Judges Comments

We felt the top three entries clearly separated themselves from the field. The winning train derailment image provided context as well as drama. While we thought it might have benefited from a slightly tighter crop, we liked that it included people working the scene and gave viewers a fuller understanding of the event. The second-place image of the downed power lines near the red barn stood out because it established a strong sense of place. Rather than focusing tightly on the damage, the photographer showed the broader scene and turned it into something more visually interesting. The fire image was strengthened by the use of framing elements. We thought the composition elevated a common scene into a more compelling photograph.