Captivating Portraits Photo Contest Winners
Thank you to all the photographers that shared their most fascinating portraits in the Captivating Portraits Photo Contest in collaboration with our friends at Westcott. Westcott is an industry-leading producer of professional photo and video lighting equipment located just outside of Toledo, Ohio. With roots dating to 1899, the F. J. Westcott company has a noteable history of producing unique products for a variety of consumers. With over 600 products for both professional and amatuer photographers and videographers, as well as tools for the scrapbooking and film markets, we have continued a long-standing commitment to product innovation, design, and quality. As Westcott expands, so does our team of talented personalities.
A special thanks to our friend and professional photographer Jerry Ghionis for his collaboration as a guest judge. Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the top five best wedding photographers in the world. The creativity and ability to capture the natural magic of individuals allows others to see the powerful visual story telling in his images. Jerry was named one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World and has won numerous awards worldwide.
"The entire set of portraits in this competition were beautiful and striking. It made it so that we simply cannot reward an interesting face without having that extra element that makes a portrait extraordinary. Good posing and good lighting, in my opinion, is either flattering and/or helps communicate the message that the artist is trying to convey to the viewer. This particular image is a contradiction that works so well. At her age, a profile shot isn’t usually flattering and the lighting here is showing every texture in her skin. But it also emphasizes her age and her longevity. There is also harmony in the repetition of all of the hair pins that can also be likened to the depth and layers of her life experience. She doesn’t appear to be vain but this image tells you that she takes pride in her appearance and in making sure her hair is done just so. There is a contentment and warmth in her face but there is also tension with the lighting, cropping, and the negative space of the image. This portrait is uncomfortably endearing!" - Jerry Ghionis
