MNPA - Clip Contest - Fourth Quarter Results

Minnesota News Photographers Association

Clip Contest

2001 Fourth Quarter Results
4th quarter clips judged by The Commercial Appeal, Memphis,TN, circulation 183,000. Judges: Dennis Copeland, AME/Photo, Lance Murphey, Alan Spearman, A.J. Wolfe and Dave Darnell.
NEWS - (12 entries)

Jeff Thompson, Mankato Free Press, "Kwanza candle"
Matt Miller, Rochester Post Bulletin, "Levy passes"
Ingrid Young, Duluth News Tribune, "Sniper watch"

Judges Comments: This was a weak category. Our first place pick made it because of the lighting. The second place had good emotion and was a news situation. Third had the potential to be a good situation. At least the photographer was in the right place to make it if it did.

FEATURE - (15 entries)

Jeff Thompson, "Snowflakes"
Matt Miller, "Cowboy hats"
Matt Miller, "Haunter maze"

Judges Comments: First place was not a new concept but was a cute photo. The second place photo was an odd but interesting photo. Maybe the photographer had a bit more emotion in another frame. Third place needed to show some of the surroundings.

Sports Action - (28 entries)

Christina Paolucci, Rochester Post Bulletin, "Hockey check"
Derek Neas, Duluth News Tribune, "Snowmobiles"
Justin Hayworth, Duluth News Tribune, "Soccer goalie"

Judges Comments: The body language from the first hockey photo helped move it to first place. Despite its size we could tell it was the winner. The judges also liked the snowmobiles so the decision was close one.

SPORTS FEATURE - (14 entries)

Matt Miller, "Soccer agony"
Jeff Thompson, "Volleyball emotion"
Matt Miller, "Swimming victory"

Judges Comments: The first place pick was a good clean image showing emotion after a defeat. Second place was another good example of reporting the game and not just shooting it. This was another case where it was almost the first place winner.

PORTRAIT & PERSONALITY - (13 entries)

Jeff Thompson, "Farmer"
Jeff Thompson, "WWII woman"
Matt Miller, "Boxer"

Judges Comments: The torn shirt made this the first place winner. You didn't need to see a face. Second place was good but the reflection of the older woman's face needed not to be looking down. It was not flattering. Third was nicely lit photo.

ILLUSTRATION - (3 entries)

Jeff Thompson, "Ice fishing"
Elizabeth Nida, Rochester Post Bulletin, "Hot cocoa"
Matt Miller, "Summer heat"

Judges Comment: First place was very creative. It was complete down to the shoes on the ice. Second place was not very exciting but was a nice and simple photo. Third place could have won the second place position but the judges thought it was a bit too hokey.

PICTORIAL - (11 entries)

Jeff Thompson, "Soy beans"
Jeff Thompson, "Grain elevator"
Brian Basham, Detroit Lakes Tribune, "Northern lights"

Judges Comments: I guess we have a soybean theme with the first and second place winners. The judges liked the movement in the second place photo. I assume the northern lights occur all the time where you live but we liked this photo.

PHOTO PACKAGE - (8 entries)

Matt Miller, "Game faces"
Jeff Thompson, "Nursing aide"
Elizabeth Nida, "Migrants"

Judges Comments: This was by far the best set of photos in this category. A strong lead photo with good emotion and a variety of angles on the page. Seond place showed the judges a dedication by the photographer to follow the story. Both of the lead photos were strong. The third place needed more work. We would have liked to see a more diversified set of photos.

PHOTO STORY - (5 entries)

Matt Miller, "Night harvest"
Christina Paolucci, "Potatoes"
Justin Hayworth, "Grocer"

Judges Comments: The photos in the first place win were creative and interesting. A unanimous first place. The judges liked the lead photo in the second place but the other photos didn't work together. The third place winner needed a better variety of images. Maybe using light from late in the afternoon could have improved the images selected.