Composition, mood, emotion and timing are some of the elements that comprise an award-winning image. For WPPI Associate Cami Grudzinski of Cami Z Photography (who was designated as an Rf 30 Rising Star in 2017), this image had all that and more, earning her a Silver in the WPPI First 1/2 Members Only Competition last year within the Wedding Division’s Bridal Party/Family and Friends category.

Says Grudzinski on how she got this frame, shot at Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota, Florida: “While photographing the bride, I saw the little flower girl approaching quickly and noticed the bride did not see her. I had a feeling that the mom would rush to stop the child so I made eye contact with her, winking to let her know it was okay. I wanted to make sure the mom wouldn’t interrupt. The bride’s reaction was priceless, and needless to say, the flower girl loved everyone’s reaction so much that she kept photo-bombing us throughout the bride’s portrait session. Clients love candid moments, but sometimes the best ones are cut short because someone interferes. It all happens so fast, but it feels so good when we can anticipate that, avoid interruption and capture the moment.”

(Shot with a Nikon D810 and a 24-70mm lens at f/2.8 with a diffused backlight for fill.)

Want to enter your favorite images into WPPI First Half? There’s still time—the first deadline is May 3 and the extended deadline is May 17. Click here for more information and let us see your best work now!

Photo © Cami Grudzinski