Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: Ride 'em cowboys: A photographer's eye view of the Culpeper Rodeo Entry Credit: Luke Christopher Judge Comment: Considering that this was the photographer's first time at the rodeo, an outstanding gallery of photos was the result. the action shots are fantastic. I liked the variety of images, with everything from fast-paced action to faces. This package of photos really gives a viewer as sense of being there. Everything checked the boxes in terms of composition. Outstanding work!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Culpeper Times Entry Title: Soap Box Derby Entry Credit: Luke Christopher Judge Comment: These photos convey the action of the soapbox derby very well. I like the variety of angles, composition and the ability to hone in on a subject. This was likely a challenge for those of us who like to get faces in our pictures, given the need to wear helmets. But these were well done.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: Rappahannock County celebrates Independence Day 2024 Entry Credit: Luke Christopher, Ireland Hayes Judge Comment: I liked this a lot. It really provides a great overview of an event, with a wide variety of pictures. I appreciate solidly done composition. It really provides the sense of being there. Good work!
Competition Comment: Strong entries rose to the top here and if I could give one more placing, I'd give Rappahannock a tie for fourth place.
Strong composition was shown in the top entries.
Good galleries need to skillfully tell a story.
As I judge, I appreciate photos that tell a story individually as well as as a group. Too many photos would not have stood well on their own. I was mentally thinking, OK, this is a group of people but I don't have the slightest idea of what the heck they are doing.
Event photos especially can be one big photo dump, but the winning events in this category typically used care to select good photos for the readers.
Other notes: Some good photos could have been great photos had there been work to focus in. Some backgrounds were distracting.
You all have more technology available than I and my colleagues did years ago. (I was using an old Nikkormat for years and we old journos are in awe of the advantages people have now. You can do so much now without resorting to AI)
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