Mark Boster, Quarter 4 Judge

A photo story follows a strong narrative, much like a written story, with a lead or introduction. A closer look at the story with details, portraits, locators and interaction with the characters in the story. Also, a strong,
dominant image should anchor the pictures. There should also be a concluding image. Like most sentences that are written, there should be nouns, verbs and adjectives. Many of us try to use our event coverage as a photo story when in fact they are more like photo essays. The photo essay is typically a group of pictures that can be sequential, based on a common topic, but lack in a narrative.

1st Place: There was one very strong contender here in this category that was quite stunning, sad and very storytelling. It was about an LA County Coroner team who had to retrieve the body of a nurse who quarantined herself while suffering from Covid19 and died alone in a motel room. Details inside the motel room showed pictures, snacks, and clues about the last days and hours of her life. The team carefully wrapped the body and carted her away. Someone once said that photojournalism isn’t always pretty. This was not pretty. This
was real storytelling, visual journalism. Photojournalists are like historians who chronicle the
lives we are living. This one is a document for a cautionary tale of a virus that is real, that is
killing without mercy and each death leaves behind a human story.

2nd Place: Stop The Steal is a more of a photo essay coverage of a news event, but it is
still a group of strong images from a stop the steal rally in Arizona. Maybe it was the black and
white presentation, or just the topic. Some good portraits, moments, and details mixed
together on a common thread and topic.

3rd Place: A nice photo essay on how kids
visit Santa Claus during a pandemic (CovidSanta). A nice collection of moments, portraits, and a humorous look at Santa from several locations showing Santa behind Plexiglas, Santa with a face shield, details of kids placing letters…etc.

Honorable Mention

A really nice look at a really different opening day at Santa Anita. All the bells,
whistles, horses, jockeys…just no spectators allowed!

First Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

COVID DEATH

Karmen Parga, a scrub tech at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, shows her last text interaction with Judy Bounthong, her friend for decades who had tested positive for Covid-19, in Long Beach, CA, on Oct. 22, 2020. Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, died from coronavirus complications, while isolated in her room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner enters a room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, with Jerry Meza, forensic attendant, where they recovered the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner, exams the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period and wasn’t discovered for several days.

Work badges for Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, are found on a dresser, after her deceased body was discovered at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner, right and Jerry Meza, forensic attendant, prepare to wrap and transport the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, in her room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner, right and Jerry Meza, forensic attendant, prepare to transport the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, in her room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner walks toward Jerry Meza, forensic attendant, to help move the gurney carrying the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech who died of coronavirus complications, at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong, who worked at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, died near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner, combs through belongings, looking for clues about the life of a deceased Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech, found dead in her room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. McGuire has to document all the property of the deceased and create a report of her findings. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period and wasn’t discovered for several days.

The empty, stained bed, where the lifeless body of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital was found by Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner workers, at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period, she wasn’t discovered for several days.

Kristina McGuire, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner, reviews prescriptions and all other personal items, looking for clues about the life of a deceased Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech, found dead in her room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. McGuire has to document all the property of the deceased and create a report of her findings. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period and wasn’t discovered for several days.

Food supplies, including bananas, instant soups and fruit cups, on a desk in the Days Inn by Wyndham room, of Judy Bounthong, 58, an ob-gyn tech at Emanate Queen of the Valley Hospital, who was found deceased in her room in West Covina, CA, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Bounthong died of coronavirus complications, near the end of her isolation period and wasn’t discovered for several days.

Second Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times

Stop The Steal

For days, Trump supporters rallied in protest to push their fraudulent claim that the election was stolen outside the Maricopa County Election Center as presidential ballots are tabulated. Far-right radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones incites the crowd of Trump supporters who have been protesting into the night in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Election Center on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

A gun toting Trump supporter who would only give his last name, Alan of Mesa, attends a protest in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center as ballots continue to be counted inside the building on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona has an open cary gun law.

A Trump supporter wears glasses that illuminate the word “MAGA” while attending a “Stop the Steal” protest in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center as presidential ballots continue to be counted inside the building on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Trump supporters brought their guns, Trump flags and patriotic shirts to protest in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center as ballots continue to be counted inside the building on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Many chanted “Count the Vote.”

Trump supporters with some holding signs staying “Stop the Steal” protest in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center as ballots continue to be counted inside the building on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

Trump supporters bow their heads in prayer while protesting in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center as ballots continue to be counted inside the building on November 5, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

As storm clouds move in, a Trump supporter holds a cross up to the sky while attending a pro-Trump rally to defy the election results hours after Biden was named President-elect outside the Maricopa County elections building on November 7, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Trump supporter Elizabeth Lund of Gilbert holds her rosary and a religious photo while attending a “Stop The Steal” rally on the same day Biden was named President-elect on November 7, 2020 at the State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona. Thousands of pro-Trump supporters attended the rally.

A pro-Trump family prays for favorable election returns while gathering outside the Maricopa county elections building with other Trump supporters to protest election results on November 6, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump supporters have gathered outside the election building all day waiting for more election results to come in for Maricopa County.

Paintings of President Trump lean against a fence near a trash can the day before Joe Biden was named President- elect in the parking lot at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center where day long rallies were being held by Trump supporters to negate the election results on November 6, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

Third place: Mel Melcon, Los Angeles Times

COVID SANTA

Noah Rouse, 11, and his sister Alena, 4, of Moorpark, have their temperature taken by Whispering-Willow Dela Cruz, as a safety measure against the spread of the coronavirus before meeting with Santa Claus, (Joseph Polselli) at Santa’s Village, located at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks.

Background left to right-Griffin Hodge, 5, his sister Delaney, 7, and brother Wyatt, 10, wear protective masks against the coronavirus, while sitting at a safe distance from Santa Claus, (Joseph Polselli) at Santa’s Village, located at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. They were taking the Santa Claus oath, promising to behave with each other and show respect, do their chores, be a good citizen, and promise to go to bed at 8pm on Christmas Eve.

Wearing protective masks against the coronavirus, Kristen Vazquez points out Santa Claus to her 2 year old twin daughters, Zoe Vazquez, center, and Stella, of Los Angeles, during a visit to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark. They were waiting in line to take a socially distanced photograph with Santa.

Santa Claus, Jeffrey Fast, wears a protective mask against the coronavirus, while waiting for children to arrive for a photo and meeting with him at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park. He was sitting in an enclosed space to guarantee a safe distance between him and the children.

Larry Buckelew, dressed up as Santa Claus, greets visitors to the Westfield Century City shopping mall, in a protective setting against the coronavirus.

Delilah Liljedahl-Loya, 3, greets Santa Claus, seated inside his sleigh, behind plexiglass to protect against the coronavirus, at The Los Angeles Christmas Market on 3rd St. in Los Angeles.

Evan Lane, 10, background, with sister Sydney, 7, look back to make sure their dad, Brett, with mom, Heather, is covering his ears so that he can’t hear, before Evan asked Santa (Joseph Polselli) for a specific present for his dad. The socially distanced meeting with Santa, to protect against the spread of the coronavirus, took place at Santa’s Village, at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks.

Daxton Tait, 4, of Northridge, wearing a protective mask against the spread of the coronavirus, mails a letter to Santa Claus, while visiting The Los Angeles Christmas Market on 3rd St. in Los Angeles.

Santa Claus (Ed Nabors), returning from a lunch break, makes his way past a security guard, wearing a protective mask against the spread of the coronavirus, at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach.

Aerin Kim, 4, acting a little shy, hides behind her mom, Gina, after spotting Santa Claus (Larry Buckelew), at the Westfield Century City shopping mall. Santa was on his way to a lunch break. They were all wearing protective masks against the spread of the coronavirus.

Larry Buckelew, dressed up as Santa Claus, greets visitors to the Westfield Century City shopping mall at a safe distance to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.

Nora Vetter of Los Angeles takes a selfie with Santa Claus, Larry Buckelew, while socially distanced at the Hollywood & Highland shopping center in Hollywood. Santa was wearing a protective shield as another safety measure against the coronavirus.

Honorable Mention

KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Santa Anita opening day

Horse racing with no fans due to the Coronavirus Pandemic during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Horn Blower Jay Cohen during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Horse racing with no fans due to the Coronavirus Pandemic during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Trainers and owners wearing a mask due to the Coronavirus Pandemic walks along with horses and jockeys during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

A rider walks his horse along the track during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Horse racing with no fans due to the Coronavirus Pandemic during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Jockey Flavien Prat (8) riding Duopoly wins the American Oaks (Grade 1) turf race during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Jockey Mike Smith after riding Charlatan wins the Malibu Stakes (Grade 1) race during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Trainer Bob Baffert, left, along with Jockey Mike Smith after riding Charlatan and winning the Malibu Stakes (Grade 1) race during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Jockey Mike Smith (2) riding Kiss Today Goodbye wins the San Antonio Stakes (Grade II) race during opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

A outrider looks on at the end of the day on opening day of horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

MEET OUR JUDGE, Mark Boster

Staff Photographer/Whittier Daily News-1976-1978

Staff Photographer/San Gabriel Valley Tribune-1978-1979

Staff Photographer/Orange County Register-1979-1983

Staff Photographer/Los Angeles Times-1983-2017

While working for the Los Angeles Times, Boster worked in Orange County and Los Angeles. Notable assignments at the Los Angeles Times include the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. War Coverage and post-war coverage in Kosovo (Former Yugoslavia). News events including the Northridge Earthquake, wildfires in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Orange counties. The Space Shuttle disaster and crash over Texas, the San Bernardino shootout and mass murder. Daily assignments at the Times include early morning news coverage and photography for all sections of the paper, including food, fashion and Hollywood celebrity portraiture. Political assignments at the Times include the state funerals for Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Gerald Ford. The presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Sen. John McCain, Fred Thompson and Al Gore. Sports events include Super Bowl games and the 2002 Angel’s World Series. Coverage in Hollywood includes the Oscar, Emmy and Grammy award shows.

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Photo Contest Winners

2020 Qtr. 4 Photo Stories

February 10, 2021Khai Le

Mark Boster, Quarter 4 Judge