Katrina (Brown) McCann

#1

This category was the most difficult and one of the most important categories to judge. There were so many talented photographers and well shot stories, it was hard to narrow the list down. But, ultimately we awarded first place to the photographer who really set themselves a part from the group. It seemed to me that this is the type of photographer people really go to when an important story needs to be shot. I really enjoyed the variety of stories, and each one had a special something. No shot, no story, was ever the same. I loved the variety of the stories, and how so many of them really dealt with people and their lives. One of the things that really stood out to me was the last shot in the story "The Hive." It was such a compelling moment. My hat goes off to this year's Photographer of the Year and hopefully people will learn from them, and what it truly means to be a photojournalist.

#2

I really enjoyed every story on this tape. The photographer was consistent, creative, and virtually flawless. Every story had strong photography, and was very unique. This photographer showed endless dedication to their stories, and really shot from the heart. I also liked the fact that they thought outside of the box, and they put incredible effort into each story.

Kurt Austin

Boy, was this a joy to judge! Seven photojournalists made it to the final round. Every single one of these tapes was solid from top to bottom. After slowing weeding them out, it came to the final two. We looked at both tapes all the way through again and finally decided on the winner. In my eye, it was a virtual tie, until we compared the last stories on each. The winners last story of the harmonica playing former homeless man had more impact then the last story of the runner-up.

The POY’s tape had a great variety of stories in every category. The spot and deadline stories were very strong. The photojournalist had 2 general news stories, one of which really stood out. The stories on the rest of the tape were simply outstanding!

The runner-up photojournalist had a fantastic tape! Great style through out. Two spot news stories, both well done. The deadline entry was done in a very creative way. The general news stories were top notch. The stories entered in the Sports, Feature, and 48-Hour categories were phenomenal! The In-Depth story on a man who came out of a coma was very well done also, but just not as strong as the POY's.

I must say that looking at the work being done by some of these photojournalists is awe-inspiring!

Kenny Reynolds

Let me begin by saying that it was difficult to pick just one winner out of the finalists in this group. This was, in my opinion, the most complete compilation we saw in this category. From spot news to in-depth, this photojournalist delivered compelling moments brilliantly woven between strong, visually stimulating images. There was an obvious effort by this individual to fine-tune his/her craft - a fact that came through in this reel. These were stories about people - pure and simple - the kind of stories that viewers get drawn into.

There was a fine line between this year's winner and runner up - it could have easily gone either way. This photojournalist provided a wide variety of stories - and seemed to master his/her craft in all areas. It is a shame that we couldn't have more than one winner. There was obvious thought and effort exhibited in all aspects of this compilation - great pictures - great sound - an overall great reel.

Richard Essex

Of the seven photographers in the final anyone could have been NPPA POY 2005. The separation between the winner and the rest is very slim.

First of all consistency in style and performance rang through in every story. I feel this photographer looks at every shot very thoughtfully, it is apparent he/she communicates ideas and goal with the reporter, producers and everyone else working to get the story on the air.

I really like the Pink Flamingo story, shooting at night without extraneous lighting is brilliant.

I hope you find this work inspiring, I certainly have...

Scott Hedeen

Our pick for photographer of the year is a truly remarkable news photographer. Never overpowered or under powered by the reporter... never placing a nat or a sequence without it being there for a reason. The entry tape played like a wonderfully composed performed and recorded piece of music.

The runner up was so close... it was one of the hardest decisions of the week. This photographer came off in my mind as the go to guy capable of covering the live shot at noon and making a decent photoessay happen in the afternoon.

The other finalists earned themselves a solid place as well. Excellent story telling and dead on photography. I've managed to steal myself a ton of ideas... both in topics and in style.

I'm speechless.