Judges Comments

Three very solid finishers here, despite some back and forth between the judges about category placement. While at least two were from planned events, we agreed the photographer in each case found a way to capture moments beyond the expected. First award of the celebratory graduate was a consensus favorite. It draws the viewer directly in to the experience of exuberance and joy through the the use of a wide focal length and the photographer's proximity to the subject. Second place of the goat interaction conjured both questions from the judges and laughs. It's a lighthearted moment that suits the category well. Had the goat's head been just a bit more separated from the women, it may have been a top contender. The third award goes to the photograph of the veteran during a memorial service. We loved this image as well, but thought it could have been enhance with a little cleaner crop, especially on the left side of the frame where we thought the metal rail detracted from an otherwise very nice and well-seen image.