Kenny Reynolds

1) To Hell and Back

This story really stood out from all the rest. This was a labor of love on the part of the photojournalist. The intense commitment - following the four families over the span of a year Ð really got noticed. This had to be one of the best pieces of work that I have seen in quite sometime. It had all of the twist and turns of a hollywood movie Ð beautifully presented in a comprehensive piece that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Solid photography Ð moments Ð natural sound Ð you name it, this piece delivered it. Brilliant.

2) Lessons of War

A very nice piece. This was an ABC network piece that innovatively told the stories of two men who had lost limbs in combat. It was timely in the way the men visited those currently hospitalized with similar conditions. Natural moments were not in short supply here. Good, solid photography.

3) Sudan Refugee Crisis

The pictures in this piece were breathtaking. The vivid colors were right on. The photographer did an excellent job of letting the moments breathe. Excellent photography. I felt like I was there. This piece made me fell compassion for the Sudanese people and the daily struggles they strive to overcome.

Katrina (Brown) McCann

#1 To Hell and Back

I could not stop thinking about this story all night. This documentary was the best example of what a photojournalist should be. The photographer stayed with these people for a year and there was dedication not only time wise, but emotionally as well. This story was amazing from beginning to end. You felt like you were going through this experience with them. The best part of this story is that the photographer never gave up. The story just got better as it went along. The photography never faded out. The moments were exceptional, and the photographer captured every moment that was important, nothing was left out. This is a story IÕll remember for a lifetime.

#2 Lessons of War

This was a great story, filled with emotion and moments. The photographer really helped the viewer get into the minds of the people. Great shooting, and great moments. I really liked the transitions into introducing the characters.

#3 Sudan Refugee crises

The video in this story was wonderful. The photography was absolutely beautiful, and the color was brilliant. You really felt like you were there in the environment. The photographer was very bold with their shooting, and spent a lot of time on this story.

Scott Hedeen

The first place story nailed it. Continuing coverage over several months completely from beginning to end of a set of burn victims. The photographer was in the burn ward the exact time the patients were brought in ...during that time we met them...their families and were sucked into the drama of the success and failure of these people in the ensuing months up to their release. Being a major news story in the market, it was an excellent subject to appeal to local viewers and give them a "what ever happened to?".

Best part? The photography only got better as the piece evolved. It was a solid cohesive work beginning to most importantly ...the end.

The next pieces were compelling as well... though not as thorough as the first place... compelling and complete.

My attention never strayed during all three pieces--Important in my mind in the success in long form storytelling.

Richard Essex

Lessons of War....my god a network photo essay!!!!

Sudan...simple and well crafted...

Kurt Austin

The 1st place entry, To Hell and Back, was an extremely powerful profile of four painters burned in a horrible accident. The commitment to document these 4 men while in the burn unit was phenomenal! You could feel the pain of these men and feel the raw emotion of their loved ones. A true documentary and an effort we can all applaud.

Lessons of War, the 2nd place finisher was gritty. The documentary was told through the eyes of veterans, both from Vietnam and the Gulf wars who have lost their limbs while serving their county. Very compelling.

The 3rd place finisher, Sudan Refugee Crisis was very well shot. The shooting conditions must have been extremely tough. Wind storms, drought conditions, you name it, it was there. Through it all, the pictures were beautiful.