1st place in Emotion
The WPJA contest judges presented Michael Albert, a British Columbia, Canada wedding photographer, with this Master Piece Award as recognition for top wedding photojournalism in the industry.
The leading documentary wedding photographers in the world enter their best photos to the Wedding Photojournalist Association's photography competitions. They want their wedding reportage photographs to be evaluated and selected by some of the most notable and respected working picture editors and photojournalists in the news industry (these are not wedding photographers or other WPJA members judging their work). Winning these competitions is a true accomplishment for a wedding photographer.
2006 Spring Judges
Photographer's Comment
Unlike a simple controlled portrait in a studio, a wedding day is buzzing with activity. You have to develop an ability to monitor many different evolving scenarios at the same time, ready to grab their moments at the peak of their action. In this case, mother and daughter moved so quick that I shot it without raising the camera to my eye. I knew I would have a few opportunities in the hotel room to capture their excitement together and this was my favorite. In the hotel room, I was using a flash pointed to the ceiling to bounce a little bit of fill light and to help balance the ugly yellow lamplight. Since the camera was at belly level, I had to close my eyes just as the shutter and flash popped so I wouldn't blind myself!,
Judges
- UDGES COMMENTS: There is joy and love expressed in the gesture... surrounded by family and friends. The moment and context feels so real. Hey! An emotion picture that gives us something else: a funny moment. The serious, straightforward action of the woman adjusting the dress contrasts with the soft, tender moment between the central woman and the little girl. This photograph is well framed.
The best and top wedding photographs from this category
WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.
Wedding photographer Michael Albert, was awarded 1st place for photo 51326 in the Emotion category for the WPJA's 2006 Spring.