Judges Comments

I enjoy the layering of this image. It provides you with all the info you need at once. Perfectly aligned the way the bride's eye meets the edge of the church. Beautiful. What a beautiful moment. You can just feel the excitement of this bride as she arrives for her wedding. The image combines key elements and is well composed. This isn't always the easiest type of image to pull off, but some planning and a little bit of luck can combine to make a winner.

Judges Comments

This is a fantastic moment that I think every man who has wed would understand. This is a simple, well composed image of a key moment in any wedding ceremony.

Judges Comments

To me it looks like a combination of classic street photography from the 1970's. It looks like a Joel Meyerwitz photograph when he left his job and hit the streets. So many photographs of the wedding dresses are hanging on the wall, the closet or somewhere in the window and the photographer makes a picture that looks like many others, but this photograph transcends the scene and really stuck with me. It seems that the dress is being treated with such respect that it makes me think about the woman who's going to go and wear it. And it's not a complex photograph, but the moment is just right. The woman has a hop in her step and she seems genuinely happy about being the dress's caretaker. Excellent shot. The photograph shows a strong way of seeing, that put me in that moment.

Judges Comments

Intimate angle and emotion combine to convey a pure sense of joy in the moment for this bride being helped with her wedding dress. Photographer was able to quietly place him/herself within the activity without interfering to capture an exceptional scene.

Judges Comments

I like the emotional connection between the woman lying on the bed before her wedding. The photo has a dreamy and wistful, dreamlike quality that I respond to. There is no turning back from this moment. Once she puts on the dress she will never be the same as she prepares to share her life with her fiance. I can think of so many scenarios that are interesting that go along with this photograph and that makes it compelling. It also has nice light and composition and it's clean and to the point. Not all photographs have to have complex compositions and be about layers. This photograph is understated, yet powerful. It doesn't get simpler than this. Natural, soft light, and a beautiful moment combine to make an image that just "feels" dreamy. Exposing for the rapidly falling off window light is what keeps this image so simple and helps to get rid of any unneeded details.

Judges Comments

Choice of wide angle in close with well-toned black and white made this photograph of getting ready transcend the situation. An endearing portrait that combines the reality of pre-ceremony activity while also revealing a sentimental feel.

Judges Comments

Classic. It fits perfect in this category and speaks volumes.

Judges Comments

The hairspray couldn't be any closer to her head. Wonderful how the light catches the plume of hairspray smoke. I can smell the fumes just looking at this!

Judges Comments

Well composed and lit. It also feels very honest and certainly funny. Very nice friends this groom has!

Judges Comments

The composition in this image is definitely what makes it. Combine the three layers of activity, the repetition, and top it all off with the tongue out on the right side, and it just works

Judges Comments

Tender moment where composition and cropping add to the sense of intimacy. Bride and (I'm assuming mother) have a few moments alone to share before daughter begins her new life.

Judges Comments

I like the separation between the two worlds of the bride getting ready while the granddad or father gets ready in the room next to her. Love the emotional separation and the hint of the dress coming up which makes the bride appear a bit like a peacock.

Judges Comments

COMMENTS: Great tension in the faces. You can feel the anxiety in this fleeting moment.

Photographer's Comment

This photo is taken about 10 minutes before the ceremony at the church. You have only about one second to take a shot like this, and that is why I'm really happy I nailed this perfectly.