ARTISTIC

1st Jeff Poole /Indigosilver

- Holy schnockey’s! I love when an image stops me in its tracks and makes me stare hard at it. This image is just that. Lovely use of black and grays. Beautiful eye for detail and composition. And the textures and the lines of the carpeting with how the bride is posed all make for a strong image! Well done!
- Nice use of the lines to draw me into the bride. Love how the photographer selected to go with B&W with this strong overhead image…great vision.

2nd Heike Delmore / Delmore Creative Photography

- Such mood and warmth and the beautiful post-processing of this image had me at first glance. Lovely expression.
- A wonderful simple image with a creative use of toning. Her calming eyes gives me a idea of her personality.

3rd James Tarpley / VISIO photography

-Great toning, framing and touching moment. Everything you and a couple could want in a winning image. This one really stood out for me, well done!

STROBE or FLASH

1st Jenny Tarpley / VISIO photography

- What a pretty image!! Well lit, beautiful tone and mood. My only critique is that I would’ve love to have seen the groom on the next step up so that he presents taller in stature then the bride and to see the gap between the two of them closed.
- Wow. This image stood out from the crowded category. Wonderful toning, posing and effective use of one light.

2nd  Heike Delmore / Delmore Creative Photography

- Nice soft backlite image well done. Love the fact that the photographer opted to for an image just before the kiss.

3rd  Jim Colman / Jim Colman Photography

-Beautiful sunset photo of the couple and the soft lighting is perfect. Well done!

WEATHER
1st  Michelle Gunton / Michelle Gunton Photography

- LOVE the quirkiness, color, the composition, the expressions of this image! Photographer did a nice job of having fun inspite of the rain.
- Rain dancing makes for a fun images. Great use of multiple strobes to make this winning image pop.

2nd  Heike Delmore / Delmore Creative Photography

- This image popped off the screen for me. The bright umbrella and rain makes this photograph different…well done.

3rd  Jenny Tarpley / VISIO photography

- Nice upward leading lines for this shot and I like how the trees frame the couple. The image makes for a nice quiet moment.
- Beautiful portrait of the couple with a misty mood. The couple breaks-up the pattern from the trees perfectly.

BOUQUET / GARTER TOSS

1st  Amy Turner / Your Still Life Photography

- The more I look at this image the more I see. So much information which keeps me looking longer everytime. I wonder what the bridesmaid did to catch the bouquet. Nice image!
- I like that the photographer chose a very interesting cropping for this image. The brides gesture and bouquet recipient make for a good capture of a fleeting moment and I love how she took out another bridesmaid and an older woman too.

2nd  Michelle Gunton / Michelle Gunton Photography

- I hope he caught it. Nice peek action of the groomsman taking a bite at the garter as the others watch.
- Love all of the randomness going on with the guys’ expressions and how this depicts such a fun moment!

3rd  A.J. Dunlap / A.J. Dunlap Photography

- The perspective of the bouquet with the intended recipient reminds me of one of those Leaning Tower of Pisa pictures where people are trying to push it upright. It just makes this image fun to me!
- Now that is a toss. She leaned way back to make this image and moment a little different!

PHOTOJOURNALISM

1st  Joe Payne / Joe Payne Photography

- Great capture of the groomsmen saying a prayer. Love the fact that the photographer opted to go with B&W which allows the viewer to no get distracted with color.
- I loved that the photographer was a quiet observer of such a beautiful moment of solace and respect of space. I love how the image from top to bottom goes light to dark too. This picture made me pause.

2nd  Matt Bower / Matt Bower Photography

- Kids are always dancing but not like this. Wonderful quick thinking of the photographer to capture this moment quickly. These moments rarely happen. The little girl’s face is priceless in this image.

3rd  Erin May / Erin May Photography

PHOTOJOURNALISM CATEGORY WINNERS

1st - Jim Colman / Jim Colman Photography

- Love the joy and energy of the couple as they leave the ceremony. Looks like they are thrilled to be married!
- A simple capture that says so much and has all the elements: peak action, interaction and expression.
- There is so much great emotion that is wrapped up in this one moment. Joy, happiness, and relief that they are finally married. Nice composition and isolation of subject.

2nd – Julia Wade / Julia Wade Photography

- Wonderful exit photo of the couple after the reception.
-Nice classy exit shot. Simple and clean straight foreword image. The processing is different and fresh. It works with this image.

3rd – Bridget McEnaney / Bridget McEnaney Photography

- This is a very nice moment which many photographers would pass on. It is quiet but says a lot about the character of the people at the wedding.
- Laughter is the best medicine. This is one of those great images that tells you a lot about the personality of the subjects.

4th – Leah Charbonneau / Leah Charbonneau Photography

- Great job getting down on the children’s level to tell the story.

5th – Hilary Mercer / Hilary Mercer Photography

- Shows the hustle and bustle of the preparations, but makes us stop and look at the bride holding her dress and her expression.

ARTISTIC CATEGORY WINNERS

1st - Annemie Tonken / Megapixie

-This image draws you in. Simple, Clean perfect moment. Great Black and White conversion by the photographer. Bravo!
- Simply stunning portrait of the child. The photographer captured her perfectly in this image.

4th – Nicole Faby /Nicole Faby Photography

- A gust of wind transforms this image into more than a bride and groom kissing on the beach. The photographer captured a great moment at a perfect time.
- Nice moment of the veil flying in the air.

5th – Christine Prisk / Christine Prisk Photography

- This image makes you look deeper. It does not take you long to see what the image all about. A artistic image of a artistic performance. This image is different not the norm. Very mysterious. Nice job.

 

SUNRISE-SUNSET CONTEST WINNERS

1st  - Carrie Geddie / Carrie Geddie Photography
- Wow. What an amazing portrait of the couple. This should be a huge canvas somewhere in their home. Well done!
- A great image – simple composition yet lots of layers – negative space, the fog behind the couple, the treeline and the sky all add up to make a unique and lasting portrait.
-Great image. It reaches out from the distance and grabs you. Clean and simply awesome. Will make a great huge print or canvas.

 

2nd -  Annemie Tonken / Megapixie
- This is not an easy photo to create but the photographer did an excellent job. This is a winner in my book.
- Everything that is going on in this image just works. Just by looking at this image it makes you feel like you are on the ride with them. Very fun and dramatic.

3rd –  Rebecca Ferguson / Rebecca Ferguson Photography
- Love the lens flair and how the image is composed. Lens flare from the sun adds a little something extra.
- The sun-flare in this image is amazing. The flare coupled with great composition and posing equals one special image.

 

4th – Julia Wade / Julia Wade Photography
- Another beautiful example of distant composition working well. A father carrying his child to the edge of the water, the sun-setting – symbolic and simple.

 

5th – Hilary Mercer / Hilary Mercer Photography
-The vivid color and the dramatic sky with all of the clouds makes this image one to remember. Nicely done.

BRIDAL PORTRAIT  CATEGORY WINNERS

1st – Bridget McEnaney / Bridget McEnaney Photography
- I am loving this image. Images that are natural, candid and relaxed always speak to me. Nice use of shallow depth of field.
- Beautiful relaxed portrait. It’s a showcase not only of the dress, but of the bride’s personality. Great lens choice with perfect depth-of-field.
- Absolutely love the natural energy coming from the bride. The shallow depth of field and action attracted me to this image. Kudos!

2nd – Nicole Faby / Nicole Faby Photography
- This image is all about the bride. This photo is proof that you don’t always have to have your client smile in their bridals. Even without a smile this brides personalty shines through. The direct light gives this image a classic look. Love it.
- I love the timelessness of this type of image. It is composed well and lite with one light…the sun. You really feel the bride in this photo.

3rd – Teresa Porter / My Friend Teresa Photography
- Nice composition and placement of the subject. The warm toning works well.

4th – Michelle Gunton / Michelle Gunton Photography
- A combination things intrigued me about this image. I enjoy the fact that the photographer is willing to see images everywhere. Even though this is not a contemporary portrait, it is a really nice portrait of the bride…well done!

5th – Riley MacLean / Riley MacLean Photography
- Earns points for originality. The harshness of light and shadow draw you to the subject.

 

LOVE CATEGORY WINNERS

1st – Carrie Geddie / Carrie Geddie Photography
- You can see the love in the eyes and the smile of this child. The close interaction between these subjects is definitely genuine. Nice cropping. Great moment between father and daughter.
- There is nothing better than a parent and child laughing together. You can see how much they love on another through this image.
- Great moment between daughter and father.

2nd – Teresa Porter / My Friend Teresa Photography
-A simple relaxed image that shows you the strong connection between a family. Great use of soft directional light. Everyone looks comfortable and connected. Which is great for this type of family candid portrait.

3rd – Leah Charbonneau / Leah Charbonneau Photography
- Touching moment of the groom seeing his bride walk down the aisle. Would benefit from a tighter crop.
- A great relaxed portrait that showcases the closeness of the family. You can feel the love.

4th – Annemie Tonken / Megapixie
-The unique cropping and the negative space pulls you into this image. This image just works.
- The grooms expression says everything you need to know about this warm moment.

5th – Erin May / Erin May Photography
- The brightness in the light that illuminates this image gives a serene quality. The soft kiss from the father and the joyous smile from the mother makes this image truly special. Nice work.
- Love how the light embraces this baby with love. The kiss from dad as mom holds the baby is priceless

1. 36.6 points | Julia Wade
2. 33.8 points | Hilary Mercer
3. 29.9 points | Stephanie Kingston
4. 28.4 points | Michelle Gunton
5. 27.7 points | Jim Colman
6. 21.1 points Diane McKinney
7. 20.5 points | Jenny Tarpley
8. 20 points | Carrie Geddie
9. 19.8 points | Annemie Tonken
10. 19.4 points | Bridget McEnaney

ARTISTIC

1ST | Michelle Gunton / Michelle Gunton Photography

- Absolutely love the softness of light and feeling in this image. The toning is perfect and the vignetting naturally falls into place. You see just enough detail in her hair, dress and face which is excellent lighting control by the photographer. This category was a strong one but this one is a winner.
- Simple yet pretty. Great use of ambient light.
- This light is perfect. In a dreamy setting, the light creates a timeless feel. Beautiful!

2nd | James Tarpley / Visio Photography

- Like this one… the composition more than anything.  The umbrella clouds sent my eyes all over the photo
- Wow. The clouds and the sun streaking down on the bride makes for a dynamic image. The splash of color from the umbrella gives the images a little extra pop. Excellent!

3rd | Laura Simson / Laura Simson Photography

- Always appreciate when photographers think outside the box. The couple framed by leaves and trees makes this photograph great. (Would have placed higher if I could see his face)

4th Kristen Hill / Kristen Abigail Photography

- This photo jumped out right out of the gate… the bride is playing the guitar. But its an obvious distinction with the ring. I kept going back to this photo

5th Jim Coleman / Jim Coleman Photography

- A combination of light, composition, toning and tilt-shift makes this image a winner. The photographer grabbed the best of everything to make this image sing. It definitely stood out of the crowd…well done!

PHOTOJOURNALISM

1ST Hillary Mercer / Hillary Mercer Photography

- When I think of PJ, I almost always think of B&W.  However, the colors in this shot have changed my mind forever.  The moment, the motion and the colors all combined perfectly.  I could almost hear the DJ in the back and the guys all screaming for him to jump. Very nice timing and capture by the photographer.
- Hilarious dance shot. Right place at the right time!
- Flipped through this category this shot jumped out above all of them… love the action!

2nd Jim Coleman / Jim Coleman Photography

- The focus on the Dad is a great choice.  He is obviously taken back by seeing his daughter.  This is a sweet moment that you can try to create, but this stands out as an authentic moment.
- Great moment… dad is speechless as the bride looks, turns around and there’s pops. I imagine a tear or two was dropped after this.

3rd Jenny Tarpley / Visio Photography

- This shot was good because the confetti I felt danced along with the couple and the couples faces were priceless. And its at the end of the night tie off shirt unbuttoned a bit.. they have a great night indeed!
- I went back and forth on this image a few times.  In the end, it’s definitely worth ranking as all of the elements of a celebration are there. The expressinos, the confetti and even the off camera flash adds a carnivale feel.  I would of liked to see more of the scene which is why it was not ranked higher.

4th Sarah Der / Sarah Der Photography

- This one jumped out at me. This photographer looked beyond the normal realm of the day and captured this kid beautifully

5th Laura Simson / Laura Simson Photography

- I love this moment and really puts m,e into the little girls perspective. Even though we can’t see her face, I can imagine her hands are clasped and almost a jealousy coming out because of how gorgeous the bride is. Well done!

SILHOUETTES

1ST Stephanie Kingston | Kingston Photography

- Depth is remarkable here.  So dark and beautiful.  It leaves you wondering and looking longer.
- Wow, talk about unexpected eye candy and vision. I can feel this image, the late afternoon sun, the brewing clouds and almost smell the water. The texture the light gives to the pool and concrete had my eyes dancing around for a solid minute taking in the entire scene. Exceptional toning and exection!

2nd Hilary Mercer / Hilary Mercer Photography

- The colors, the symmetry of the floats and the moment captured really had me wondering if it was posed or did the photographer simply have the foresight to wait for this moment.  If the fish had nto been intersecting the groom’s head then it would of made choosing 1st place impossible.  Well done!
- I like this shot… the tank fish simple kiss… works
- The rich blue with the dark silhouette of couple is perfect.

3rd A.J. Dunlap / A.J. Dunlap Photography

-Love the use of dj lights to silhouette this. I’m a big fan of silhouettes and this shot isn’t that easy to pull off… good job

4th Erin May / Erin May Photography

- This was really a tough choice for 3rd place. This image won out simply because it seemed well thought out, planned and executed very well. The muted colors in the sky merge well with the very fun moment between a dad & daughter. The photographer did well to freeze the motion of the moment.

5th Jenny Tarpley / Visio Photography

- I like this one because of the pose. The couple matches. The photographer l posed them this way and it worked… beautiful colors… see good point here. The silhouette was secondary to how the couple looked in the photo. We should always try to think of this when shooting.

TENDER MOMENTS

1st Jenny Tarpley / Visio Photography

- Great capture… the comfort on everyone faces is priceless. I have NEVER seen this at a wedding. and I can only imagine this moment lasted just a few moments.
- Assuming this is the Rabbi with couple during the ceremony…such a beautiful shot.  If this isn’t a touching moment of tenderness, I don’t know what is!

2nd Erin May / Erin May Photography

-  Great pic obviously… I think the best moment is the fact that 2 kids paused a bit here… you froze these kids in time.  If I were a parent I’d blow this up huge and wall mount it.
- Babies! Eyelashes! Oh my! Of course this is tender, but it is also rich in tones of black and white.

3rd Christine Prisk

- The use of negative space really focuses the viewer onto the raw emotion of both the women in the frame.  The choice to go B&W really enhances the moment and pushed this to a number 1 spot.
- I’m like this shot!  The photographer went beyond the bride and groom at the alter.  Part of me wants to throw this pic a little further to the top.  Tough call.  A great capture and great eye to look beyond whats happening at the alter.

4th Stephanie Kingston | Kingston Photography

- How many times at a wedding do we see just the one fleeting moment where the groom loses his composure. Capturing this moment definitely takes skill and the framing & composition adds a real closeness that amplifies the grooms emotion.
- The groom, I can tell was really trying to hold back the tears.  Good composition in this photo.

5th A.J. Dunlap / A.J. Dunlap Photography

- I love the competiting emotions in the photo. You have the dad (I assume) unable to hold his face, the bride smiling lovingly at her daughter and the daughter really interested in the camera. The image has a raw feeling which really helps accentuate the emotion. Well done!

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

1ST James Tarpley / Visio Photography

- The simplicity of this photo is what convinced me it should win. For a senior portrait, it captures all of the things we should be looking for – personality, style yet simple. This is a timeless photo that will age well and never go out of style. If this was a point system, the vignette is a tad heavy and may be a minor deduction but the photo is superb!
-This is what both parents and teenagers want in their senior portraits!  It shows personality and style without being completely sexy like so many senior portraits.
- Simplicity won this one… photography is a passion and curiosity.  The antique camera and the look on her face.

2nd Julia Wade / Julia Wade Photography

- Rule of thirds… live it be it… its what our careers are.. love the dress and hay bails.  Looks like she grew up on a farm.
- The toning and coloring on this photo is really well done. Subtle enough to not be in your face, but enough to catch your eye. Good composition and repetition really make this photo stand out from the crowd.
-A great environmental portrait

3rd Jenny Tarpley / Visio Photography

- This image is really stunning and it was difficult to rank third instead of first.  Everything, with one exception, was beautifully executed and the end result was stunning.  The flash shadows from her nose falling onto her mouth and across her knee was the technical deduction that dropped its ranking.
- I like this one because the photographer I feel coached this bride. This is in her comfort element… Lighting is good, its tranquil, simple and love the green.

4th Stephanie Kingston | Kingston Photography

- I like this one because I’m going to guess the photographer found this place driving down the road. Its different than just a photo of the senior.

5th A.J. Dunlap / A.J. Dunlap Photography

 Top 10 photographers though Q2

1. 31.6 points | Hilary Mercer
2. 29.9 points | Stephanie Kingston
3. 21.1 points | Michelle Gunton & Diane McKinney (tie)
5. 20.5 points | Jenny Tarpley
6. 19.8 points | Julia Wade
7. 17.7 points | Jim Coleman
8. 17.2 points | James Tarpley
9. 12 points | Sarah Der
10. 11.9 points | Nancy Thomas

A very whole-hearted congratulations to our 2011 Q1 WPS Image Competition winners!  The year has gotten off to a great start and, judging from the image submissions, it’s going to be a very, very tight race for the 2011 WPS Photographer of the year!

ARTISTIC:

1ST | Diane McKinney / Diane McKinney Photography

- Such a timeless and sublime look and feel to this image. The styling, expression, and composition captivates.
- Love those eyes and the shallow depth of field leading me to them. The photographer chose all the right elements to create this classic image.
- The beauty of this image is in the soft and beautiful expression of the bride. The light use of sepia, shallow depth of field, & high contrast draw the viewer in. It’s just pretty!

2ND | Hilary Mercer / Hilary Mercer Photography

- This is a beautiful outdoor maternity portrait. I really enjoy the warm light passing through the tree embracing mother and baby.
- Although this picture bordered on centeritis, the darkness of the tree detracted from that fact, causing me to focus on its great use of light&shadow, color and blacks, & pretty framing. I just kept coming back to this picture!

3RD | Stephanie Kingston / Kingston Photography

- Nice light and expression on the bride. Good use of reflection to add some creativity and capture the scene.
- Love that the overall scene was revealed here; being what’s in front of the photographer and what’s behind him. It’s about the information the photographer chose to reveal about the bride’s day.

Motion:

1ST | Diane McKinney / Diane McKinney Photography

- This is the type of shot that comes to mind when I think of “motion” in photography. Nice panning job to freeze just the bride and blur everything else.
- The motion of the car mixed with the moment is wonderful. Kudos to the photographer for staying with them till the end.
- Way to freeze your subjects at the precise moment. Strong sense of motion draws your eye right into the joy of the bride’s face. I love how the guests become mere elements of the background rather than actual subjects of the picture.

2ND | Nicole Faby / Nicole Faby Photography

- This is a beautiful photograph with just the right amount of motion. The veil flying in the air while kissing her grooms is perfect!
- There so many positives to this picture. The curvy leading lines the encompass the subject. The toning. And of course the whispy-ness caught in the detail of the veil as it blew.

3RD | Jim Colman / Jim Colman Photography

- The strong contrast of light and darks against the perfect blue sky and a couple immortalized in time is what drew me into this picture as a contender.
- Great timing to get them at the peak of their jump. Beautiful sky, but would have loved to see some off camera flash on the subjects to illuminate them or conversely to have exposed even less to have them completely black silhouettes.

Pets:

1ST | Julia Wade / Julia Wade Photography

- A nice artistically shot image that I am sure the subject would love on their wall. What a sweet and authentic looking moment between the owner and the dog.
- Wonderful picturesque moment of a girl and her dog. Love the sunset and the moment connected to it.
- What I love about this picture is that it tells of the unspeakable bond between people and their pets. One can draw on a lot of symoblism and friendship from this image. Love the post-processing!

2ND | Nancy Thomas / Nancy Thomas Photo

- How cute is this photo! These photos are hard to get with a puppy flopping around.
- Besides this picture being terribly cute, I love the tight framing that keeps bringing you back to those sweet eyes of this pup. The colors/toning, lines and textures, all make for a strong image.

3RD | Jim Colman / Jim Colman Photography

- What a great moment of the bride and her dog. I love how you see how much they care for one another.
- I love the voyeuristic vantage point of this image. It has a timeless feel of a sweet interaction of a bride and her dog/groom. haha

Photojournalism:

1ST | Stephanie Kingston / Kingston Photography

- Not usually a fan of the cake smash, but the tight crop juxtaposing the two different expressions is unique and pretty darn rad.
- Talk about the quintessential moment! And the tight framing…….great pj shot!

2ND | Sarah Der / Sarah Der Photography

- What makes this picture so fun is the range of facial expressions and the composition of the single ladies.
- Nice peak action with the bouquet toss. Those ladies were really going at it and I like the near miss.

3RD | Bridget McEnaney / Bridget McEnaney Photography LLC

- What a wonderful moment between the father and daughter during their dance. When you look at the image further you can see the embrace is strong between the two.

Framing:

1ST | Michelle Gunton / Michelle Gunton Photography

- This photo is just dreamy. I looks too good to be true but that yummy light is gorgeous. Love the framing of the trees and clouds. Simply wonderful.
- When I think about framing, it’s all about utilizing the surrounding environments and objects in a sense of space to further direct your eye to your subject. This picture epitomizes framing your subject!
-Sublime use of bokeh and specular highlights to uniquely frame the couple…please tell me this is not a texture!

2ND | Hilary Mercer / Hilary Mercer Photography

- Like the editorial feel and expressions of the subjects…the hard right angles with the staggering of the table legs surrounding them is a nice contrast to the soft pose and expressions.
- This is clearly a nice tight shot and one that is definitely about the framing. Would’ve placed higher if there was a shallower depth of field. Left side distracts me from the subject a little.
-What a great way to see something different in an engagement session. The subjects are perfectly framed with the desks. Well done!

3RD | Nancy Thomas / Nancy Thomas Photo

- Love the simplicity of this photo on how it is framed. Such a quiet wonderful moment captured by the photographer .
-Love the transition from the moody interior to the bright natural setting outdoors.

2011 Standings:

We have a new point system to help create separation between the competitors in 2011.

2011 Point System:
1st = 10
2nd = 7.2
3rd = 4.7
4th = 2.6
5th = 1.1

If you are new to the WPS, your quarterly image competition submissions accrue points and are used to determine the WPS photographer of the year!  Here’s a few photos and a writeup on Tim Sayer, our 2010 WPS photographer of the year!  http://weddingphotographicsociety.com/photographer-of-the-year.html

If you want to catch up on the last year of image competitions, you can see all of the related blog posts here.

ARTISTIC:

1ST ANGELA VAN ALLEN

2ND TIM SAYER

3RD KIMBERLY MUFFERI

TODDLERS:

1ST  TIM SAYER

2ND HEIKE DELMORE

3RD KATHLEEN PACE

SERIES:

1ST LEAH CHARBONNEAU

2ND TIM SAYER

3RD MARY SAOU

PHOTOJOURNALISM:

1ST CRAIG CARPENTER

2ND TIM SAYER

3RD MARK SOBHANI

FLARE:

1ST CRAIG CARPENTER

2ND HEIKE DELMORE

3RD BIANCA PALMER

1    Tim Sayer    33.5
2    Nancy Thomas    33
3    Michelle Gunton    30
4    Sommer Gibbs    20.5
5    Carolyn Scott    20
5    J Kim        20
7    Nathan C    17
7    Patrick Eilers    17
9    Mark S        14.5
10    Bianca P     14

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Click HERE to get more contest details and to submit your images.

Categories are as follows:

The Usual:

PJ(photojournalism)-capturing your subjects, naturally, as they are, in the moment. Light dodging and burning are allowed and color and BW are accepted.This is not the category for your mad Photoshop skillz! (wedding or portrait session)

Artistic- Simply, what it implies. Anything goes. Show us your art! (wedding or portrait session )

Carousel Categories:

Toddlers – (roughly 1 to 3 years old)

Series (3-5 images in a series) – please remember the 800px layout requirement.

Flare (sun flare, flash flare, bald head flare)

Good luck to everyone!!

Here are the winners of the Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

Artistic

1st Place – Tim Sayer

1st place - artistic - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Excellent execution and use of prop! Has a refreshingly unrealistic lighting scheme that draws the viewer’s eye to the subjects. Tone, color and details are crisp and clear which is also a refreshing change from the somewhat washed out retro look that seems to prevalent at the moment. If I were to present this image, I would take way the telephone pole pointing at the guy’s bum (it’s like he might back up on that thing) as well as the three lines coming out the back of him. (it’s like he’s running fast.)

- WOW! I love the stark contrast of the light yet edgy umbrella juxtaposed with the darks and saturation of colors of this image. I had to look at it for awhile.

- Simply amazing. Everything about this image works. Great vision and execution by the photographer.

2nd Place – Summer Gibbs

2nd place - artistic - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Love the red sky and the lighting of this image! Wonder way to take a risk and create a dynamic frame for the bride & groom.

- Another WOW! Stark contrast of color with dark and highlights. Love the grasses as they give a nice frame and sense of environment. Would love to have seen this cropped straighter.

- The extra effort the photographer took to light the couple in this way paid off and made the saturated sky possible. Colors are great and the lighting is precise. Having said all of those good things, I’ll now register my objection to the composition. There is a whole lot of dark foreground, and as a result so little beautiful sky. This also makes the subject dead center in the image which can have the effect of rendering an image visually unsophisticated. Please don’t get me started on the 45 degree tilt. This is a beautiful image on it’s own, it does NOT need a tilt. Without the tilt, this image would have ranked higher.

3rd Place – Michelle Gunton

3rd place - artistic - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- In a world full of high key wedding images, this low key composition caught my eye and makes great use of lighting for dramatic effect. The light, the composition and post production treatment reinforce the quiet but compelling subject matter. As a side note, I’m not a huge fan of adding texture in post production, but this is not so overt as to distract from the subject.

- Nice period feel combined with emotion. Texture works well!

4th Please – Maxine Mastromarino

4th place - artistic - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Great use of light and form with this maternity shot. I would love to see this image in B&W. Wonderful portrait!

5th Place – Crystal Kiser

5th place - artistic - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Okay, a lot of folks would agree that walking on train tracks is played out, but this image just feels good. It’s comfortable and is not trying too hard to be something it’s not. Authenticity in an image counts for a lot and this has it.

- I enjoy the layering and texture of the image. It is simple but very well done.

PHOTOJOURNALISM

1st Place- Teresa Porter

1st place - photojournalism - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- The emotion of the groom in this image is priceless. It is rare to see the groom cry at a reception…nice image.

- Great expressions, just enough of the crowd to give context.

- Love the contrast between the joy of the bride and sentiment of the groom. Great decision by the photographer to go BW with this image.

2nd Place – Nancy Thomas

2nd place - photojournalism - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Image provides great context and covers the moment. Also, who doesn’t love a great silhouette?

-Love how everyone in this image is an anonymous figure image including the bride and groom. Their moment. Their kiss caught privately. Nice detail of the dress.

- I am enjoying the quiet moment shared between the bride & groom outside of the reception. The moon over on the top right hand corner adds balance to the frame.

3rd Place – Mary Saou

- Peak moment of emotion and out of focus hand takes the eye right up to the bride’s expression which is a capture of joy and embraced by the hand of comfort. Strong generational detail.

4th Place – Leah Charbonneau

4th place - photojournalism - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- Love this spontaneous outburst. Makes me laugh, and great composition.

5th Place – William McEwen

5th place - photojournalism - Q3 WPS Image Competition

- This is funny, strange and interesting to look at. You really get have a good sense of what it was like to be at the reception with this image. His facial expression is what sold me.

BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE

1st Place – Carolyn Scott

- I would go to that party. Shows essence and energy without bothering with the details.

- Great sense of environment and energy. Strong bright spots and lines makes mere suggestions of what is really going on with a sense of mystery.

- The harsh side-lit hands in the air on the dance floor is wonderful. You have to make this image again. Very cool!

2nd place – Jonathon Young

2nd place - beautiful mistake - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Love the expression of the bride and groom as they are lifted up. There is a lot of back lighting in the room created by the photographer. This can cause problems but the photographer used it to his/her advantage.

- I love the lack of preparedness on the photographers behalf for this image. Proof positive that sometimes we just need to go for it even if there is a sense of doubt if it’s correct.

3rd Place – Tim Sayer

3rd place - beautiful mistake - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- All I can say is “OMG I really Like the depth a lot”

- I’m sure the photographer was setting up a nice sunset shot and I’m left questioning the mistake factor other than the shoes were mistakenly thrown aside. Nonetheless, it had my utmost interest.

- I really love the lighting with this image. I am not sure how this is a mistake but it sure is a beautiful one.

4th Place – Michelle Gunton

4th place - beautiful mistake - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- This image makes me want to scream “Hell Yeah!” The fact that the interior is lit up is a double bonus.

5th Place – Courtney Potter

Courtney Potter

200 – Love the symmetry of the silhouette and the shadow.

LARGE GROUPS

1st Place – Carolyn Scott

1st place - large groups - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Love the light and the color. The image is kind of badass. Not super stoked about the guy kneeling, but can get over it given all of the other positives the image offers.

- Nice balance throughout the image with light, shadow, and composition

- Love the warm glow and positioning of the bridal party. Each couple is doing something a little different which makes me want to look at it longer.

2nd Place  – Courtney Potter

2nd place - large groups - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- I love quick-quirky moments captured when unexpected. No one was ready for this shot except for the photographer. Nice image and well done.

- Love the fun horizontal stack composition in regards to color and subjects of this image. Nice partially candid and quirky group photo.

- The use of perspective and depth give this image a sense of spontaneity, and the expression is humorous.

3rd Place – Jim Colman

3rd place - large groups - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Nice staggered group shot in which the viewers’ eyes flow up and down throughout this image.

- A portrait of a big bridal party is always challenging. Yet the photographer made this one look easy and fun. Excellent job!

4th place – Summer Gibbs

4th place - large groups - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- This group is is having a kicking great time and I am loving the enthusiasm of the military men. This image really capture the feel of the group. I know they had a great time at the reception.

- Love the playfulness of this image. Makes me wonder what the photographer said to these people to make this happen.

- I was on the fence until I saw the brides maid jumping up on the guy on the left. It’s obvious fun was being had and people were comfortable.

5th place – William McEwen

5th place - large groups - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Crisp, clean image. loving the symmetry of the placement. Only critique is that the body language of the two dudes on the left does not match the feel that the rest of the image is trying to accomplish.

NEWBORNS

1st Place – Crystal Kiser

1st place - newborns - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Challenging pose well-executed. Purely sweet!

- What can I say…it does not get any cuter than this. This is a slam dunk winner in my books. Amazing portrait!

2nd place – Nancy thomas

2nd place - newborns - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Simplicity, simplicity. Clean and crisp. Nice leading lines of the couch.

- Well executed. The newborn is the subject, the surroundings fade away.

3rd place – Tim Sayer

3rd place - newborns - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Nice light, nice color

- Nice tight shot with shallow depth of field. Everything about this image is pure!

- Classic straight photo of the baby. Those eyes are just amazing and perfect.

4th place – Bianca Palmer

4th place - newborns - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Organic with punchy colors. Nice reveal of the intimacy shared between twins.

- The two peas in pod is adorable. The photographer did a wonderful job with color combination and placing the babies in a cute snuggle pose.

5th place – Hilary Mercer

5th place - newborns - Q3 2010 WPS Image Competition

- Nice concept given the unique nature of the subjects.

WPS Top Ten | through Q3 contest

1. 33.5 Points – Tim Sayer
2. 33 Points – Nancy Thomas
3. 30 Points – Michelle Gunton
4. 20.5 Points – Summer Gibbs
5. 20 Points (tie) – J. Kim | Carolyn Scott
7. 17 Points – Patrick Eilers | Nathan Clendenin
10. 14.5 Points - Mark Sobhani

OVERALL POINT STANDINGS FOR Q3 CONTEST

1. 20 Points – Carolyn Scott
2. 19 Points – Tim Sayer
3. 14 Points – Nancy Thomas
4. 11 Points – Crystal Kiser
5. 10 Points – Teresa Porter
6. 9.5 Points – Michelle Gunton
7. 8 Points - Courtney Potter
8. 7 Points (tie) – Jonathan Young | Summer Gibbs
10. 4.5 Points (tie) – Mary Saou | Jim Coleman |
12. 2.5 Points (tie) – Bianca Palmer | Maxine Mastromarino | Leah Charbonneau
15. 2 Points – William Mcewen

WPS Top Ten (through first and second quarter) with new point schedule

1. 20.5 Points – Michelle Gunton
2. 20 Points – J. Kim
3. 19 Points – Nancy Thomas
4. (Tie) 17 Points – Patrick Eilers | Nathan Clendenin
6. (Tie) 14.5 Points – Tim Sayer | Mark Sobhani
8. 13.5 Points – Summer Gibbs
9. 12 Points – Jason Dail
11. (Tie) 11.5 Points – Cara Galati | Bianca Palmer

The rest of the field

12. 8.5 Points - Andrew Bryant
14. (Tie) 7 Points - Elizabeth van der Bij | Megan Kime
14. (Tie) 4.5 Points - Jim Coleman | Carrie Robinson | William McEwen
20. (Tie) 1 Point - Steve Jackle | Jonathan Young | Michael Moss

The new point system is:

1st = 10
2nd = 7
3rd = 4.5
4th = 2.5
5th = 1