AG|WPJA The Artistic Guild of the WPJA

Judges Comment: Great thinking and even better execution! The inside/outside feel of the couple floating as they dance through time make this portrait a timeless keeper. If I was one of the two, I'd love to have this framed on my wall.

Judges Comment: This was a very close second because of it's ghostly appearance and surreal light. A couple of things would elevate the image, lose the 'window' on the right (where the light is coming from) it looks like a piece of paper duct taped to the wall. The photographs coming out of her head are somewhat distracting and could stand to go. Beautiful portrait!

Judges Comment: I think I've seen this photograph in a movie before. The two elongated silhouetted bodies set against the last pieces of sunset are a great focal point, superb!

Judges Comment: I'm seeing the trend of using overlay's more and more in photographer's final images and this is a good example of an overlay elevating a quiet portrait. The portrait without the overlay and soft blue hues would be nice enough but by adding (enhancing) with the overlay, the image becomes a piece of artwork.

Judges Comment: I find this image intriguing and visually stimulating. I enjoy studying photographs versus quickly viewing them. The apparent use of HDR (High Dynamic Range) successfully blends the bride with the environment. Nice work!

Judges Comment: The couple is wrapped in such an aesthetically pleasing environment created by the photographer. I'd love to see the original RAW file to truly appreciate the photographer's vision. It's a piece of artwork worthy of some textured fine art paper and a high quality printer so it captures every single nook and cranny of this image.

Judges Comment: By this point in the wedding day the photographer has hopefully captured enough images that successfully identify the bride and groom. Completing part "A" of the wedding allows part "B" to be even more creative with your surroundings. The groom is a bit too dark and the center composition could be improved. Overall, a nice image with good lines and a sweet sunset hue.

Judges Comment: A muted color palette of clean pastels along with the bride walking out of the photograph feels like a 'parting shot' image you find in magazines. I would like to have seen a bit more Photoshop care taken with the bride's bouquet, I don't think it needed to be dodged at all.

Judges Comment: I love this location (come on give it up!) and the graphics you chose to work with. Having the couple traipse across the graphic canvas instead of formally posing them helps add a third graphic dimension to the image.

Judges Comment: OK, this is one of the quirkiest images from the whole contest. I don't quite get it and I guess that's why I like it so much. Maybe it doesn't always have to have a reason, if you've got time and other portraits in the bag, why not play a little! I like how the green apple ties in with the color tone of the boutonnière, I don't think a red apple would have worked as well. I'm looking forward to more fruit in the future!

Judges Comment: This could have been a nice image taken at ground level but by shooting from overhead, not only do you get an image that is a bit more unique but you also have a good use of the curtains spilling down the window. Shot straight on, the window frame shadows could have been distracting but shot from above, they help create a a strong graphic background to work with.

Judges Comment: I really like the way this image carries itself throughout the entire frame. Between the jump and the bride's pointy shoes, the veil and the graphics of the buildings, there is so much to look at in this image. The energy is fantastic and the washed out toning does nothing but uphold this light and airy photograph.

Judges Comment: Hmm, cocktails ... oh, back to judging:) Specifically, I like the complimenting color tones and how the image has been drastically thrown out of focus on the upper left and lower right corners. The straw draws you down and through the image. Spectacular toning!

Judges Comment: This image looks like it was taken directly from a piece of worn 16mm film. The off-center composition and almost angular feeling of the bride's dress focuses your eye to her and then let's you peruse the rest of the frame. Very appropriate monochromatic toning!

Judges Comment: Way to use the props around you to your advantage. The image could use some 'cleaning up' to help your eye stay focused on the couple. The palm leaves that caught the light on the right side of the arch could be taken out - they are on the same level as the groom's face and because of the highlight, they compete with him. Also, the merger between the bride's head and groom's face could be solved by having the bride shift her upper body slightly to the left - it would not have compromised the image at all but would have alleviated the head merger.

Judges Comment: Posing your subject is one of the hardest jobs we have. The body language paired with the unique location proves to be an interesting view. The stadium lights and grass establish location, the shadow recovery of the bleachers was unnecessary. Next time you're on location, bring a strobe and try to over-power the daylight by 2-3 stops, this will give you a deep sexy sky. Good eye!

Judges Comment: This is a different and unique way to shoot the bridal party and I appreciate the thought put in to creating this image. Be careful with your vignette, my eye is wondering why the plants running across the bottom of the image have such different highlights across them. Also, take out the street lamp on the left side of the frame, it's distracting and throws off the balance of the image a bit. You also might toy with making this image a severe horizontal. Wonderful concept!