a deep sigh of resignation. Such is the power of a photograph, its ability to communicate the benign in a way that speaks to all; to preserve a fleeting and fragile moment into something as solid as a monument. I like this photo. It's bare-bones, rock-solid photojournalism.

Judges Comments

This photograph is full of energy and excitement as the bride waves from the limo. A slow shutter speed blurs her hand slightly as it catches the light through the open door. Nicely framed with a bridesmaid at right. The dress is a little blown out by the light and could have been slightly better exposed.

Judges Comments

I love the backlighting here. There is nice detail in everything and the light is fantastic.