WASHINGTON, DC – May 03: A visitor is illuminated while passing through the rotunda at the United States Capitol on Wednesday May 03, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Zackary Reynolds, 9, left, attempts to catch a piece of popcorn in his mouth after the Peninsula Pilots season opener was cancelled due to a severe thunderstorm on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

Aliza Matos, 11, attempts to fly her kite into the air at Riverview Farm Park Wednesday evening May 3, 2017.

Zahra Almahdi, left, stands in the background as Mohamad, 9, holds his father’s hand, Abdul-Kareem Almahdi, right, in the living room of their home in Newport News. Originally from Raqqah, Syria, the family spent four years living at a refugee camp in Jordan before being relocated to the United States. Almahdi works the night shift at a pharmaceutical company in Williamsburg and only sees his family for a small portion of the day.

Local Syrian refugee family aid Rabia Jafir, left, holds hands with Laith Almahdi, 5, right, while entering the Hampton Health Clinic. Jafir helps the family by driving the children to various appointments, like immunization shots, since their mother is not licensed to drive and the father works long night shifts. The family previously had current vaccines while living in Syria but the recent move to United States required new documentation under U.S. law. Friday, March 10, 2017.

Abdul Kareem Almahdi, left, holds the mouth of his youngest son, Laith, 5, to show the dental assistant new teeth growth during an appointment on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Originally from Raqqah, Syria, the family spent four years living at a refugee camp in Jordan before being relocated to the United States. Located in the north eastern part of Syria and seized by militants in late 2013, the city the family once lived, is now the capitol of the Islamic State.

The Almahdi children watch television captioned in Arabic as Rabia Jafir, center, waves goodbye to the family after a visit on Friday, March 10, 2017. Jafir acts as a family aid to multiple Syrian refugee families living in Newport News, assisting them with everyday adjustments to their new American life.

From left: Yancarlo Villanueva, Laith Almahdi, 5, and Dasiyah Newby, 5, share a moment while waiting in line to leave art class at Carver Elementary School on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

From left: Yazan 15, Mohamad, 9, mother Zahara, Malak, 7, and Laith Almahdi, 5, use a smartphone to FaceTime with their eldest sibling Hadeel, 18, who lives in Jordan with her husband and 10-month-old-daughter on Monday, April 3, 2017.

Mohamad Almahdi, 7, poses by a spot of sunlight at the family’s home on Monday, April 3, 2017. “We could not find the doctor. We could not buy food. It was not safe for me, for my children.” Mohamed’s father said. “We had to go.”

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: United States Naval Academy plebes participate in the annual Sea Trials. Each year freshmen from the Academy take part in a variety of courses and exercises over the course of a day. From crawling under barb wire to multi-part obstacle course. The sun rises as Naval Academy plebes take part in the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebes go through the trench area that is part of the “Wet and Sandy” portion of the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebes rinse off as they go through the “Wet and Sandy” portion of the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebe, Jacob Cuningham, bottom right, goes through the beach area that is part of the “Wet and Sandy” portion of the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebes climb ropes that were part of an obstacle course during the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: A Naval Academy plebe climbs a rope that was part of an obstacle course during the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebes cross over a bridge during the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: A Naval Academy plebe goes through the trench area that is part of the “Wet and Sandy” portion of the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – May 16: Naval Academy plebe, Grace Rovira, left center, wipes off her face after taking part in the “Wet and Sandy” portion of the annual Sea Trials at the United States Naval Academy on Tuesday May 16, 2017 in Annapolis, MD.

Crew members of the submarine USS Indiana stand during the christening of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017. The Indiana Ñ or SSN-789 Ñ is the 16th boat in the Virginia class of nuclear-powered subs being built. A total of 14 former Navy sailors from the last USS Indiana, the BB-58, a World War II-era battleship attended the christening. All in their 90s, they are among the roughly 60 or so men left from the original crew of 2,300. Vice President Mike Pence, who was governor of Indiana before becoming vice president, will keynote Saturday’s event celebrating the Hoosier State’s namesake vessel. The $2.5 billion, 377-foot Indiana will be delivered to the Navy in early 2018.

Hundreds of people gather Saturday morning during the christening of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana at Newport News Shipbuilding April 29, 2017.

Crew members of the submarine USS Indiana take selfies before the start the christening of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017.

Vice President Mike Pence, left, and ship sponsor Diane Donald stand beneath the Virginia-class submarine Indiana before the start of the christening ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017. Diane Donald, the wife of Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, will christen the Indiana by smashing a bottle of sparkling wine across its hull. Kirkland Donald commanded the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program before retiring in 2012.

Vice President Mike Pence hands out a coin before the start of the christening ceremony for the Virginia-class submarine Indiana at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017.

From left, Vice President Mike Pence, Commander Jesse J. Zimbauer, and Matt Mulherin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding, watch as ship sponsor Diane Donald smashes a bottle of sparkling wine across the hull of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana during the christening ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017.

Several veterans from a previous USS Indiana, a World War II-era battleship, are recognized as Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the christening of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017. A total of 14 former Navy sailors from the last USS Indiana, the BB-58, a World War II-era battleship attended the christening. All in their 90s, they are among the roughly 60 or so men left from the original crew of 2,300.

From left, Vice President Mike Pence, Commander Jesse J. Zimbauer, and Matt Mulherin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding, celebrate after ship sponsor Diane Donald smashed a bottle of sparkling wine across the hull of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana during the christening ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding Saturday morning April 29, 2017.

ARLINGTON, VA – May 29: Brittany Jacobs sits with her son, Christian Jacobs, 6, near the grave of Christian’s father, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher James Jacobs as they visit in observance of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday May 29, 2017 in Arlington, VA. Jacobs died during a training exercise in 2011.

Arriving from Smithfield, Va., family friend and long-time supporter Lisa Fry, left, shares a hug with Pamela Scott, right, at Scott’s mother’s home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In early 1987 at the age of 23, addicted and selling cocaine, Scott was convicted of first degree murder and robbery in Hampton, Va. While incarcerated she received her GED, became licensed for cosmetology and is now living as a hair dresser in North Carolina. Scott falls under Virginia’s old parole laws, in which a five-member state board determines whether to release inmates. Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Keir Johnson’s mother Rhonda Crews and her grandmother Helen Crews attend a press conference about the missing woman and her daughter Chloe Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Hampton Police Division, in Hampton, Va. Police in Virginia fear someone has kidnaped the mother and eight month old daughter.

David LeGrand holds up a prosthetic eye to measure for accurate pupil size before beginning painting a new scleral cover shell for Martha Seidel, of Virginia Beach, Va., at LeGrand Associates in Chesapeake, Va., on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

Jamestown’s Grayson DeBerry is the tennis athlete of the year.

Rev. Alexander Evans who at the time was pastor of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church during the Virginia Tech shootings and was chaplain to the Blacksburg Police Department, found his calling helping law enforcement cope with trauma. He started a non-profit, Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program, which holds seminars for police officers who have been through trauma. He now preaches at Second Presbyterian in Richmond.

A mime with Virginia Beach-based Magical Solutions prepares to exit a tent and perform at Hampton Roads PrideFest on June 17, 2017 in Town Point Park.

Dorothy Clark holds a comfort blanket named Happy Feet, in the bedroom of her Virginia Beach, Va., apartment on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Clark, who has an intellectual disability, is able to live independently with the help of the Hope House Foundation.

Lexi Thompson celebrates with friends Dan and Sydney Steger after winning the 2017 LPGA Kingsmill Championship Sunday May 21st. Thompson set a tournament record at 20 under beating Annika Sorenstam’s record set in 2008.

Northside High School third baseman Sam McLaughlin (23) loses the ball as Cave Spring’s Logan Altizer (7) slides into third safely during the first inning of the Region 3A West quarter final at Northside High School Tuesday evening, May 30, 2017. Cave Spring won 4-3.

Hickory’s Jacob Mustain tags out Hanover’s Brian Sisson during the fourth inning of their game at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Va., on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

York High’s Britney Hepner (27) catches the ball during the 3A East Region softball semifinal game against Riverside High held at York High School on Thursday, June 1, 2017.

Tabb High’s Andrew Lenfant (8) reacts while Riverside High players accept the trophy after winning the 3A East Region boys soccer championship held at York High School on Monday, June 5, 2017.

 
JUDGES:
Mykal McEldowney, Jenna Watson and Bob Scheer of the Indianapolis Star

NEWS
FIRST:  Matt McClain, The Washington Post
SECOND: Aileen Devlin, Daily Press
THIRD:  Rob Ostermaier, The Daily Press
HM:  Kristen Zeis, The Virginian-Pilot

Three winners exemplified strongest moments of all news entries. This was a very strong category, photographers worked scenes well trying to find interesting way to shoot the mundane. Honorable mention might have placed higher if it had been entered as a portrait, it didn’t hold up content-wise against other news topics.

PORTRAIT
FIRST:  Jonathan Gruenke, The Daily Press
SECOND:  Shelby Lum, Richmond Times-Dispatch
THIRD:  Kaitlin McKeown, The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Kristen Zeis, The Virginian-Pilot

Many the posed portraits where subject was looking into camera felt forced or uncomfortable. First place portrait displayed the strongest aesthetic and composition, a beautifully executed sports portrait. The second and honorable mention portraits do a great job conveying mood with clean lighting and space to breath in compositions. Third place was fun, unexpected perspective that stood out.

SPORTS
FIRST:  Rob Ostermaier, The Daily Press
SECOND:  Erica Yoon, The Roanoke Times
THIRD:  Kristen Zeis, The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Aileen Devlin, Daily Press
HM: Aileen Devlin, Daily Press

There were many strong but repetitive sports features in this category—lots of mobs of players yelling. First place offered a truly unique and difficult to find moment from what can be a slower-paced, predictable sport. Second and third place captured clean peak action from perfect points of view. Honorable mentions were almost-there execution wise— Ball catch could be cleaner composition and we wish the huddle in the background was a quicker read.

FEATURE
FIRST:  Matt McClain, The Washington Post
SECOND:  Aileen Devlin, Daily Press
THIRD:  Jonathan Gruenke, The Daily Press

First and third place winners immediately stood out to judges aesthetically on first time looking through feature entries. Second place was a quick, think-outside-the-box moment that we crave in a feature image. Other similar entries were not quite as strong technically or offered less surprising moments.

MULTIPLES
FIRST:  Aileen Devlin, Daily Press
SECOND:  Matt McClain, The Washington Post
THIRD:  Jonathan Gruenke, The Daily Press

Something that judges always seem to bring up for multiple categories— When in doubt, edit tighter. First place offered the best balance of narrative, shot variety and sequencing. Sequencing was also beautiful in second place winner, an all-around attractive set of pictures. Third place offered thorough coverage of a daily news event, the photographer put in extra effort to work scene. Non-winning stories didn’t quite dig deep enough with subject. Non-winning daily assignment entries didn’t offer quite enough shot variety. We would have loved tighter edit of church renovation essay to show faster transition of before and after.

MULTIMEDIA
FIRST:  Kaitlin McKeown, The Virginian-Pilot
SECOND:  Kaitlin McKeown, The Virginian-Pilot
THIRD:  Shelby Lum, Richmond Times-Dispatch

First and second place were well-produced and had clean, interesting shots that kept our attention while carrying a narrative— Two opposite types of videos that displayed similar strong suits. Third place needed a tighter edit, we feel the story could have been told in 1 and a half to 2 minutes just as well. A close contender for third was the opening night of baseball season video, but we thought the music was distracting after about a minute, and the slow motion lingered too long on several shots losing our attention. Felt more like marketing content than journalism. As for surveyors trespassing video, we liked the effort and access, but thought there needed to be more strategy put into providing the viewer with the narrative to keep it moving along and make the topic clear sooner in the video. Most importantly, with a “controversial” issue like this, we need to hear from opposing party or at least include in a slide somewhere that they did not respond for comment, if that was the case.