I'm gonna enter a local (Portugal) contest that's going to select the "Best Bride Picture" to be the cover shot of the a magazine.

I have to choose 3 for submission, but would like to have your help.

If you can say what's your favorite shot and why, it would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance and sorry by my poor English.

#1

I like #3 or #4... remember you'll need room at the top of the photo for the masthead as well as fairly neutral or consistent colors on the sides of the photos for the teasers. I like #1 but, most likely, it won't work as a cover because the masthead will obscure & crowd the main subject.

It's between 1, 3, & 8 for me -- 1 has lots of negative space, which is great for a magazine spread. Hence, I chose it. Plus, it has an angelic quality about it.

3 has a wonderful look and is fairly clean. 8 is the same. 8 is really nice.

2 - I find the lightpole and background distracting. This would be a real winner, though. Maybe try to edit the lightpole out?

4 - Nice lines. I personally like the distortion, but I'm not so sure an art director would. Never worked with an art director, though, so it really has to do with what they are looking for.

5 - actually a very nice portrait. For some reason it didn't make my top choices though. Can't say why.

6 - up the nose.

7 - This is less "clean" than the other shots. I can't put my finger on it. It isn't as strong as 8 right below it.

9 - Nice. I have a few similar shots from a recent wedding, so I think I'm tired of looking at these types of shots.

10 - see 9. Very nice lines. I just don't find it as moving as the three/four I've mentioned above.

#3 has a timeless, classic feel to it

Brian Mullins wrote:
I like #3 or #4... remember you'll need room at the top of the photo for the masthead as well as fairly neutral or consistent colors on the sides of the photos for the teasers. I like #1 but, most likely, it won't work as a cover because the masthead will obscure & crowd the main subject.

Ah, I hadn't thought of the masthead. I wonder what would happen if you flipped it 180?

I'm not qualified to give any advice, but I like 3 the best.

You must own a ladder. 1 for me

~Sam

Or heees buy-ee-ee-ing a stairr-way...

#1 fo sho!

2 and 5

Deb Brundage wrote:
Brian Mullins wrote:
I like #3 or #4... remember you'll need room at the top of the photo for the masthead as well as fairly neutral or consistent colors on the sides of the photos for the teasers. I like #1 but, most likely, it won't work as a cover because the masthead will obscure & crowd the main subject.

Ah, I hadn't thought of the masthead. I wonder what would happen if you flipped it 180?

Having shot alot for magazines, as well as having at least 10 covers (not bragging here, just explaining where I am coming from), I can tell you shooting a cover is often a very purposeful thing. The crop, the colors, the subject & lighting all need to be within certain parameters to make it work.

Flipping it 180 may work, but most times the publisher will opt for another photo that doesn't need the work unless the shot is something really unique.

Man, they're all awesome! Love 3. Nice lines.

Guys, thank you all for your feedback, much appreciated!

Deb, great insight in each and every picture, thanks. About flipping #1 180º, it's a good idea, but that's not how the image was captured, and the perspective would be awkward. Regarding #2 I really think the lamp is what "balances" the shot

Almost 300 views and only 30 votes

Just voted. Yeah.

I voted for #3 in case you get curious.

#2, #3, #5 are my favorites. Very nice.

The lightpole in #2 is slightly distracting but I'll get over it.

4 is perfect for what a cover needs.

i'm not a pro, but on 'end users' eye, i'll go for #2, 3 and 5...i hope you get that front cover.

i like 1 and 4, but neither say "bride" to me.

prh

I like 5 the best, with 3 and 4 following closely behind.