So, we’ll admit – this year we didn’t get sucked into the voting craze of the Shoot + Share contest like we did last year; not because we didn’t want to, but because we simply couldn’t find the time to do it. Last year the contest was held during one of our slower months (which is December, oddly enough) … and this year it was in the first quarter of the year and we were busy with traveling, weddings and engagements. We feel like we missed out so much this year!!
But, we did have a chance to take a look at the winners and WOW … AMAZING!!! Some of the winning shots are total #PhotographyGoals, for sure. AND … while we didn’t make it into the Top 100 this year – we placed WAY higher than we did the year before and we are totally psyched about it!!
This year we had three images make it to the “Finalist” round – which is basically the top 3.5% of all entries in each category – heck yeah, we’ll take that! Last year we only had one make it, and it definitely didn’t get near as high in placing as this year’s! And, nearly half of our entries made it to the top 30% … which is just absolutely bananas. Ahhh!
Now, due to some contractual stuff, we can’t share one of the three Finalist images (but we will update this blog post to share the third image soon, promise!) … But, here are two of them!!
Finalists
This fun photo from Ben + Senta’s Las Vegas wedding placed 109th (out of 2,103) in the “That Just Happened” category. This was our highest placing photo of 2016, and definitely one of our faves from last year!
Definitely one of our favorite bridesmaid’s photos (and dresses…and flowers…) of 2015 also made it into the finals for “Wedding Party” – yay!! This shot from Jason + Lexie’s Palm Springs wedding last year placed 197th (our of 7,490)!
Top 10%
Here are the photos that made it to the top 10% of each of their categories!
Top 20%
Here are some of our shots that made it into the top 20% for the year!
And, finally, here are the …
Top 30%
Overall, we’re thrilled with how we did this year seeing the results – and scoping out the winners – it’s really motivated us to do even better this year for our clients!
There’s a few things we learned from this year’s competition:
1.) Captivating photos are more than just pretty pictures. They tell a story, rather than just show; they evoke emotion or thought.
2.) As stoked as we are about how well we did, we’re even more excited to see how our friends + colleagues did!! There were several shots that actually placed, (as well as making it to the Top 100) that are friends of ours, and it was SO exciting to see them in the winner’s circles!!! And, proud to say – many are students with the International Academy of Wedding Photographers, too!!
3.) It’s just a contest. The images that we thought for sure would place higher, didn’t … and that’s okay. It’s just a contest, and what matters at the end of the day is that our brides + grooms loved their photos. We don’t need any sort of validation in the form of a place ribbon!
Awesome Gemma, I think you’re right, most of the time we’re just trying to proove that we’re above board and people aren’t going to be scammed. Customers are pretty savvy when it comes down to their buying decisions, show them that you’re here for them and they’re happy to take a leap of faith.Great to hear you’ve seen massive increases, there’s the proof in the pudding
Totally recognize some of those photos from voting!! Congrats!!
Wow! These are great you guys!
Congrats, you guys! Very well deserved – I’m always so impressed by your images!
Incredible job you guys!! There’s a handful of your photos I remember seeing and voting for, when I had the chance to vote! 😉 It’s been so fun to see familiar photos end up belonging to familiar faces.
Wow!! These are all great!!! It’s so amazing how many great photos are in that contest!!! Seriously AMAZING!
Awesome Job!! You guys never stop amazing me!
Yes! Great job you two! At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter if your images are award winning, that’s true, it just matters that your clients absolutely love them…..but…it’s great to know your peers also love your images <3 Hooray for you both!!