1st place in First Dance
The WPJA contest judges presented Shelley Woodworth, a New Jersey, United States wedding photographer, with this Master Piece Award as recognition for top wedding photojournalism in the industry.
The leading documentary wedding photographers in the world enter their best photos to the Wedding Photojournalist Association's photography competitions. They want their wedding reportage photographs to be evaluated and selected by some of the most notable and respected working picture editors and photojournalists in the news industry (these are not wedding photographers or other WPJA members judging their work). Winning these competitions is a true accomplishment for a wedding photographer.
2007 Q3 Judges
Photographer's Comment
In spending the day with this bride and groom, I noticed right away that the groom used a lot of gestures to accentuate his conversation. So, when it came time for the first dance, this moment presented itself to my lens. I am always looking for something unique to the couple I photograph, and this was certainly indicative of his personality, and their relationship. The dark background lets the moment stand out, and I used just enough fill flash to light the couple without lighting the scene behind them.
Judges
- Simple but fun and graphic.
The best and top wedding photographs from this category
WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.
Wedding photographer Shelley Woodworth, was awarded 1st place for photo 58686 in the First Dance category for the WPJA's 2007 Q3.