2021 – 2nd Quarter – Picture Story/Essay

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1st Place

Shafkat Anowar

Judges Comments
This was a tough category and this wasn't the most technically great story. Why is it first? Because it captured the essence of the person you're shooting. Keep striving toward that. This was the only piece that left us all saying “huh, we wanna be his friend and we are so glad they told this story.” The things to work on: finding more interesting angles, don't always stand up straight (get down lower, raise up higher, move around the frame more). The ender is absolutely lovely. The technical stuff will come with time, but keep striving toward these great human interest people. They may not be the biggest stories, but these are the people that make life special and great for everyone.

2nd Place

Zoe Davis

Judges Comments
Technicality wise, this was probably the best shot story of them all (easily). But it is farrrr too long. When you build your stories put them in order with all your final edit and say out loud (for each photo) “This advances the story because____fill in the blank____. If you ever find yourself saying the same thing for 2 photos, one has to go. If you took out photos #3, 5, 11, 12, 14 it would be stronger. Yes, I know you’re attached to # 12 since you put it in sports feature as well, but it's the same photo as #8 and 8 is different and more interesting. If you have anything more action-y to swap out #13 from the final game that's an easier read on “we lost,” id also consider swapping that as well. (#4 and 14 are the same as well, i would go with whichever is your favorite and put it in the third spot). Overall this piece has real promise and should end up in your portfolio. You have a very keen eye for sports photography

3rd Place

Sydney Walsh

Judges Comments
This is lovely. Our one really big piece of advice is: if you’re going to shoot inanimate objects, they have to be absolutely perfect. Really push for different photos of the box and the plants. And you don't need two photos of books. Cut #2. We really enjoyed #5. Our favorites were the ones with the words attached so the question was raised, why weren't they all given letters?
Judges Comments

Honorable Mention: Wesley Lapointe - Ok, this one is tricky. While none of the photos truly stand out as the lead, they're all just alright. This is the set we felt the photog put some massive amount of legwork in. All of us have either given or gotten the “heatwave” assignment at one point and to see this many places from one person, really shows their dedication. Hold onto that dedication and keep working towards breaking boundaries, getting closer to people, moving around the image more to find different angles. Keep pushing but don't lose the dedication.

Judges: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/Freelance, Sammy Jo Hester/LA Times, Christian K. Lee/Freelance