Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Pierce College Entry Title: Protest for Palestine Entry Credit: David Pashaee Judge Comment: One of the challenges facing a photographer is to capture the feeling of a moment in a way that will reach your audience, and gives them a chance to feel as well. In this year's competition there are a number of entries related to protests. Most of them simply show one or more individuals holding signs, and that's about it. Your image shows the signs, and the words, but it goes much deeper by helping the viewer feel what is happening. Your photograph puts us in the middle of the protest and allows us to participate - we feel. As you move forward in your career, remember this image as one that really worked. And when you have questions about whether one of your future efforts is hitting the mark, think back to this image. I wish for you many more successful moments in visual storytelling, many more as successful as this. Way to go, David!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: El Camino College Entry Title: Teachers campaign for COLA Entry Credit: Jose Tobar Judge Comment: This is a strong coverage, and this particular image is from a compelling perspective. The third image, the one just prior to this one, is even stronger. As nice as this perspective is, the emotional body language of Toni Newman is hard to beat. Also, the first image in the series is strong as well, but would have been better had there been a more recognizable, involved face. If we could have just seen the profile of the face of the person holding that closeup sign -- boom -- it would have been awesome as well. Overall this is a well-done assignment. This is the type of coverage we all do on our best days.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Mt. San Antonio Entry Title: Student Vaccination Requirement Starts Winter 2022, Remains Controversial Entry Credit: Joshua Sanchez Judge Comment: Technically, and compositionally, this image is a little lacking, but the moment is strong. Her furrowed brow, sitting-forward-body-language, together with her hand, show that this is important to her. Technically, you could use a little higher ISO to help provide a faster shutter, watch your color balance, give her a little more room in the frame to enable final composition options -- yes, you could do those things, but regardless, you captured a strong, meaningful moment that works well with the story.
Competition Comment: Often I've suggested to students that if they listen carefully to their surroundings, there are times that the detail in the sound may lead to an image. As true as this might be, sometimes it helps to look closely at the potential image and ask yourself, "If I couldn't hear anything, would this photograph reach the viewer?" In the case of the top finishers in this competition, the images are strong and compelling, and would definitely reach the audience. News photography is tough. Getting the camera is an optimum position isn't very easy, and then waiting on the moment when you're on deadline can seem almost impossible. But when we do, it's powerful.
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