West – November 2024 – Portrait

Judges Comments

The portrait category showcased a remarkable blend of artificial light and raw emotion. The first image immediately captured our attention with its vibrant colors, while the layers and lighting elevated what could have been a simple portrait. The second and third images stood out for their ability to make us pause and reflect, each capturing the essence of the individual portrayed. The third image in particular is a powerful reminder that capturing genuine emotion can sometimes outweigh the importance of a visually striking background.

Judges: David Rodriguez Muñoz/NPPA Midwest Region Chair, Sylvia Jarrus/Freelance/NBC News Contract Photo Editor