1st place in Reception
The WPJA contest judges presented Douglas Despres, a California, United States 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.
2013 Q4 Contest Judges
Photographer's Comment
Judges Comments - I was intrigued and impressed with this image and how the photographer chose to marry the scene with a moment. At first glance it’s a confusing scene, until you realize it’s like a wedding version of a tailgate party. Perhaps here we could call it a “veil-gate” party. It’s a simple gathering of celebrants on what appears to be an overcast day with fog - not your traditional ideal weather for an outdoor wedding. And yet, its simplicity yields an air of perfection. After all, a moment is what it is and nothing trumps a true moment.
Judges
- I was intrigued and impressed with this image and how the photographer chose to marry the scene with a moment. At first glance it’s a confusing scene, until you realize it’s like a wedding version of a tailgate party. Perhaps here we could call it a “veil-gate” party. It’s a simple gathering of celebrants on what appears to be an overcast day with fog - not your traditional ideal weather for an outdoor wedding. And yet, its simplicity yields an air of perfection. After all, a moment is what it is and nothing trumps a true moment.
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 Douglas Despres, was awarded 1st place for photo 1330066 in the Reception category for the WPJA's 2013 Q4 Contest.