so I’ve never entered a photo in a competition before. I have a few for next years PPOC and maybe the WPPI but a few weeks ago I sent in a wedding image called Smart Move, to a wedding photo competition put on by Willow Paper Works.
Here’s the image:
It took 3rd place (I haven’t seen 1st or 2nd yet…) and one of the judges was none other than Kevin Kubota
There is nothing better than a professional critique on your images. I love it and I wish it would happen more often. Even the stuff that hurts your ego is great!
Here’s what he said:
Note from Kevin Kubota:#3 Smart Move 5×7 Love the originality and humor in this one! The composition could have been improved a little bit and the focus and exposure could be improved slightly, but it’s got impact – which is most important, and it’s very unique.
Really though…what was I thinking here? no shadow detail and cixelsyd yllanoitisopmoc! Thanks Kevin.
Applehead Studio – Very Different Photography
Constructive criticism, if accepted as exactly that, only makes us better at what we do. Keep at it Liam and before you know it you will be winning 1st place awards left and right!!!
Liam, your ego should be proud! You placed among quite a few other really great entries 🙂 I actually had a hard time deciding whether this was my 2nd or the 3rd place winner. I, too, have many favorite images that are not perfectly exposed, or not as sharp as could be, but I love them. They have impact. This is why yours is really great. As I mentioned in my original comments, the slight softness and underexposure are minor things really. When judging images (I have judged for WPPI and PPA), I look for little things that could have pushed it up to perfection – but they aren’t things to really get too worried about. Many times they are completely subjective. I’ve realized that myself having my own prints judged in competition too. The feeling and originality is there in this image and that really makes it strong.
I did feel that the cropping could be improved by not having their heads in the center of the horizon. Cutting a bit off the top where the heavy dark area is would have felt a bit better. A panorama maybe? Yes, I think it would look cool as a pano.
Great job entering and congrats on your win! I hope to see more of your work 🙂
Awesome…Liam, I truly am speechless. You have captured our wedding day in such a beautiful way. As a photographer with no camera, I will always follow your work. Congrats!!!
Liam…I am truly amazed! We’re so happy to hear that you got third place! Your work is amazing. You have captured our day in such a beautiful way. As a budding photographer, with no good camera, I’ll continue to follow your work. You’re such an inspiration.