2008 Q1 Contest
Reception
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1st Place: Anthony Ku from Central Texas, United StatesJudges Comments
Combining subjects with reflections isn't always the easiest thing to do, but with the right light, and the right tones, the combination can be very effective. The bride in this image helps matters by clenching her fists, and making her ring finger very visible. Her joy is mirrored on the faces of their guests in the window.
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2nd Place: Ryan Browne from South Yorkshire, EnglandJudges Comments
Lighting and body language make this a spectacular photograph that captures the drama of the dance. Adding to the scene, the child at left is a big plus. Composition with couple just a bit off center from emanating light sources made a huge and positive aesthetic difference
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3rd Place: Jesse Chamberlin from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
Again it's rare to get a real moment that comments on our society in the 'documentary photography' business. So many times the pictures are pure commerce that are fulfilling a business job, but when we hit our high notes in any photographic situation the picture transcends the moment and it becomes a lasting moment. This photograph just says so much about our society. This little girl dreaming, clasping her hands together with another young girl looking at her. What is she thinking about? Is she thinking about her own wedding? Her expression is so full of meaning and anticipation and I can just visualize her wedding day as she probably is. Who knows? That's what I love about photography. She might be thinking about something entirely different, but that's what it means to me and I like this one a lot.
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Judges Comments
It's all about the hands - but that is clear. It's rare that everything aligns in one instant. Well done.
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5th Place: Shane Carpenter from Maryland, United StatesJudges Comments
This image is just beautiful. A wonderful moment and some soft natural light. And the timing of the shot is what sets it off completely. I'm sure this bride was feeling pretty light on her feet, and this image suggests that completely.
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6th Place: Samuel Luna from Estado De Mexico, MexicoJudges Comments
Dramatically lit subject captures the joy of the event and beautifully illuminates the personality within. Effectively reveals the essence of the subject and makes you feel her happiness as well.
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7th Place: Joe Craig from Pennsylvania, United StatesJudges Comments
So many faces and expressions and energy. So much to look at and enjoy in this picture. There were many pictures that attempted this feeling, but this one hit the high note and did it. Just lots of attitude, energy and joy. I love it. Also good thinking to go high and the light, although not entirely dynamic, lets us enjoy the scene
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Judges Comments
Classic, timeless. Beautiful colors...surreal. Could be a movie set it's so perfect. I'm left with questions and yet it tells a story all in itself.
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9th Place: Noah Wolf from Minnesota, United StatesJudges Comments
This photographer gets points for seeing beyond the obvious. Looking for something different pays off in a big way here. I don't know a married man who hasn't done this with his wedding ring, especially when it is such a new feeling on the big day. Nice find. Composing tighter, or perhaps horizontally, while keeping the depth of field down could have helped this image however.
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10th Place: David Bernstein from Ohio, United StatesJudges Comments
Technique (lighting, slowed shutter speed, even color balance) make this photograph of the dance feel more like a beautifully painted, artist's rendition of the event. Light is a bit hot on bride and person to her left, but the intensity also provides the composition's contrast.
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11th Place: Cynthia Newmark from Virginia, United StatesJudges Comments
Simply a funny moment that is instantaneously understandable. The technical quality of this image is excellent, but more than that, the angle helps keep the background clean, and helps separate the action from the gathered crowd. If this weren't done, the image would not be so simple to read.
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12th Place: Debra Simpson from Dorset, EnglandJudges Comments
The light and expression work. Classic. I liked it and almost felt that it was too perfect, but lacked a certain magic that was in the other pictures.
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13th Place: Kiva Sutton from Connecticut, United StatesJudges Comments
Often the action and the story of an event are on the sidelines. I love these types of moments. Great timing and composition
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14th Place: Jesse Chamberlin from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
Well done, fun portrait with difficult to capture fireworks on the fly, and playful moment in foreground.
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15th Place: Jesse Chamberlin from Georgia, United StatesJudges Comments
Again, humor makes this picture...other world shot, with the perfect kid looking on while the bug is trying to eat cake...weird, but fun and a pic that the family will like.
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16th Place: Jennifer Bowen from Arizona, United StatesJudges Comments
This is an almost perfect moment. I'm sure things were moving fast but you could have positioned yourself better.
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18th Place: David Jones from Southern Texas, United States -
19th Place: Ryan Browne from South Yorkshire, England -
