We noticed that many entries were simply pictures of individuals at news events rather than true portraits. To us, a portrait should reveal something about the person, their personality and their environment.
The first-place portrait worked because the photographer clearly made intentional choices. The candidate, photographed in his campaign headquarters, is surrounded by details that said something about who he was. Good subtle use of flash completed the picture and made it feel purposeful.
The second-place image of the planetarium director impressed us with its color and composition. We liked how the projections became part of the portrait and helped tell us something about the subject’s life and work. Third-place had a quirky, almost 1980s feel that we appreciated. We liked its oddness and the way the lighting appeared to come naturally from the environment.
Judges:
Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News, Smiley Pool/Dallas Morning News
Judges Comments
We noticed that many entries were simply pictures of individuals at news events rather than true portraits. To us, a portrait should reveal something about the person, their personality and their environment. The first-place portrait worked because the photographer clearly made intentional choices. The candidate, photographed in his campaign headquarters, is surrounded by details that said something about who he was. Good subtle use of flash completed the picture and made it feel purposeful. The second-place image of the planetarium director impressed us with its color and composition. We liked how the projections became part of the portrait and helped tell us something about the subject’s life and work. Third-place had a quirky, almost 1980s feel that we appreciated. We liked its oddness and the way the lighting appeared to come naturally from the environment.