As mentioned in the feature-single, a lot of crossover entries, images that lacked the impact to compete as news, but perhaps had a planned element that seemed to necessitate their entry in this category. Perhaps if the overall field were "lighter" those featurey-news photos might hold up better. There were plenty of solid news images though. It was a struggle to remind ourselves that in January vaccinations were not as routine as they are today. Still, the quality of most of the vaccination photos was merely adequate. Not to say they weren't solid and worthy of publication, but the routine image of nurse bent over bare shoulder with needle in hand just doesn't do it without something more. Also, the practice of entering multiple images really deserves some scrutiny. Far too often weaker images drag a set down. We know the web has opened up the definition of "published" making so many more images eligible for entry, that does not mean you should do it. First place, the mourners outside the dance hall was a genuine moment, nicely composed with good light, and good context. Second place, though a little rough compositionally, was a strong storytelling pandemic moment. Third place we felt was just a nicely different moment from the vaccination story. The woman sitting outside the line waiting for shots was a strong moment, with good composition and nice light.
Judges:
Sean D. Elliot/The Day, Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
Judges Comments
As mentioned in the feature-single, a lot of crossover entries, images that lacked the impact to compete as news, but perhaps had a planned element that seemed to necessitate their entry in this category. Perhaps if the overall field were "lighter" those featurey-news photos might hold up better. There were plenty of solid news images though. It was a struggle to remind ourselves that in January vaccinations were not as routine as they are today. Still, the quality of most of the vaccination photos was merely adequate. Not to say they weren't solid and worthy of publication, but the routine image of nurse bent over bare shoulder with needle in hand just doesn't do it without something more. Also, the practice of entering multiple images really deserves some scrutiny. Far too often weaker images drag a set down. We know the web has opened up the definition of "published" making so many more images eligible for entry, that does not mean you should do it. First place, the mourners outside the dance hall was a genuine moment, nicely composed with good light, and good context. Second place, though a little rough compositionally, was a strong storytelling pandemic moment. Third place we felt was just a nicely different moment from the vaccination story. The woman sitting outside the line waiting for shots was a strong moment, with good composition and nice light.