First Quarter Clips due April 10!
Easiest way to send them, in a zip file. I will send you a confirmation that I received your entries.
If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to ask me.
Diane Cebula
VNPA Clip Contest Chair
VNPA2009 report
Hey everybody,
Since we only had three people show up this year for Saturday’s speakers we couldn’t have much of a meeting. What we did discuss, however, was pretty interesting and over the next few months I think you will see some changes to how the VNPA operates and what we do.
News & Changes:
I think the abysmal turnout this year, combined with a similar situation in Roanoke last year, proves that we can no longer afford to hold our contest and conference in conjunction with VPA. We used to rely on them to help draw attendance and clearly that is no longer happening as papers are less likely to spend the money to send their staffers to the convention and the venues are expensive thus making it unnattractive financially-speaking to anybody thinking of going on their own time.
So, we are thinking about having our own weekend in a more central location dedicated solely to photojournalism. So let me ask you: If you were attend such an event, what would you want from it? Would you want to see the contest judging? Speakers? educational sessions? a miniworkshop where you actually shoot and get critiqued? Think on it and let me know your thoughts…
In other news, the clip contest is now one division. No more small and large categories. New rules and procedures are coming soon….
Congrats and thank-yous:
Congratulations to Jill Nance, our Photographer of the Year. She edged out Stephen Katz by a mere three points, primarily because of points she won by finishing second in the clip contest. The lesson? Enter the clip contest!
Also, congratulations to Scott Elmquist of Style Weekly for two reasons: First, he won Best in Show for his photograph of a candlight vigil not only in VNPA but at VPA as well. Second, he is now a father to a beautiful three-month-old daughter. Congratulations Scott!
Finally, a big thank you to our judges. They came in at the last minute and put together some great presentations, and despite having only a handful of people in the audience, soldiered on. As always, I came away feeling pretty good about pictures despite the gloom that is hanging over the business right now. So, thank you to Bill Bangham, Bob Jones, Jr, and Medford Taylor for a bit of inspiration.
Also, before I forget, thanks again to Bob Martin and Kevin Morley for running the contest. Things went pretty smoothly. Thing you can step into their shoes?? The contest gurus are looking to step back a little bit and while, still happy to help, would like somebody else to jump in the driver’s seat. Anybody interested should contact either Kevin or Bob.
2008 VNPA Photographer of the Year – Jill Nance
Jill Nance of the Lynchburg News & Advance narrowly won the title of 2008 Virginia News Photographer of the Year, edging out The Virginian-Pilot’s Stephen Katz by a three-point margin. Congratulations Jill!
Winners List
Best in Show - Tina Shaw breaks down during a murder vigil for her nephew Ricky Burton, 16, who was gunned down while walking home from the late shift at Wendy's restaurant. (Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly)
Winners in the 2008 VNPA Pictures of the Year competition, judged in Norfolk, March 20, 2009.
Lifestyle:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Heather S. Hughes/Freelance
Third Place: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
HM: Sam Dean/The Roanoke Times
HM: Kyle Green/The Roanoke Times
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot
Sports Feature:
First Place: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Second Place: Mark Gormus/The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Third Place: Mike Morones/The Free lance-Star
HM: Genevieve Ross/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot
Sports Action:
First Place: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
Second Place: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Third Place: Jesse Hutcheson/Christopher Newport University
HM: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
HM: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
HM: Kyle Green/Roanoke Times
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Genevieve Ross/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Chet White/Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Diane Cebula/The Daily Press
Pictorial:
First Place: Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
Third Place: Kyle Green/The Roanoke Times
HM: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
HM: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
HM: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
HM: Jill Nance/The Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald-Courier
HM: Mike Reilly/The Daily News-Record
HM: Adrin Snider/The Daily Press
HM: Adrin Snider/The Daily Press
HM: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Spot News:
First Place: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Second Place: Pete Marovich/Daily News-Record
Third Place: Jeff Mankie/News-Messenger
HM: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
HM: Diane Cebula/The Daily Press
Campaign:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Third Place: Pete Marovich/Daily News Record
HM: Bob Brown/Times-Dispatch
HM: Mark Gormus/Times-Dispatch
HM: Dean Hoffmeyer/Times-Dispatch
HM: Dean Hoffmeyer/Times-Dispatch
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Portrait:
First Place: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Second Place: Eva Russo/The Times-Dispatch
Third Place: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
Honorable Mention: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Honorable Mention: Sam Dean/Roanoke Times
Honorable Mention: Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly
Honorable Mention: Stephen Katz/Virginian-Pilot
Honorable Mention: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Honorable Mention: Chet White/News & Advance
General News:
First place: Scott Elmquist – Style Weekly
Second place – Jill Nance – The News & Advance
Third place – L. Todd Spencer – The Virginian-Pilot
HM – Mike Morones – The Free Lance-Star
HM – Peter Cihelka – The Free Lance-Star
HM – Bob Brown – Richmond Times-Dispatch
HM – Scott Elmquist – Style Weekly
Sports Picture Story:
First Place: Jill Nance/Lynchburg News & Advance “Bucker”
Second Place: Jill Nance/Lynchburg News & Advance “Kicker”
Third Place: Ash Daniel/Freelance
HM: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
News Picture Story:
First Place: Eva Russo/The Richmond Times-Dispatch “Lock-up”
Second Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot “Left”
Third place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot “More”
HM: Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot “Gun”
Feature:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Justin Cook/The Roanoke Times
Third Place: Pat Jarrett/Staunton News Leader
HM: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Eva Russo/Times-Dispatch
HM: Chet White/News & Advance
Illustration:
First Place: Jill Nance/Lynchburg News & Advance
Second Place: Genevieve Ross/The Virginian-Pilot
Third Place: Kim Raff/The Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Sam Dean/The Roanoke Times
Feature Picture Story:
First Place: Dean Hoffemyer/Richmond Times-Dispatch
Second Place: Chet White/Lynchburg News & Advance
Third Place: Nikki Fox/The Daily News-Record
HM: Stephanie Klein-Davis/Roanoke Times
HM: Jared Soares/Roanoke Times
HM: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Portfolio:
1 Stephen Katz, Virginian Pilot
2 Jill Nance, Lynchburg News & Advance
3 Chet White, Lynchburg News & Advance
HM Kyle Green, Roanoke Times
HM Pete Marovich, Harrisonburg Daily News Record
HM Adrin Snider, Daily Press
Slideshows –News:
1st place: Drivers, Jill Nance, Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Rally, Eva Russo, Richmond Times Dispatch
Slideshows –Features:
1st Place: Kicker, Jill Nance, Lynchburg News & Advance
2nd place: At Home on the Farm, Chet White, Lynchburg News & Advance
3rd place: Lindsay, Dean Hoffmeyer, Richmond Times Dispatch
HM: Caregiver, Kim Raff-Weiselberg, Lynchburg News & Advance
Video – News:
1st place: Shad, Robert A. Martin, The Free Lance-Star
Video – Features:
1st place: Sully, Hyunsoo Leo Kim, The Virginian-Pilot
2nd place: Speed, Robert A. Martin, The Free Lance-Star
3rd place: Pam Rickard, Stephanie Klein-Davis, The Roanoke Times
HM: Baseball Opening, Hyunsoo Leo Kim, The Virginian-Pilot
Best In Show:
Scott Elmquist, Style Weekly
2008 Virginia Photographer of the Year:
Jill Nance/The Lynchburg News & Advance
Feature Winners
Feature: First Place A Sudanese boy looks to escape the sweltering heat with a swim in the shaded Akobo River. Despite a proliferation of parasites, filth, even crocodiles, the river is the source of life for the struggling community. (Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Feature Winners:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Justin Cook/The Roanoke Times
Third Place: Pat Jarrett/Staunton News Leader
HM: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Eva Russo/Times-Dispatch
HM: Chet White/News & Advance
Lifestyle Winners
Lifestyle - First Place Still unable to stand, single mother Eli Valentine washes dishes in her small kitchen in a barrio in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A house fire, one year ago, left her and her two children severely scared and handicapped. (Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Lifestyle Winners:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Heather Hughes/Freelance
Third Place: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
HM: Sam Dean/The Roanoke Times
HM: Kyle Green/The Roanoke Times
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot
Sports Feature Winners
Sports Feature - First Place CHAMP - Colonial Forge's Joe Pantaleo jumps into the arms of coach Bill Swink following his victory over Fauquier's David Yost in the championship round of the 2008 Virginia Group AAA wrestling tournament at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, VA on February 23, 2008. (Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star)
Sports Feature Winners:
First Place: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Second Place: Mark Gormus/The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Third Place: Mike Morones/The Free lance-Star
HM: Genevieve Ross/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot
Spot News Winners
Spot News - First Place Strasburg volunteer junior firefighter Damion Scott, 16, races across the parking lot outside Multistone International, Inc. on East King Street in Strasburg to set up operations after a morning fire destroyed several buildings on East King Street in Strasburg. (Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily)
Spot News Winners:
First Place: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Second Place: Pete Marovich/Daily News-Record
Third Place: Jeff Mankie/News-Messenger
HM: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
HM: Diane Cebula/The Daily Press
Sports Action Winners
Sports Action: First Place SAVE Jumping to avoid goalie Terry Hamlin of the Vipers are l-r, teammate Steve Kurbel and Oscar Rodrigues of Sombras during a Chesterfield Adult Soccer Association game. (Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Sports Action Winners:
First Place: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
Second Place: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Third Place: Jesse Hutcheson/Christopher Newport University
HM: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
HM: Mark Gormus/Richmond Times-Dispatch
HM: Kyle Green/Roanoke Times
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
HM: Genevieve Ross/The Virginian-Pilot
HM: Chet White/Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Diane Cebula/The Daily Press
Pictorial Winners
Pictorial: First Place Sailors lined up on the flight deck of the carrier, George Washington as she is ready to depart to its new station in Yokosuka, Japan Monday morning at the Norfolk Naval Station Norfolk. The ship will be the first nuclear vessel ever to be based in Japan, and it will relieve the duty of 48-year-old conventional carrier, Kitty Hawk. (Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot)
Pictorial Winners:
First Place: Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
Third Place: Kyle Green/The Roanoke Times
HM: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
HM: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
HM: Pete Marovich/The Daily News-Record
HM: Jill Nance/The Lynchburg News & Advance
HM: Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald-Courier
HM: Mike Reilly/The Daily News-Record
HM: Adrin Snider/The Daily Press
HM: Adrin Snider/The Daily Press
HM: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Campaign Winners
Campaign: First Place McCain supporters cheer on their candidate as John McCain works the rope line following his speech at the Virginia Beach Conference Center on Monday - 10/13/08 - morning. (Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Campaign Winners:
First Place: Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot
Second Place: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Third Place: Pete Marovich/Daily News Record
HM: Bob Brown/Times-Dispatch
HM: Mark Gormus/Times-Dispatch
HM: Dean Hoffmeyer/Times-Dispatch
HM: Dean Hoffmeyer/Times-Dispatch
HM: Robert A. Martin/The Free Lance-Star
Portrait Winners
Portrait - First Place MISS WHEELCHAIR Buddy Hayes of Chesapeake, VA , Miss Wheelchair Virginia, waits to give a presenation to the Lions Club with her service dog Ellie at Falls Run Community Center on February 27, 2008. (Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star)
Portrait Winners:
First Place: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Second Place: Eva Russo/The Times-Dispatch
Third Place: Joe Fudge/The Daily Press
Honorable Mention: Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily
Honorable Mention: Sam Dean/Roanoke Times
Honorable Mention: Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly
Honorable Mention: Stephen Katz/Virginian-Pilot
Honorable Mention: Mike Morones/The Free Lance-Star
Honorable Mention: Chet White/News & Advance
General News winners
General News - First Place Tina Shaw breaks down during a murder vigil for her nephew Ricky Burton, 16, who was gunned down while walking home from the late shift at Wendy's restaurant. (Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly)
Here are the winners for General News:
First place: Scott Elmquist – Style Weekly
Second place – Jill Nance – The News & Advance
Third place – L. Todd Spencer – The Virginian-Pilot
Honorable Mention – Mike Morones – The Free Lance-Star, Peter Cihelka – The Free Lance-Star, Bob Brown – Richmond Times-Dispatch, Scott Elmquist – Style Weekly
Conference Schedule and online updates
Here is the schedule for the weekend:
Friday, March 20
9am – Judging Begins
12:30pm – Lunch Break
1:15pm – Judging Resumes
5:45pm – Dinner Break
7:30pm –Judging resumes
Saturday, March 21
9am – Bill Bangham
10am – Bob Jones, Jr.
11am – Coffee break
11:15am – Medford Taylor
12:15am – Lunch
1:15am –Business Meeting & Awards
If you can’t make it to the judging on Friday, check back here at http://vnpa.org for results. I’ll do my best to update as they go along. check us out on facebook too…
Judges finalized for Norfolk
We have our three judges for this year. I am happy to announce that Bill Bangham, Bob Jones, Jr. and Medford Taylor will be joining us this weekend in Norfolk.
Bill Bangham, from his Lightstalkers profile:
“Bill Bangham is a photojournalist, writer and editor working out of the United States from Richmond, Va.He currently serves as director, editorial and photography, for an international non-profit organization. He has worked in more than 70 countries and received awards in writing, photography and design in both secular and religious competitions, including the University of Missouri International Pictures of the Year competition and the National Press Photographers Association Best of Photojournalism competition.”
Bob Jones, Jr:
A four-time Virginia Photographer of the Year, Mr. Jones is an independent photographer based in Richmond. Before striking out on his own, he was a Navy combat photographer for five years. You can check out his work at http://www.bobjonesjr.com/
Medford Taylor:
A former staffer at The Houston Chronicle and The Virginian-Pilot, Mr. Taylor is a Richmond-based freelance photographer. His work has been honored by The Virginia News Photographers Association, White House News Photographers Association and Visa Pour l’Image. In 2002 he published his first book “Saltwater Cowboys: A Photographic Essay of Chincoteague Island” His work can be seen at http://www.medfordtaylor.com
Topics for the business meeting
As you know, our meeting in Norfolk is more than just a contest. It is also a chance to speak your mind about what you want to see the VNPA do in the future. I’d like to know what concerns you have, what issues you would to discuss or anything else on your mind that we as an organization need to talk about. If you can’t make it this year but still would like your voice heard this is a good spot to comment.
So, whether you are planning to join us in a few weeks or not, please share your thoughts in the comments below so we can get a discussion going that we can continue in person on Saturday, March 21. I look forward to hearing from you. -Mike Morones