National Press Photographers Association

Best of Television Photojournalism 2004

TV News Photography: Ernie Crisp Television News Photographer of the Year

1st
Ted Nelson, WTVF
Runner-Up
Brett Akagi, KARE

Just like the Station of the Year decision, the discussion regarding the awards in this category was passionate and extensive.

The judges all agreed the winning photographer here must first be a winning journalist. Andre said it best: "The stories must have a beginning, middle and end. Photo essays should tell a story. It's not just about the pictures and sound."

In addition, the judges tried to balance those storytelling talents with content and technique. Tapes with at least one photo essay made it to the top of the list.

The judges also felt a winning entry should have good variety; both in stories submitted and a style that could adapt based on the type of story covered.

The newsworthiness of stories submitted mattered to the judges in every category all week long. It factored into the final vote here as well. For example, the term "spot-news-light" applied to many of the entries in that category. Does any audience really need two-and -a-half minutes on a traffic accident where no one is hurt and no traffic affected? Perhaps in some markets. We debated these issues for hours.

Ted Nelson's tape had all of these things and a great "newsy" feel. The spot news segments on the tape were gritty and true. The general news story made a good piece out of a "press release" story. The features had good characters and nice natural moments. Emphasis on the word "natural" here.

I felt this photojournalist's tape best represented the values of our profession and the true nature of what we do every day.

Bill Masure

Judges' Comments

Gabriella Bruni

After much discussion, my vote went to photographer Ted Nelson of WTVF. I felt his talent was clearly exemplified in all of his pieces, from spot to in-depth. Nelson captured the emotion and compelling pictures in the spot news nursing home fire. This same photographer also demonstrated versatility and enterprise skills in both the wrestling brothers and the haunted elevator story.

Andre Jones

I must admit my 1st pick was not Ted Nelson from WTVF-TV. I thought that Brett Akagi from KARE-TV had a flawless tape and I thought that the natural sound story on the Rally was a better natural sound story. I lost out obviously, because the other judges felt the story was unbalanced.Ê I applaud Ted for entering two natural sound stories, but Ted watch out for those lampshades behind your subjects. I would like to see more photo essays in this category, because a TRUE Photojournalist can tell a story from beginning to end without a reporter.Ê Some entries in this category had no natural sound stories.Ê How can you enter a POY contest and not have any natural sound stories. Even though I didn't vote for Ted I'm glad to see the traditional NPPA style of shooting lost out to overall content and style.Ê It is a new day for NPPA ladies and Gentleman.

Robert Nino

Let's get to know Ted Nelson from WTVF--he is a true example of what we all do everyday. Ted's spot was superior in comparison to the other entries. He was looking for and capturing moments of reaction. The effort was consistent throughout. The newsworthiness was high. The point of difference for the panel was his ability to do it all.