11th place in Departure
The WPJA contest judges presented Ruslan Safin, a Russia 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.
2010 Q3 Judges
Judges
- An image like this could be easily dismissed by those more accustomed to an "eye-burner" style that practically screams at viewers to "LOOK." But I was drawn to the complexity of this photo - an image that presents itself in such subtlety that if it were human it would play its role as the uncomfortable genius circling the fringe of a party. If they interest you - better grab another drink and buckle up because it's gonna' be a ride. Look at the shapes in this image. The accented angles of the architecture in the background can also be found in the mid-rift fold of the bride's dress and the shadowed lines of her collar bone. They are also mirrored in the groom's tie, the lower part of his vest and even the arc of his raised thumb touching his brow. His posture is also similar to the boy in front of him. All of this and we haven't even touched upon other elements in the image that work in similar ways. In summary, this image "works" because of its intricate complexity that begs to be known. Spend some time looking at it but have another drink first.
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 Ruslan Safin, was awarded 11th place for photo 426311 in the Departure category for the WPJA's 2010 Q3.