Feature
Judge- James Gregg, Arizona Daily Star, NPPA Photographer of the Year smaller markets
3rd place- Farewell, Ramin Rahimian
Third place uses clean and careful composition to achieve an iconic image that represents not only individuals, but ideas. The craftmanship of the photographer allows it to transcend multiple generations.
2nd place- Dog Wash, Kristin Murphy
Second place has great emotion and moment. This is a picture that lets you hear the laughter of the girl and the whoosh of the blow dryer out loud. It also gives the viewer a sense of relationship between the father and daughter that adds depth to a story.
1st place- Wary Dancing, Meegan Reid
First place showed an excellent use of the entire frame to tell a story. The moment is sublte, but a clear read. Every person and thing in the frame adds to the envronment of a school dance and the details of the main two akwardly holding hands, the boy’s tie and sling, and the cautious glance from his eyes all contribute to making this a great slice of life and a telling moment of youth.
General News
Judge-Eric Draper, former White House photographer for President Bush
Honorable Mention-Archuleta Madness, Francisco Kjolseth
The angle makes the picture. Nice composition and a perfect moment with the fans reacting to the center of attention.
Honorable Mention-Holidays at the Hospital, Kristin Murphy
The little girl’s expression says it all. Very story telling image. The many elements of her surroundings help tell the story that nothing can make her happy at that moment.
3rd Place-Shock, Scott Winterton
Emotionally powerful image. What makes this stand out is the bond between to the two women and the comforting factor from the friend.
2nd place-Convicted Murderer, Tom Smart
The mood created from the darkness makes this a very compelling image.
1st Place-Good Bye, Jeff Allred
Compositionally perfect. The emotion draws me in and I want to know more about their relationship. The hands holding the portrait and the care and tenderness toward the portrait says a lot how the boys feel about their loss.
Spot News
Judge-Walter Astrada, NPPA Photographer of the Year, Large Markets
3rd place-Moab Wildfire, Jim Urquhart
2nd place-FLDS Women, Chris Detrick
1st place-Electrocution Victim, Tom Smart
Photo Essay
Judge-Chris Wilkins, Assistant Director of Photography & Brad Loper,Picture Editor-Dallas Morning News
Honorable Mention-Raid on Polygamy, Trent Nelson
We liked this story because of the visual variety displayed on what was probably a story with limited access. News stories have a hard time matching up with in-depth feature stories where the photographer can provide a more intimate vantage for the reader, but we commend this photographer on a job well done.
3rd place-Utah Rodeo, Mike Terry
We have seen several “Rodeo” stories before and while this report did not greatly expand our knowledge of such events, it was a nice visual journey with a variety of nice moments and good use of light.
2nd place- Last Mission/Last Hour, Ramin Rahimian
There was a lot of discussion between first and second and where they ranked. This story placed second and had a lot of nice moments of a severely wounded translator going through therapy. Good visual variety as well with strong intimate access to the subject.
1st place-Moving On, Djamila Grossman
The story of Heather Pullman struggling to get back on her feet after living with her children in a homeless shelter received two of three votes for first place. It was an in-depth story that stood out as a top contender from the start. This story gives the reader an intimate look at Ms. Pullman’s battle with mental illness and the struggles of trying to keep her family together. The photographer has a great eye and a unique way of seeing in many of the nice moments presented in this story.
Pictorial
Judge-Damon Winter, New York Time, Pulitzer Prize Winner
I almost sent in the results without a first place winner as nothing really stood out from the rest. Lots of pretty landscape pictures but not much in the way of seeing things differently. I was also concerned with the heavy photoshop usage on many of the entries including some that have placed here. It’s a pretty alarming trend and one that we should do our best to get a handle on before it turns around and bights us in the you know what! Anyway….
Honorable Mention-Smooth Sailing, Rick Egan
A classic Salt Lake picture I’m sure but well executed.
3rd place-Blizzard, Trent Nelson
Just an interesting image, minimal and clean, a happy accident with wonderful mood.
2nd place-Balloons, Djamila Grossman
Really liked the composition and framing here, (loved the splitting of the frame and the airborne balloon dead center) to make an interesting photo out of an extremely over photographed situation. Human element would have pushed it to first place.
1st place-Wangfujing Snack Street Market, Chris Detrick
Nothing too out of the ordinary here but nonetheless a strong graphic image with good use of color and depth to make a good illustrative photo.
Portrait
Judge-Joey Terrill
Honorable Mention-Jim Hughes, Ramin Rahimian
A very interesting portrait that reveals little, but communicates a great deal in a visually unique way. It’s a great example of seeing light on the part of the photographer and using that light to communicate to the reader.
3rd place-Close Shave, Laura Seitz
A wonderful moment, timed perfectly. The point of view is unusual and really puts the viewer in the bride’s shoes and connected to her hands. A very different look behind the scenes of a wedding day that is both sensory and touching.
2nd place-Tony Adams, Chris Detrick
A classically wonderful storytelling portrait. The light and tone is stunning and the expression supports the mood. The composition tells the viewer so much about the solitude of the rider and distance of his journey. A great photograph.
1st place-Lella Nude, Leah Hogsten
This picture is beautiful to me. The subject is incredible and the photographer used light, composition and color to make a very compelling portrait. It’s technically wonderful and fascinating to look it.
Illustration
Judge-Andy Rogers, Red Box Pictures
Honorable Mention-Olympic TV, Francisco Kjolseth
Well executed illustration with great attention to detail, and I like the idea. Overall though, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. The screens on the wall don’t scream television upon first inspection, and without the headline, I might never have noticed what they are.
3rd place-Sundance 08, Francisco Kjolseth
Nice concept. The photographer got a lot of energy out of the model, which makes the picture. I would have like to see some snow on the street though, to help sell the idea. Seems like the photographer has the PS skills to make it happen.
2nd place-The School Play, Trent Nelson
While the technique is common, it suits the subject matter perfectly. How else could you get that many sixth graders to cooperate and pull this off? The variety in exposure and color balance between images helps give the image texture. It’s a fun illustration.
1st place-Iced Coffee, Francisco Kjolseth
A smart but simple picture always sets itself apart for me. The nice execution of a difficult technical feat is impressive, but the the concept is what really sets it above all the other entries. I do wish the bean were just a tiny bit darker to make it a bit more visible…easy to accomplish in post.
Sports Action
Judge-Mark Rebilas
Honorable Mention-Still in the Stirrups, Mike Terry
Honorable Mention- Houston we have a problem, Drew Godleski
Honorable Mention- Wipe Out, Scott Winterton
3rd place- Face Masked, Jeff Allred
An awesome shot that probably lasted for a split second which shows the photographer was on the ball with getting this frame. I have been shooting football for several years and have never got a frame like that, I’m kind of jealous.
2nd place- Baseball Dive, Eli Lucero
This photo is a perfect example that you do not need to cover major sporting events to catch awesome moments. The look on the kids face with the ball oh so close to his glove works perfectly. This is a for sure portfolio photo that will be hard to top.
1st place- State Amateur Golf Final, Mario Ruiz
I love everything about this photo. Its a nice moment with perfect background and foreground and the sand cloud coming off the club with light reflecting off the club makes this a shot that would be hard to replicate even in a set up environment. Very nice.
Sports Feature
Judge-John Biever, Sports Illustrated
Honorable Mention-Motocross, Jud Burkett
it might have done better in the “Pictorial” category.
Honorable Mention-Defeated, Jeff Allred
tight,emotional picture, the hand sets it apart,
Honorable Mention-State Soccer, Jason Olson
The horizontal flow of emotion sets it apart from other “Gatorade Bath” pictures,
3rd place-Lockerroom Wait, Eli Lucero
The two key elements to this story-telling photo are access and lighting.
2nd place-Undefeated Utes, Chris Detrick
Has all the elements, and really tells the story. the elevated camera position still has an important place in sports photography,
1st place-Arm Wrestling, Scott Sommerdorf
This picture jumps off the screen, and is the clear winner with instant impact,
Humor
Judge-Sam Morris, Las Vegas Sun
3rd place-Bad Throw, Rick Egan
Nice moment from the carnival, but it took us a couple looks before we noticed where the dart was.
2nd place-Emercyn Hates Potatoes, Mike Terry
Many of us has been there but I don’t think many have had food shoved away by a foot, the knowing look on her face seals it.
1st place- Didn’t we used to throw caps, Jaren Wilkey
A nice found moment at what can be a boring event juxtaposed with a tradition.
Video
Judge-Zach Wise, Multimedia Producer New York Times
3rd place-Life After Lockup, Chris Onstott
This video succeeds because the photographer seemed to get out of the way and just let Patrick talk. Patrick is a very interesting character and really opened up to take the viewer on a mental tour of prison folk culture. Although I have some qualms about the edit and length, I really appreciate the aesthetic and youtube type nature of the video, in which the subject seems to be speaking straight to the audience rather than to a reporter. I am tempted to say in needed more visual variety, etc, etc, but this would be missing the point. Rules are meant to be broken. I do think it could have been edited for length and made a bit tighter.
2nd place-National Anthem Tryouts, Jeff Allred
Many brave voices rise for Star Spangled spots: Very creative edit. The edit had humor and variety and kept my interest throughout. This is an example of good pre-production. Obviously the videographer/producer decided on the format before heading out to shoot. My only complaint, It would have been nice to get a little background information below the video.
1st place-Hawk Hunting with Justin Neighbor, Chris Onstott
The story was interesting and most importantly I learned something from watching it. Great use of natural sound throughout. For the subject and place, the videographer found a good amount of visual variety and made good use of close-ups. The use of narrator was good and not heavy handed.
Multimedia
Judge- Nathan Lambrecht, Chief Photographer at The Monitor, won first in NPPA for best audio slideshow
3nd place-Visiting Barbara, Laura Seitz
Visiting Barbara did a nice job in a short slideshow showing Alzheimer’s from the point of view of the healthy spouse. The slideshow was very touching and appropriate, but too many photos showed the husband siting in front on his wife at the center. This is a touching moment between the two, but more variety would have helped.
2st place-Starting over: Things we lost in the fire, Tim Hussin
Things We Lost in the Fire had superb timing with dynamic photographs mixed in with an emotional interview and ambient audio that propelled the story forward. The hard, scratchy tone of Russ’ voice playing along with wonderful use of composition and lighting of the photographs. The viewer feels for the family as they try to start a new life after tragedy while still missing the life left behind. The only thing I would recommend is to convert the short video clips to black and white just to keep the tone the same.
1st place- A Year in America, Beth Schlanker
An Iraqi Immigrant Story presents the view of an Iraqi family that is starting a new life in the United States. Photographs depicting frustrating cultural differences are broken up with lighter moments as two groups of people learn from and accept each other. The quiet, slower paced tone of the multimedia re-enforces that this is a long process for this family. The interviews, especially from the teachers, show just how much the children are cared for and how invested people are in their future. Overall a well rounded in depth story.
Photographer of the Year
Judge- Preston Gannaway, Virginia Pilot, Pulitzer Prize Winner
Honorable Mention-Beth Schlanker
3rd place- Mike Terry
Very sophisticated seeing – particularly in the singles. However neither stories reach the same level. Good use of composition and attention to light, but overall, more moments and emotion would have allowed this portfolio to rise to the top. Careful editing would have prevented one of the photographs from being entered twice – once as a single image and then again in the second story.
2nd place- Djamila Grossman
The story on the foreclosed family brought this portfolio up above third place. Nice emotional moments, nice use of light and composition. The second story was also a very good effort to tell a story on an everyday person in the community. There are some nice moments in the singles, though editing a few of the weaker photos out (cheerleader, balloon) would have made the portfolio stronger. This photographer seems to be looking for a consistency in vision and I think it comes together best in the stories.
1st place-Ramin Rahimian
While most portfolios had either strong singles or strong stories, this one had both. The single image from the bullying presentation is a great moment and a nice surprise from an event that probably had little visual opportunity. Though it probably could be edited down more, the first story is very nice. But the second story on the soldier really makes this portfolio. The image of the man alone in a hospital room is particularly powerful.
Best of Show
Judge-Alan Taylor, photo editor for the Boston Globe’s Big Picture blog
A Year in America, Beth Schlanker
I spend a great deal of my time looking through news photographs of current events and situations that are immediate, and rarely get a good glimpse into what happens afterwards. Schlanker’s photographs and video were moving, personal, involving and very illustrative of the plight of the family. Their frustrations, hopes, fears and simple humanity really shine through and I was really wrapped up in the overall story.