This category relied heavily on artificial lighting to make its subjects stand out. While creatively appealing, the portraits seemed to lack the ability to deliver that subtle storytelling glimpse that makes great portraits stand out. These relied on the obvious football helmets and attire to make them stand out.First place This won because of its simple lighting technique and personality shown in the photo. It can be hard to have a subject "ham it up" for the photographer in a successful manner that doesn't seem contrived. Well done.Second place Great composition and use of an unconventional idea. (Although we have seen this before.) Strong use of light and good,clean background. Third place Good idea here to let the background fall second to the strong face and character of the portrait subject. Simple, but nice light. Overall, didn't get in the way of excellent subject matter.
Judges:
Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel, Gabe Souza/Portland Press Herald
Judges Comments
This category relied heavily on artificial lighting to make its subjects stand out. While creatively appealing, the portraits seemed to lack the ability to deliver that subtle storytelling glimpse that makes great portraits stand out. These relied on the obvious football helmets and attire to make them stand out.First place This won because of its simple lighting technique and personality shown in the photo. It can be hard to have a subject "ham it up" for the photographer in a successful manner that doesn't seem contrived. Well done.Second place Great composition and use of an unconventional idea. (Although we have seen this before.) Strong use of light and good,clean background. Third place Good idea here to let the background fall second to the strong face and character of the portrait subject. Simple, but nice light. Overall, didn't get in the way of excellent subject matter.