AG|WPJA The Artistic Guild of the WPJA

Judges Comment: The composition of this image works perfectly with the statuesque actors…even the setting, with the linear planks of wood forming the dock. The colors are vibrant without stealing the scene and add just enough impact to create an overall image that stands alone.

Judges Comment: Shooting past the foreground figures sets up a strong and dramatic composition.

Judges Comment: I feel this image best captures the ceremony because it gives you a feeling of being part of event. It also shows the emotions of the bride and the pride of the onlooker that appears to be her father.

Judges Comment: The moment steals the show in this image. Yet again, it's proof that nothing trumps a great moment. Consider some of the best images you've ever seen in photojournalism and you'll see why. Light, composition, lens choice and everything else one can perform with a camera and/or image processing are always secondary to a great moment - always.

Photographer's Comment: I won't lie. This was a grab shot. I was walking back down the aisle to catch the couple in the recessional. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the bride leaning in towards her dad. I swung around quickly and snapped the moment. Because it was almost dark with no supplemental light I had a slow shutter speed to open the shadows so when I swung around the image had a slight blur to it. Normally due to the technical flaw of blur I would have tossed this however it was such a special moment so it remained. I probably had my on camera flash set at around 80 - 105mm for more power and to narrow the beam of light.

Judges Comment: Great narrative and moment. The light and color palette enhance the mood.

Judges Comment: The onlookers are all involved with the ceremony while the young girl is perhaps lost in the dreams of her own wedding someday in the future.

Judges Comment: This is such an unusual composition that I felt it jumped out from the rest. It makes the proceedings behind the doors appear monumental.

Judges Comment: Here's an interesting example of a great moment that is also the leading line into the image. The man's congratulatory greeting is an entry point that no viewer will miss. The rest of the photo works in that traditional circular pattern of "old school" photojournalism. Follow his arm to her face and the eye then travels to the edge of her platform to the men carrying it and then it circles back to - yup, the man's outstretched arm. That's classic composition - photojournalism style.

Judges Comment: The decisive moment! Great timing.

Judges Comment: Besides all the friends and relatives usually depicted in wedding photos, this particular image shows the next generation and their dedication and concentration of their involvement in the event.

Judges Comment: Great timing and emotion.

Judges Comment: Who would think that the preacher/pastor/minister could upstage the marriage scene? Yet, here it is, in all of its glory. It's a strong moment - rapturous in some ways - that creates a compelling image.

Judges Comment: Strong composition, great expressions, and an unexpected perspective.

Judges Comment: This image is pure and simple grace. What a lovely moment captured with the skill of good lighting/exposure and composition.

Judges Comment: The visible gleam in the eyes of the bride as she gazes at her husband to be show the excitement of the moment.