I'm an Artistic Guild Weener too!!

Wow! I just found out that I won even more awards from the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association!! This is a special arm of the WPJA which encourages photographers to go beyond the capture of an image and to take the extra step in the processing and enhancement of that image. You can only become a member by submitting images for contest and receiving awards, so it's a very special honor for me to have received four awards with one image receiving first place in its category, giving me an overall ranking of 3rd in the world. Wow.... is this real? *pinch*pinch* I'm still waiting for someone to tell me that I'm being punked! I just can't believe my name is up there among some of the photographers whose work I drool over on a daily basis... it seriously just blows me away. Without further blaffled blabbing, here are my winning images...

CATEGORY: ENGAGEMENT

Judge's Comments: Engagements are one of my favorite categories and this quarters entries didn't let me down! What a great idea to take a couple to a bowling alley. The retro look, and awesome processing made this image stand out. One hint, separation between the couple's faces (making their face shapes work for you instead of merging) may make this image even better. Congrats on the great location and stellar image.
*(btw.. I totally agree about getting a little separation between the faces in a silhouette)

CATEGORY: DETAILS

Judge's Comments: The heads in the water balance the feet really well. Couple the subject with the blueish toning & strong vignette and the image comes to life!

CATEGORY: CEREMONY

Judge's Comments: The moment before heading down the aisle is a private yet momentous one. Congrats to the photographer for keeping an eye on the bride while positioning themselves for the ceremony. In keeping with the quiet moment, the photographer de-saturated the scene so we find a hint of the bride's face in the upper right corner of the frame.

CATEGORY: ENGAGEMENT

Judge's Comments: The semi-circular motion blur coupled with some great color is completed with a kiss. Some minimal burning on the foreground arm would definitely improve the image.