Combination Picture and Story ( Non-Daily Group 2)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: ‘God is watching over us’: Culpeper County residents tell of tornado damage Entry Credit: Ireland Hayes, Allison Brophy Champion, Dennis Brack Judge Comment: Compelling photos and first-hand quotes from the dramatic tornado. Plenty of heart-breaking, matter-of-fact storytelling – a small shed where a family lived, bruised children not reaching a cellar in time, power lines snaking across the road as far the eye can see. Terrific job of matching reporting, quotes, and photos. Was there an opportunity for something forward-looking, like a "What to do" box for the next weather event? Also, any financial reporting on damages, how much it might take to rebuild, where funds might come from, etc.? Was this an inside package? I'm guessing the front page had story and art too?
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: Preserving a breed Entry Credit: Ireland Hayes, Dennis Brack Judge Comment: Really enjoyed this piece. Engaging cover photo; pulls you right in ... More beautiful photography on the double-truck. Terrific mix of detail shots and candid, environmental images. Definitely enticed me to want to read more. ... The writing is a bit uneven, but the reporting is solid and helps hold the narrative together. Capasso's comments about the Tarpans helping with trauma seems like it would have been a great opportunity for an anecdote or two. Good info in the cutlines, too; nice way to convey additional info. The photos take this entry to an "8" on my scorecard.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: Spooky skeletons bring smiles to sleepy village Entry Credit: Ireland Hayes, Luke Christopher Judge Comment: Using many photos instead of a clear dominant image can be a negative; but here it's beautifully handled. Clear choices were made about the photos' size and content to maximize the impact and make each one stand out. It's not a busy feel but rather lots of perspectives. The layout is clean and crisp. The story is pretty straightforward, with multiple sources talking about the joy they get out of the trend. Great hyper-local storytelling.
Competition Comment: Strong entries across the board!
