Darbi G. Photography is now award-winning… :)

Photographers always joke with one another about the term “award-winning.” Some overuse it. Some don’t think certain contests merit the term.

But in all honesty, it feels good to win an award. And it feels good to say, that Darbi Gibson of Darbi G. Photography is now award-winning. (Insert devilish grin here >:D )

Earlier this year, I entered a few photos in a Best of Wedding Contest put on by industry sponsors such as Eventpix, Canon, Asukabook, H&H color lab, Kubota Image Tools, Doug Gordon Workshops, Rangefinder magazine, and the WPPI. Two of my photos made it to the semifinals. And one won first place in its category. You may recognize the photos if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile.

This one is a semifinalist in the category of PORTRAIT. I call it “winded bride.”

And the one I’m most proud of because this shot couldn’t have been planned… the winner of the category of HUMOR…

As some background, I had taken several photos of the bride with the horse, Captain. The horse was known for being tame, but he ended up being too tame — falling asleep while the bride was atop him. So we left him to his slumber and continued with the shoot sans equine friend. Moments later, Captain sauntered up to us…missing the attention. He kept sticking his head in the frame, but we ignored him. He then, apparently bored and now desperate, came really close to Stephanie and yawned a big horse yawn. And I caught this unexpected moment of hilarity.

Thank you, Stephanie for being gorgeous and helping me to grasp the title of “award-winning” however cheesey it is ;), and thank you, Captain, for finding a perfect time to reveal your own state of mind.