While we wait, I'm gonna step out on a limb. Join me?

<p>Okay, I can't imagine trying to judge the contest but I'm tired of waiting for the debate that is sure to follow so I'm starting it now. Let me be clear that I am in no way qualified to pass judgement on any of my fellow shooters. So, I'm going to now pass judgement on my fellow shooters.</p>

<p>I had my wife pick out her 10 favorite pictures from my category (under 3 years) excluding my own, of course. Then, after trying to decide what criteria to use when picking I finally settled on one simple question: Which picture do I wish I had taken? It disregards all kinds of considerations that should be taken into account in a contest like this but it makes it easier on me, and I'm all about easier on me. Also, since I didn't pick the 10 finalist, ya'll can't hate me if you didn't make the list. :)</p>

<p>Here are the 10 picks from Mrs. Booray:<br>

Blair Hall<br>

Laura Meyer<br>

Matthew Kuel<br>

Jon Rennie<br>

James Cox<br>

Jurijus Azanovas<br>

Jill Gately<br>

Kev Raynor<br>

Rebecca Eby<br>

Rob Piontek</p>

<p>All are great and I could debate the merits of each all day. I would be proud to have any of them in my portfolio (as well as a dozen others that Mrs. Booray didn't pick). But, if I could only have one, it would be:</p>

<p>Rebecca Eby</p>

<p>I don't know if it's the best "wedding" picture but I sure wish I had taken it.</p>

<p>Now, I think I should win for being the first person with the guts to write a post like this. :)</p>

<p>Yay! I love Rebecca's picture.<br>

Here are my faves:<br>

Blair Hall<br>

Matthew Kuehl<br>

Sheer El-Showk<br>

James Cox<br>

Jurijus Azanovas<br>

Chris Whitcomb<br>

Kevin Kerr (VERY cool picture!)<br>

Rebecca Eby<br>

Victoria H<br>

Jacob Lichner<br>

Kate Callahan</p>

<p>See...far too many good ones...I think I went over 10 there....Anyway, if I had to pick my fave in the under-3 years I think I choose Kevin Kerr. I just loved it upon site.<br>

Great pic Kevin.</p>

<p>And as far as the pro's over 3 years, Marc Williams takes the cake! I just loved the energy behind the that image.</p>

<p>Thanks so much! I'm at the top of both of your lists! But of course... it does help that I was one of the early posters ;-)</p>

<p>There are so many brilliant photos... I love Kevin Kerr's too for the sheer creativity of it. I'm not sure I could cobble together a top 10 because there's probably way more than 10 that I find some merit with... but I really think a number of these images look like they belong in any one of the bazillion books on wedding photography I have. If I'm gonna pick a favorite, I'd probably go with Jurijus Azanovas.</p>

<p>I wish I had studied the 3+ years photos a bit more... but I had to obessively follow my own category so I can size up the competition!! (you may not see this, but I'm currently flexing my muscles and looking intimidating)</p>

<p>But seriously folks... good look to y'all!!</p>

<p>Aw, thanks! I'm so honored (and flattered!) :) I'm seriously grinning ear to ear right now!</p>

<p>I'm going to play, too...</p>

<p><a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=4371388">Theodora Manusaride</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=4407408">Blair Hall</a> <br>

Nikki Banik<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=3917811">Linda M</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=4698133">James Cox</a> <br>

Jurijus Azanovas<br>

Eliza Beth <br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=3885762">Jill Gately</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=3887172">Kevin Kerr</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=4863701">Victoria H</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=4098789">William Mahone</a> <br>

Becca Hamilton<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2125316"><a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2125316"></a>Antony Robert Turner</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=3889006">Kate Callahan</a></p>

<p>My two faves: Kate Callahan and Antony Robert Turner</p>

<p>With just three people contributing we have over 20 different people in the "Top 10." Goes to show how subjective it all is. So, don't get upset if you don't make a list. By all means don't start drinking Crown and screaming at your wife about the injustice of it all. Seriously, not a good idea. Just because you don't make a list doesn't mean you aren't good, does it? DOES IT? ANSWER ME!!!</p>

<p>And my favorites over three years... I'm not sure why this was easier for me. They were way better, overall!:<br>

Marc Williams<br>

Ian<br>

Catherine Oostdyk<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=1805442">K</a>enny C<br>

Jenni K<br>

Marcin Harla</p>

<p>This looks like fun. Thanks for those who mentioned me! Here's my list, not in order:<br>

Jurijus Azanovas - Great composition<br>

Rob Piontek - Beautiful colors<br>

Leonard Lee - Great timing<br>

Oistein Thomassan - Great moment<br>

Simona Buna - Emotion.<br>

Allen Chen - Captures the feeling sans eyes.<br>

Jill Gately - The bride.<br>

Rachel Horne - Nice rim.<br>

Victoria H - Not a typical wedding shot, but nice docu look.<br>

Dennis Creason - fun</p>

<p> </p>

<p>wow - art truely is in the eye of the viewer - my picks would have been completely different... however, I will patiently wait to see what the judges have to say... nice work by everyone -- everyone gets points for posting...</p>

<p>In no particular order...<br>

Blair Hall<br />Jon Rennie<br />James Cox<br />Victor Morozov<br />A Novisto<br />Jill Gately<br />Kev Rayner<br />Victor H<br />Leonard Lee<br />Aron Downie</p>

<p>Okay coudn't wait here are my top 15 picks in no particular order...</p>

<p >Nikki Banik</p>

<p >Carnagex Carnagex</p>

<p >Laura Meyer</p>

<p >Scott Jay</p>

<p >Carl Wakefield</p>

<p >Treva Tribit</p>

<p >Jurijus Azanovas</p>

<p >Eliza Beth</p>

<p >Hernest Ernesti</p>

<p >Jeff Mein Smith</p>

<p >Trish F</p>

<p >Ryan Seyeau</p>

<p >Athean Aronow</p>

<p >Alex Russo</p>

<p >Jean Mazac</p>

 

<p>"Art" is truly a subjective thing.<br /> <br /> A Psychologist/photographer friend of mine classifies photographic images as 'the best of the type of pictures that I take' and 'the best of the pictures I one day hope to take'.<br /> <br /> I've always subscribed to the 'best of the pictures I one day hope to take'. That means I'm usually disappointed with the pics I shoot myself because I see how I'd like them to be better.</p>

<p>Yay Francie Baltazar you are my hero!</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>Here is my fav top 11 (yes, 11): <br>

 

<p >Blair Hall</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Jon Rennie</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Linda M</p>

<p > </p>

<p >James Cox</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Victor Morozov</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Eliza Beth</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Jill Gately</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Rebecca Eby</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Rob Piontek</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Connie Hackett</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Kate Callahan</p>

<p > </p>

<p >I couldn't pick one as "the best" - too difficult!</p>

</p>

<p>Ok, I want to play too! 3+ Years catagory<br />Marc Williams Love the energy!<br /><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=612621">Marcin Harla</a><br /><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2122193">Botikario 2006</a><br /><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3855363">Dan Gin</a><br />I really liked a lot of them hard to choose.</p>

<p>And here are my top 6 for +3 yrs:</p>

 

<p >Wen Chang</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Sergey Usik</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Marc Williams - Franklin/Mich</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Josh Laronge</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Ken Mendoza</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Iaroslava Petrenko</p>

<p ><br>

Can't wait for the official results!</p>

<p>Well... I've also picked 11 from up to 3 years<br /> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=930241">Ma</a> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=930241">tthew Kuehl</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2101370">Ron Anderson</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3890158">Sheer El-Showk</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4543791">Michael McManus</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3982077">Dave Shilling, Sacramento, CA</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4698133">James Cox</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4853518">Victor Morozov</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3665444">David Hong <br /> </a> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4863701">Victoria H</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2277232">Dennis Creason <br /> </a> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3889006">Kate Callahan</a></p>

<p>my favorite will go to Dennis Creason<br /> In my eyes it's just a lovely image.<br /> It's seems like one of those images that will bring up a funny story 20 years down the road.<br /> And that is what it all about, to leave B&G with happy lasting memories.</p>

<p>Ok...lets play now the 10 that you didn't like the most! just kidding...</p>

<p>If I've already posted my favorites for up to 3yrs category then it will be only fair to post 5 of my favorites from +3 years category<br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1795949">Wen Chang</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1484602">Sergey Usik</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=612621">Marcin Harla</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=840944">Jay Philbrick</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1175113">Paul Sokal - Dallas, TX</a> <br /> <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4859551"><br /> </a></p>

<p>From the 3- years thread I have two definite favorites:<br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4853518">Victor Morozov</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3887172">Kevin Kerr</a></p>

<p>Victors shot is beautiful. Kevin's is super creative and it turned out really great. Here are some more favorites of mine:</p>

<p><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=930241">Matthew Kuehl</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4698133">James Cox</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3885762">Jill Gately</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3924998">Rebecca Eb</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2125316">Antony Robert Turner</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4604283">Alex Russo</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4845154">Aron Downie</a></p>

<p>Soooo many great pictures, sooo hard to choose from<br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4407408">Blair Hall</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3982077">Dave Shilling, Sacramento, C</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4858593">Eliza Beth</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3885762">Jill Gately</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=375688">Rodrigo Davil</a> a<br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=614984">Bryce Hughes</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3887172">Kevin Kerr</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4402883">Jacob Lichner</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4003212">Alex Foto</a><br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=3889006">Kate Callahan</a></p>

<p>My fav:<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=614984"> Bryce Hughes</a></p>

<p>Good luck everybody!</p>

<p> In the order they appear, the ones that really caught my attention and imagination (and I'd be very happy if I had shot them myself!) are:<br>

3+ years<br>

Sergei Usik<br>

Marc Williams<br>

Jenni K<br>

Marcin Harla<br>

Botikario 2006<br>

Emin Kuliyev<br>

<br />-3 years:<br>

Theodora Manusaride<br>

Blair Hall<br>

Matthew Kuehl<br>

Jon Rennie<br>

Dave Shilling<br>

Mark McGovern<br>

Kevin Kerr<br>

Athena Aronow</p>

<p>Thanks a lot, Theodora! I am honored to make it to your list! That is motivating indeed!</p>

<p>Oooh, fun! Here are my top picks in random order:<br>

<strong>-3 Years:</strong><br>

Blair Hall<br>

Mark T<br>

Nikki Banik<br>

Victor Morozov (my top pick)<br>

Jill Gately<br>

Bryce Hughes<br>

Katie Whitcomb<br>

Victoria H (another top pick)<br>

William Mahone<br>

Manuel Trejo</p>

<p><strong>+ 3 Years:</strong><br>

Wen Chang (another top pick)<br>

Sergey Usik<br>

Jenni K<br>

Marcin Harla<br>

C Jo Gough<br>

Botikario 2006<br>

Nicola Inglis<br>

Art Pinney (top pick)<br>

Emin Kuliyev<br>

Dan Gin</p>

 

<p>Going down the posts, I marked down which ones I liked.<br>

-3 yrs<br>

Blair Hall - beautiful portrait<br>

Jon Rennie - nice angle and exposure<br>

James Cox - creative use of space and light<br>

Mark McGovern - great eye, and use of light<br>

Eliza Beth - beautiful moment and capture<br>

Jill Gately - wonderful scene<br>

Beth Howe - what a cute capture<br>

Rebecca Eby - great mood<br>

David Hong - creative and fun and done well<br>

Becca Hamilton - beautiful portrait too!</p>

<p>+3 yrs<br>

Wen Chang - so much fun<br>

Sergey Usik - beautiful moment<br>

Marc Williams - great angle and execution<br>

William Morgan - great photo and story behind it<br>

Art Pinney - beautiful colors and rim lighting<br>

Conrad Erb - great moment<br>

Kenny C - beautiful atmosphere</p>

 

<p>So here are my favs in random order (there were a ton of great shots!):<br>

-3 years:<br>

Blair Hall <br /> Hans Koot<br /> Laura Meyer<br /> Jurijus Azanovas<br /> Eliza Beth<br /> Bryce Hughes (overall favorite)<br /> Kevin Kerr<br /> Rebecca Eby<br /> Julie Hahn<br>

+3 years:<br>

Wen Chang<br /> Sergey Usik<br /> Marc Williams<br /> Catherine Oostdyk<br /> Jenni K<br /> Josh Laronge<br /> Nicola Inglis<br /> Iaroslava Petrenko<br /> Jay Philbrick<br /> Dan Gin<br /> <br /></p>