A KODAK Moment is a rare, one-time moment that is captured with a photo, or should have been captured with a photo.

Back in February we launched a monthly email "KODAK Moment of the month." The first three issues featured Gallery staff photos. We had a huge response from our members, so we decided to open it up to the Gallery family. In May we called for entries: In 3 hours, we had 3000 submissions in 3 days, we had 11,000!

It was very much a group effort reviewing the thousands of entries, and we still have a ways to go! We had so many great photos, but one in particular really stood out for many of us at the Gallery: "The Return," a soldier being greeted by his sister upon his return from Iraq. Here's the story:

I took this photo at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina, as a group of U.S. Marines were returning home from the war in Iraq. As soon as they arrived, it began to downpour. I was lucky enough to capture the joy they were all feeling as they were getting drenched in the rain (which most of them hadn't seen in months), coupled with finally getting to see their families again.

The two people walking and embracing are brother and sister. This was such a wonderful moment for everyone, and I'm so happy I was able to capture it for them!

We were so moved by this picture and the responses that our members sent in that Kodak Gallery is now sponsoring a program called "Moment of Thanks." Moment of Thanks will provide people with an easy way to send a photo or video to our troops thanking them for their service. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information on how you can participate in Moment of Thanks.

Check out member comments.

The July winner was as impressive: "In a New York Minute."

In a New York Minute ...
This photo was taken on our wedding day in New York City. New York is special to us because it's where we met, fell in love, got engaged, and live today.

After the ceremony, we cruised around the city in a vintage taxi and jumped out at Times Square to snap a photo. Crowds of tourists were cheering and honking, and then parted so we could snap our picture. Just as we were posing, a subway train went by underground and made my dress and veil fly up! The crowd cheered even louder, and Marc and I were in hysterics!

At first, we felt bad that we didn't get the 'nice' picture we were aiming for...but it is funny how some of life's greatest moments are unexpected. The photo turned out even better than we could have ever expected. We could have never planned it that way!

- Jessica Kouvaros Wiener

"A photograph is usually looked at—seldom looked into."  - Ansel Adams

Comments