The portrait category was only weak because of fewer entries than we expected. The entries were strong, though, and sparked some lively debate as to which ones would take the top placement. First place is just so clean and classic, it stood out immediately. Second place is a pleasantly surprising choice for a sports photo - but this is a GenZ subject and that means creative fun. Instantly impactful. third place is another unexpected sports portrait utilizing multiple lights and gels and it's just so well-done that the judges kept coming back to this particular one. Fourth place is a black and white classic-looking scene of a man who has experienced great loss. The photographer did a great job placing him center, yet smaller in the frame which helps the viewer empathize with the subject's sense of isolation from the loss of his loved ones. Mentions: The podcaster portrait might have benefited from a grid on the light source. The dancers was a cool story but the background we felt was too busy and distracting. Overall, these entrants remind us that portraiture is an important aspect of photojournalism.
Judges Comments
The portrait category was only weak because of fewer entries than we expected. The entries were strong, though, and sparked some lively debate as to which ones would take the top placement. First place is just so clean and classic, it stood out immediately. Second place is a pleasantly surprising choice for a sports photo - but this is a GenZ subject and that means creative fun. Instantly impactful. third place is another unexpected sports portrait utilizing multiple lights and gels and it's just so well-done that the judges kept coming back to this particular one. Fourth place is a black and white classic-looking scene of a man who has experienced great loss. The photographer did a great job placing him center, yet smaller in the frame which helps the viewer empathize with the subject's sense of isolation from the loss of his loved ones. Mentions: The podcaster portrait might have benefited from a grid on the light source. The dancers was a cool story but the background we felt was too busy and distracting. Overall, these entrants remind us that portraiture is an important aspect of photojournalism.