Judges Comments

On our first run through these, we had a couple comments about how many graduation photos there were. As we winnowed it down, one of them rose up quickly - a great moment of her in the air, great expressions, gorgeous late afternoon light and clean background that lets the viewer focus in on these women and share their joy. An images about patience and observation. The second place image is subtle but so important - the human connection is evident, the care and concern come through. It's a great moment pulled from the audience of this meeting. The third place package had several really well seen moments from a public meeting. We know how difficult it can be to make a meeting-based story visual and the photojournalist here was very attuned to the emotions and contrasts here.