Photography

Individual Photographs (38A)

Overall, the judges thought that there were many cliché images that were too “snapshotty” and not well conceptualized. They would have liked to see a higher level of composition. However, the judges also felt that there were some interesting uses of alternate image making such as digital techniques and creative manipulation. They felt there were some interesting concepts.

Gold Medals

Brigham Young University, Bradley Slade, photographer
University of Notre Dame, Matt Cashore, photographer

• The gold medal winners had entirely different styles but shared strengths such as impact, technical precision, strong centers of interest and messages, and instant readability. Judges felt that the Brigham Young University picture concept worked beautifully on the layout with the combination of type and that it also works well as a stand-alone image.

Silver Medals

Cornell University, Robert Barker, photographer
The Putney School, Gabriel A. Cooney, photographer

• The silver medal winners were two well-executed portraits with very different styles. Both had nice light and clean and simple composition. The judges felt that the Cornell portrait of the boy had a whimsy feeling that made it stand out.

Bronze Medals

Bowling Green State University, Craig Bell, photographer
Brandeis University, Mike Lovett, photographer
Cornell University, Matthew Fondeur, photographer
University of New Haven, Len Rubenstein, photographer

• The judges' thoughts on the bronze medal winners were different for each. The Cornell landscape shot relies on a format but uses it really well. It was a well thought out time of day and showcases the detail. It was a beautiful scene executed extremely well. The use of technique helped make the New Haven multi-exposure picture precise and interesting. Judges felt that the Brandeis sidewalk picture was aided by the emotional pull of the juxtaposition of the generations. The color is also interesting and adds to the appeal.

Photographer of the Year (38B)

As a whole, the judges' main advice in this category is to edit tighter! Weaker photos will always bring down a portfolio. Fifteen good pictures are preferred to 15 good and three weak ones. The judges saw many good images that they would have considered in the individual photos category.

Gold Medal

Georgia Southern University, Frank Fortune, photographer

• Consistent in technique. There was a combination of candid images and formal portraits but all were tightly controlled and had good lighting. The candids all displayed action and emotion with strong composition, framing, and use of light. The judges felt that the photographer’s vision came through. The portfolio showed range and the photographer went the extra mile in lighting and composition. It was very well-crafted.

Silver Medal

California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, Tom Zasadzinski, photographer

• Subject matter was interesting and photographed effectively. The portfolio was well edited, had good centers of interest, and solid composition in all the photographs. There was a good combination of photo packages; however the judges would like to have seen more diversity in subject matter.

Bronze Medal

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Keith Weller, photographer

• Had some really strong moments in a diverse range of subject matter. There was great sports action and an eclectic mix of subjects. However, there felt that the portfolio was somewhat inconsistent and could have been edited tighter. Weaker images pulled it away from being in the top spot.