Kenny Reynolds

1) Angel's Big Surprise

This category really emphasized to me how our job is not about merely capturing images, but also about capturing moments. The photography didn't necessarily put this story over the top - the moments did. The reunion of Angel with her father was priceless. The photographer showed a great presence of mind by staying with Angel when her father entered the room rather than turning his/her lens to him. This story was written and executed exceptionally well - it earned the top spot in this category.

2) House Across the Street

We had a huge debate to distinguish between second and third in this category. The Achilles heel of this story was the lack of a closing shot - something that could have put this story over the top. The opening sequence and nat sound of the leaves was incredible. There was great emotion seen through the photographer's lens - especially the tear dripping down a neighbor's face near the conclusion of the piece. This was a great approach to a story that is sometimes difficult to tell.

3) Peaceful Protest

This was, in my opinion, the best looking piece in the category - an issue which fueled the debate between second and third place. The story came across as one-sided. That seemed to be a major issue. The use of available light was incredible, as was the natural sound - especially the train break in the middle of the piece. We saw great action/reaction as well. This could have very well been a first place story if all we had looked at was the photography and not the stories as a whole. Great photo essay - very well done.

Honorable Mention - Chill Factor

We had a couple of similar cold weather pieces in this category, but this photo essay stood out. It had a great opening shot, excellent pacing and composition, and wonderful natural sound. The characters the photog found were very capable of telling this story. The moment when the guy brought the gloves to the horn player was priceless. This was just a great effort.

Katrina (Brown) McCann

#1 Angel's Big Surprise

This by far was the hardest and most important category to judge, but the story stood out to all of us. The moment where Angel sees her dad for the first time was priceless. You really felt like you were there experiencing the moment with her. It was very powerful, and I will never forget the look on Angel's face. The teamwork between the photographer and the reporter was undeniable. They really worked to make this moment stand out and be very emotional. I really liked the fact that the story was told from her perspective, and I like the photographer's choice to stay with the girl, as opposed to seeing the dad come in first. This story also showed how the photographer blended into the background and made the children feel comfortable around them. This is a story people will be talking about.

#2 House across the street

Second and third place was the hardest to make a decision on. Both stories were shot well and had good moments. The biggest discussion in this story was about the lack of closing shot. But, when it came down to it, this story had more photoJOURNALISM than the others did. The teamwork between the reporter and photographer was great. And, the photographer really helped carry the story. There were great moments and sound. The leaf blowing down the quiet street was something you didn't forget. It set up the story. The photographer also stayed back, and was very respectful of the situation. This was a perfect example of an award winning general news story.

#3 Peaceful Protest</dt>

This is by far the best shot piece we've seen so far. This story is still one of my favorites. But, it ultimately came down to which piece had stronger storytelling. The natural lighting was used so well, and the way the story was told made you feel like you were right there. It was a story that revealed everything to the viewer without saying a word. The shots were beautifully framed, and the photographer really anticipated the action. I feel everyone should look at this story and learn from this photographer. This story makes me want to be a better photojournalist.

HM Chill Factor

This was a wonderful story to watch. It's the type of story this photographer and we all get sent out on, went above and beyond to tell the story. There were good close-ups, good sound, and was a great example of how to tell a weather story. The characters were interesting and engaging. You really felt like you were out in the cold with them. There was great storytelling and a great variety of people. I like the fact the photographer waited for the moments and made you feel like an observer.

Scott Hedeen

The front of the newscast. The first thing out of the gate on any normal news day. The stories that have to be done. The stories that we as photo journalists owe to our audiences. With that said , can there be a true balance between the two words that define our profession? Photo and Journalism?

That topic drew big debate in our judging process. I ached with each time I had defend my choice for second place. The story done wonderfully however ..lacked a true complete ending shot. It pained me ... however it's a feeling that we all know too well.... Doing the story that you don't want to do... but doing it well

The eye of the photographer in the third place pick was it's shining moment. The images , all beautifully composed and wonderfully brilliant in their low light condition... were not enough , in my mind , to put it into second place. It's one dimensional view on what could very well be a harder news topic was hard to ignore. It's placement in the general news category put it on the scale in which the journalist side has to have everything in order.

I wish I had shot a story like this and I would wish I could make it look this good, but in general news assignments... you don't always get what you want.

Hmmm... the hallowed first place? It seems so secondary in importance to the debate we had over third and second.

It is a story set up and paid off in the most simple yet pure way. It was the only thing we all seemed to agree on... the feeling of connection and completeness.

Richard Essex

This is by far the most important category we are asked to judge because it's stuff we shoot every day. I was very pleased at the number of exceptional stories...making this even more difficult to select a clear winner...

Angel's big surprise...Fantastic moments, extraordinary crafted storytelling..This is how TV news should be done..

House across the street...the lack of a clear closing shot moved this story to second place. With that said, the storytelling placed me right on the sidewalk felling all the sorrow and pain...

Peaceful Protest---One of the most beautiful stories we have seen, but very one sided. A fine example of photography, but journalism took somewhat of a beating..

Chill factor....I personally loved this story, the thought and time spent on this story came through right from the start. This the weather story we all love to see...

Kurt Austin

Angel's Big Surprise was simply outstanding. Great teamwork between the photojournalist and the reporter. The editing was seamless. Great nat pops through out. The surprise of Angel's dad coming to visit her while on leave from Afghanistan was a tear jerker. Very emotional. A wonderful, complete general daily news story.

House across the Street treated the story of a neighborhood vigil for a slain family with compassion. As with the 1st place story, there was great teamwork between the photojournalist and the reporter. The photographer paid great attention to detail. The opening shot of fall leaves blowing in the wind was wonderful. The only element missing in this piece was a closing shot.

Peaceful Protest, the third place story, was awe inspiring in terms of photography. The best shot story of the bunch. Great lighting, excellent composition and clear concise sound. The only drawback in some judges' eyes was that this story told only one side of the story about the 25th anniversary of the 3 Mile Island nuclear accident.

Chill Factor finished with an honorable mention. It was very stylishly done. The photojournalist found great characters to profile. Wonderful tight shots of a street musician and a homeless woman trying to stay warm in the freezing temperatures.