7th place in Reception
The WPJA contest judges presented Mark Sobhani, a Texas, 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.
2011 Q2 Contest Judges
Photographer's Comment
I'm a big believer in creating your own luck. Sometimes it comes from having a certain skill set or insight, and sometimes luck comes to those who take chances. When I found out the bride and groom would be releasing doves at their wedding, I made a point of finding the dove handler beforehand and asking a few questions. He let me know what the doves' tendencies were and what I might expect from the dove release. With a second shooter covering the 'standard' shot, I took a chance by moving in with a wide-angle lens, high and a little to the side, anticipating the dove would turn towards the sunlight upon its exit.
Judges
- Beautiful. No guarantees that the photo would work when it happened, but it must have been meant to be. ,
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 Mark Sobhani, was awarded 7th place for photo 655206 in the Reception category for the WPJA's 2011 Q2 Contest.