Northwest – May 2026 – Portrait

Judges Comments

We looked for images here that seemed to best reveal the essence of the subject(s) while exhibiting technical proficiency. First place - The backstory and caption helped elevate this entry and we thought the photographer fairly well illustrated the family dynamic involved. Second award - We appreciated the quality of light here - falling just right on the subject - and the use of negative space to help illustrate a sense of isolation, which is relevant to the person's story. Third place - We found the soccer player's portrait to be well-executed, with the light just where it needs to be.

Judges: John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal, Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal, Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal, Mary Langenfeld/freelance