AG|WPJA The Artistic Guild of the WPJA

Judges Comment: The three silhouette women create a very strong graphic appeal especially with the hint of color behind the women on the right side of the frame. Additionally the gesture created by each women is really a nice added touch.

Judges Comment: I felt this image represented the spirit of the artistic side of this contest. There was a beautiful mood created with color and the imagination of the photographer. The color palate was lovely.

Judges Comment: Happy day indeed. Our man seems to be struggling to do more than just wrangle his tie. His expression suggests that he still has a way to go before he reaches the happy part of the day. What I loved about this photo is not just the obvious moment but rather how well a juxtaposition of words and subject can often work well together. You simply have to know when those words will add to the moment and when they will distract. There's no doubt here that without them it would be just "another day at the office."

Judges Comment: Graphic clean image and the negative white space works very well. I love the intent focus of her eyes and the softness of the edges going into the white space.

Judges Comment: Sometimes I am perplexed as to why a photo is so appealing to me. I can dig for answers but often feel they are more like excuses. Nonetheless I have an affinity for great moments that can be perceived within subtlety of movement and scene. In other words one doesn't have to yell, "THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE," in order to smell the smoke. Images are often like that. A touch of gentle composition here, gorgeous use of color and light there and a sprinkle of exquisite moment. This photo is one you "feel" long before you "see" it.

Judges Comment: The composition and depth of field use was great. The high-key lighting drew me right into the eye. Again, I felt this image represented the best of the wedding photographer as an artist.

Judges Comment: I think everyone can relate to this image. I can almost feel the collar tightening around my own neck. Wonderful expression and a nice toning job and very good composition. I love the hands coming in from the right side of the frame.

Judges Comment: I like the indescribable expression in this image. Is he pensive, anxious, ambivalent or simply stunned by what is transpiring? Whatever the mysterious reflection, it captures the viewer with the moment.

Judges Comment: A very different and intimate look of the bride getting ready. I wish I did not see the strobe in the frame but it is still a really strong image that is well thought out and executed.

Judges Comment: Very good angle and the repetitive lines of the veil create a very strong graphic image. Well done.

Judges Comment: The toning was fun on this, but what really brought it to the top was the contrast of the young bride’s back and the old hands. I really liked that juxtaposition.

Judges Comment: This is an intriguing image. The man raises his eye, like a matador entering the ring as the woman strikes what appears to be apprehension. That may sound overly dramatic until one considers that they are preparing for a wedding.

Judges Comment: Very funny image and nice toning. I think that as strong as this image is, it would be even stronger if there were a tighter crop. The left side of the image is really not needed and distracts from this wonderful caught moment.

Judges Comment: This contest represents PJ-shooting style, and I just really liked the nice moment of the bride surrounded by her support network.

Judges Comment: It would be a delightful juxtaposition if only due to the legs beneath the mirror. But what really makes the photo work is that pair of shoes in relation to a crop at the ankle that leaves us wondering.

Judges Comment: This image is richly satisfying in light, color and composition - right down to the body posture, the style of clothing and the heavy wood paneling. It speaks of ceremony even before it has begun.

Judges Comment: Color palate and composition kept this in the top 10. It was a great gift to have those red nails. The photographer saw that and capitalized on it.

Judges Comment: Nice spontaneous moment with the towel flying through the air and I love the gentleman in the robe caught in the reflection in the mirror.

Judges Comment: The quirky nature of the reflections accentuates the saturated colors to create an almost fantastical world of make-believe. Isn't make-up itself a form of such fantasy?

Judges Comment: I loved the contrast the photographer chose in this image to bring out her eyes. This bride has an intense look and the photographer made her look stunning through good light, composition and toning.