Yup, we finally got all the ducks lined up, all the squares filled, the "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed so it time to announce the

Digital Grin "Wedding Photography Challenge"

Basic Rules for Entries

1. There are no prizes, so this is just for fun! Since there are no prizes, there's no whining allowed
2. While no judgment is likely to please everyone, they are final!
3. Have fun sharing and seeing what other share!
4. The winner of the last theme is the host for the next (a.k.a "current") theme.
5. The host supplies a topic and starts a thread.
6. The host selects his/her favorites (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) from the entries in the current theme and is, therefore, not eligible to enter a photo.
7. There are no monetary prizes. Just bragging rights
8. Copyright, ownership: entries remain the property of the photographer. Other than for publicity purposes at Dgrin or SmugMug, we don't have any rights to use your photo, period.
9. Dgrin reserves the right to modify or cancel the challenges at any time, without notice.
10. Oh, did I forget to mention, "Have fun!"

Guidelines

1. A valid entry is any single image you've made. Doesn't matter when it was taken, the camera used, nor the processing. It's all fair game.
2. You've found you have a better image than the one you first submitted? Fine, edit your post to replace your initial submission with your new favorite.
3. Post Processing - Anything you like is fair game.
4. Watermarks - Photos may not exhibit branding or watermarks. However, a small signature and copyright at the bottom of the image are encouraged.
5. Borders/Frames - No borders or framing unless it's a triptych or multi-image entry.
6. No Nudity - Nudity may not be entered into the challenges. Use discretion for implied shots, but if it belongs in the Go Figure forum, it does not belong in the challenges.
7. Give your entry a title if you want to, but make sure your name is included too, so we know who posted it.
8. Photos should be sized such that the longest edge is 800 pixels.
9. One of the objectives is to provide inspiration and to help others improve their photography. So, any background, tips, hints, discussion, etc is and will be greatly appreciated.
10. Don't by shy! Share your joy!

Schedule

1. The NEW CUT-OFF date is the last day of each month, I think that will be easier to remember. The winner will be announced on the first day of each month, and we'll hopefully have a new challenge up & running by the 2nd or 3rd day. If you are the last winner & submitted the new challenge, please send a PM to the moderator, she'll then put a badge on the top 3 entries.
   
   Should the "winner" fail to post the new theme in a timely manner, the host will inform the next one in line that they have been promoted to "host" for the current theme and that they have until end of the last day of the month to select and announce a new theme. If they miss, then it falls to the creator of the 3rd favorite and they have a 2 days (yes, that means the theme period will start late). If 1, 2, and 3 fail to stand up, the moderator will be the "host" for the next theme, announce the topic no later than about 6:30AM on the 5th day of the month and "judge" then entries at the end.

Other Thoughts

• Let's keep this thread just about the winning photos.
• Questions, answers, complaints, etc should be posted in Wedding Challenges Discussion, Questions, Answers, etc thread
• Submissions in the monthly theme should be posted in the thread for that month.

The list of Winners

• Reflection
• Dragging the Shutter
• Weather or Not
• Architecture
  
  > NEW: PLEASE VISIT:
  http://dgrinextras.smugmug.com/Wedding-Challenges
  and open any challenge folder to view the winner.

How to submit a photo:
go to: www.smugmug.com

(this link should work too: http://dgrinextras.smugmug.com/Wedding-Challenges)

login: DgrinExtras
password: knockknock

Then go to Wedding Challenge and select the newest challenge > upload a pic (see top right corner / UPLOAD > TO THIS GALLERY)

When you upload a photo, please name it with YOUR NAME, or your nickname. Please do NOT upload full res files as I can't take any responsibilities for it and don't want the photo to end up in the wrong hands.

Once we announce the winner, the moderator will download your photo and it will receive a 1st / 2nd / 3rd place badge.

Let's have FUN!

heatherfeather has agreed to be host and judge for the first topic and, due to scheduling conflicts (she'll be returning from a gig!) will be posting her selection later this afternoon! It'll be interesting to see what she selects!!

Thanks Heather!

Hi everybody. Let's please keep this thread "clean". If you have any questions, remarks, ideas please post it in this thread:

Wedding Challenges Discussion, Questions, Answers, etc

Thank you!!

Hi everyone,

The winners for the first round have been selected (thanks Heather). All the entries, with one notable exception, were stunning - no surprises there.

In the second runner-up position is MemoriesByMelinda with


Second is jeffreaux2 with:


And, the winner is TenOverTheNose with the attached photo.

what about go-backsies? I entered an image already but I have one I shot since that I like better. can I switch?

Matt

Originally Posted by mmmatt what about go-backsies? I entered an image already but I have one I shot since that I like better. can I switch? Matt

Originally Posted by Scott_Quier

Sorry I put this here guys... I just now saw the discussion thread. Thanks for the answwer though!

Hi Everybody,

I got this PM this morning. Congratulations!!

Originally Posted by tenoverthenose Scott- Here's my selected winners for this months contest: 1. mmmatt 2. urbanaries 3. Bdcolen Critique coming soon!

1.mmmatt


2. ubarnaries


3. Bdcolen

Congratulations all! There were some seriously wonderful images. Here are mmmatt's picks:

#1

Originally Posted by Mishka

#2

Originally Posted by Tara Camfield

#3

Originally Posted by bdcolen

Yet another great set of photo to attempt to select winners. Here are the top three picks selected by Mary (aka: Mishka)

#1

Originally Posted by patfureyphoto

#2

Originally Posted by Agnieszka

#3

Originally Posted by lilmomma

Way to go everybody!!!

#1 -urbanaries:


#2 - Trish (rteest42)


#3 - swartzy

I'm making a slight change to the way I usually post the winners .... I'm including comments

Mischka-
Now that is something you don't see at every wedding! This is exactly what I was hoping for...the unexpected moment that needs no title. Amazing job being aware and stopping the action! I love the expression on the groom's face and the subtle hand at processing. I love everything about this image, it makes me very happy! :)


Jeff_Milo - A beautiful, emotional image that stays with you. You can feel the tension as she tries to fight back tears. Great choice of focal length and depth of field, we can barely see the bridesmaid wiping her tears away. Also think the processing fits the image, I am always tempted to BW with such tender moments but the color is definitely beneficial here.


Blurmore - Would have loved a sharper image and less tilt, but the moment is absolutely priceless, kid moments are very common at weddings but the gloved hand and her lips (and the fact that we can tell this is during the actual ceremony) make this one stand out.


Fabulous job everyone!

Not much one can add to Mishka's comments:

Wonderful entries everyone! I seriously had a hard time choosing favorites, but here they are:

#1: cj99si: I loved this shot because it captures the details of the bride's shoes in a natural setting. The lighting is beautiful and the little flower girl's shoe completes the story. Perfect!



#2: Zoomer: Ha, this shot is awesome! You not only captured a very cute moment of the little ring bearer, but you also managed to highlight the details of the shoes. (though, I'm not sure they're the bride's shoes..)


#3: MooglePepper: Love the creativity of this one...the execution is perfect. Well done.


Congratulations everyone!

Here are the top three selections made by cj99si for the contest!

Congratulations everyone!


1. Fun and creativity ended up nudging out Mishka on this one. Tenoverthenose like I said this is a very fun image, shutter dragging used at its best! Very curious of the the couples theme to have you guys end up in a supermarket. Great shot!



2. It was a tough choice between this one and the next for me. Mishka This image really pulls you in, all the lines lead you right to the subjects. Good conversion, and a strong image!



3. This shot is great Met, very good use of fisheye here! Its a nice warm scene.