NY/International – September 2019 – Photo Story/Essay

Judges Comments

The big issue in this category was how many of the images included in each of the submitted pieces could have been left out. Because an essay has 15 photos, does not mean its better than one with only 5, if each of the 5 is strong in telling the story. Too many of the submitted works were diluted by the inclusion of what can only be described as 'filler'. The winning essay was the best of the lot by far. Each photo, a story which compounded with the rest, created a visually captivating piece that leads the viewer on a journey. Second place was also a strong entry, but lacked in depth. If you have the opportunity to document the life of this young girl, then don't limit yourself to a game. Spend a few days revealing to your audience her condition, and the support around her. Easy to say when photojournalists have less and less time to develop projects, but in this case I think it was a missed opportunity to shed light on a situation that every parent would be interested in seeing.

Judges: Peter Pereira/The Standard-Times, Josh Souza/New Bedford Guide