MONTHLY CHOICE SPONSORED BY UAF PHOTO LABS MARCH 2023

We are happy to announce the March AIBP Monthly Choice Image Competition sponsored by UAF Photo Lab.

Our guest judge this week is Jacquline Tobin.

Jacqueline Tobin has worked in the photo industry for the past 37 years, kickstarting her illustrious career at the industry bible Photo District News and quickly moving up the editorial ladder there, as Associate Editor, Photo Editor, Managing Editor and, finally, Deputy Editor. After 25 years at PDN, Jacqueline was handpicked by then publisher Lauren Wendle to take over PDN‘s sister publication, Rangefinder, where she served as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years and successfully transitioned the 70-year-old print magazine in 2020 to a thriving website and digital brand. During this time, she managed to write two successful photo business books—Wedding Photography Unveiled: Inspiration and Insight From 20 Top Photographers (Amphoto, 2009) and The Luminous Portrait: Capture The Beauty of Natural Light for Glowing, Flattering Photographs (with Elizabeth Messina, Amphoto, 2012)—with the latter publishing as a second edition in Chinese. In 2022, she had the honor speaking at AIBP’s first photo retreat under the ownership of Shawn and Michelle Black, on How to Get Published. Jacqueline is a fierce supporter of photographers and is constantly on the lookout to discover new

And the Monthly Choice Winner is…..

Ari Leo – Vivid Instincts Photography

Congratulations to Ari Leo owner and photographer at Vivid Instincts Photography based in Rhode Island.

Jacqueline’s comments on this winning image, “There are several reasons I chose this as my number one pick: the location, the subject’s reflection, the calm mood being exuded overall…. I can almost hear the waves lapping on the shore. It just feels so peaceful, and she looks so comfortable yet still sexy. I am really drawn in by her eyes and the connection made within the frame. I personally don’t see many, if any, boudoir shots out on the beach so I applaud the photographer for getting out of the studio and using this gorgeous backdrop that doesn’t compete with the subject but rather makes her stand out.”

Michelle Carpenter – Michelle Carpenter Photography

1st runner up goes to  Michelle Carpenter owner and photographer at Michelle Carpenter Photography based in New England.

Jacqueline’s comments on this runner up image, “For me, this is a great example of creating an impactful image in a boring location. I love the lighting and I love the club vibe being created in, of all places, a stairwell! I am always drawn to storytelling in the images that most draw me in and here I feel like everything here is working to establish an intriguing narrative. The image elicits questions that each viewer may have a different answer for—I love that. Also loving the editorial quality of the image.”

Melisa Berlin – Inner Glow Boudoir

2nd runner up image goes to Merissa Belin of  Inner Glow Boudoir based in Houston TX.

Jacqueline’s comments on this image, “This could absolutely a fashion spread in a magazine and is a good example of boudoir that, again, tells a story. There’s a good use of props here that work so well with the lingerie the subject is wearing, and with the feathery wings behind her. The lighting is moody and dreamy, and her expression looks to be one of longing. The subtle nuances here are so engaging.”

And finally, this year the judges have the opportunity to recognize Honorable Mention images. Jacqueline selected 1 from the entries for March.

James Graf

Honorable Mention goes to James Graf.

Jacqueline’s comments “Such an empowering image from beginning to end—the location sets the scene and stirs within me a proud warrior woman in a castle-like atmosphere. The posing is strong and really makes her pop without feeling forced.”

Congratulations to the Monthly Choice Image Competition sponsored by UAF Photo Lab.  We look forward to seeing more amazing work from you and more AIBP members!

Are you interested in learning more about AIBP and how to be eligible to win a Monthly Choice? Visit our AIBP membership page to learn more.
Members – login to your account to enter your images.