National – October 2017 – Photo Story/Essay

Judges Comments

Lots of entries made us pause and look deeply, but the entries that placed really made us think hard about which deserved each place.The first place story had all the right stuff: narrative arc, dynamic pictures, strong moments, great use of light and color; we would’ve closed with the sunset picture, but that’s just us. Second place was a close second, displaying thoughtfulness and preparedness in a story that goes beyond football. The climbing ­through­ the­ window picture?Dynamite. Third place was a strong story with intimate moments, but it needed tighter editing and maybe a different closing picture.

Judges: Andy Colwell/Freelance, Pat Traylor/The Denver Post, Kenzie Bruce/Westword Magazine