[AG]WPJA Contest: Multiple Winning Images!

Woohoo!!! I recently found out that four images of mine placed in various categories of the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association's ([AG]WPJA) most recent contest. I ended up with two images that placed in the top 10 and one in the top 20 for the "reception" category. And, I had an additional image that placed in the top 20 for the portrait category.

A huge thank you to all of my wonderful couples and a big congratulations to all the winners of the contest. Your work is incredible and inspiring!

These types of things are always fun for me... Here are a few words about the [AG]WPJA and what it's all about followed by the winning images.

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The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers (WPJA members), who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images. The chief objective of the [AG]WPJA is to provide members with a platform where the finest enhanced, manipulated and/or artistic wedding photojournalism in the world is spotlighted and promoted for the bride and groom.

The [AG]WPJA establishes and upholds high standards that are taken into consideration during the judging process for our wedding photography contests. Using all artistic tools at their disposal, members skillfully enliven their work in post production processing.
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Now on to the images...

The first and highest placing image (4th in the Reception category) comes from Melissa and Nathan's wedding. This image was taken during the toasts and features Melissa's mom, Eveline along with close relatives and friends of the family. Eveline, such a beautiful mother, was very moved by the day... it was a lovely moment.

Here's what the judge had to say about the image... "Superb toning, complimented by a textured overlay, accent this quiet moment." This next image (which placed 8th in the Reception category) was also taken during the toasts at Melissa and Nathan's wedding. I just loved this little guy's eyes and expression.

A few words from the judge, "This image has an early Magnum Photos feel. Quiet, balanced and timeless..."
The following image (placed 17th in the reception category) closed out one of the most fun weddings I've ever attended or been a part of, Nicole and Tommy's big day. This one was taken as Nicole and Tommy drove away at the very end of their reception. So fun.

A few words from the judge, "Staying on your toes during the parting shots is always a good idea, you just never know what people are going to do as they exit. I like the little accent of the one way sign in the background."
And, for the final winning image (17th in the Portraits category)... a portrait taken during Andi and Steve's wedding. This fantastic couple was open to anything... I love that!!! When I saw this old boarded up house and brought them up on the porch... they were totally up for it (even while some guests were wondering what in the heck that crazy photographer was doing).

A few word from the judge, "The image has a vintage, bleached Polaroid land camera feel that only accentuates the background and attitudes of this couple."