Judges were agreed on the top three award winners in General News, but went back and forth on the final placement, as all are really solid entries.
The first place image won the judges over with its strong emotional content delivered in a quietly effective way. We nit-picked a bit about the horizon not being quite level, but still, it's a very telling image that invites the viewer to consider the relationship between the subjects in an empathetic way.
The second place package also prompted similar engagement. It's a really well-told, concise grouping of images that offer insight into an ALS patient's challenges and the effects of the disease on his family as well.
We loved the third award image of family members reacting at a commencement ceremony as well. Every face is perfect and the gesture of the small child's ears being covered added to the moment.
Judges:
John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal, Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal
Judges Comments
Judges were agreed on the top three award winners in General News, but went back and forth on the final placement, as all are really solid entries. The first place image won the judges over with its strong emotional content delivered in a quietly effective way. We nit-picked a bit about the horizon not being quite level, but still, it's a very telling image that invites the viewer to consider the relationship between the subjects in an empathetic way. The second place package also prompted similar engagement. It's a really well-told, concise grouping of images that offer insight into an ALS patient's challenges and the effects of the disease on his family as well. We loved the third award image of family members reacting at a commencement ceremony as well. Every face is perfect and the gesture of the small child's ears being covered added to the moment.