1st place in Groom Getting Ready
The WPJA contest judges presented Richard Howman, a Bristol, United Kingdom 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.
2013 Q3 Contest Judges
Photographer's Comment
I was delighted to achieve a first place with this photograph from a beautiful vintage wedding at Lympne Castle in Kent. I adopt a pure reportage / documentary approach to photographing weddings and this shot was borne entirely of that. On the wedding day space was very limited, light was coming in from the window looking out to sea and only the groom was 'front lit' by glancing through the groomsmen in the mirror. I was shooting quite wide due to the dark room and was really pleased when the groom just popped in to view...and framed quite nicely. I often think the Groom and his groomsmen in general can be a little overlooked during wedding photography - particularly in the morning when they are getting ready. So I do like to spend a decent amount of time with them. It's always appreciated by the bride when she sees the full story of her day when the images are finally presented. Photo was shot RAW on a Nikon D3S | Nikon 24-70mm, f2.8 lens | Focal length 31mm | at f2.8 | ISO: 2800 | Shutter speed: 2800 | Post production was in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Judges
- I like this picture because its has it all: its documentary style catching the moment but being still well lit and nicely composed. I like the way the two friends are backlit and the light falls perfectly on the reflection of the groom.
- Great composition, layering and use of light. The mirroring of the moments really works and tells the story of the men getting ready together in a visually pleasing frame.
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 Richard Howman, was awarded 1st place for photo 1266401 in the Groom Getting Ready category for the WPJA's 2013 Q3 Contest.