2021 Qtr. 2 Picture Story

Marcia Prouse, Quarter 2 Judge

Like the contest rules say, picture stories used to be the hallmark of photojournalism. Not so much in this quarter's contest. Many of the entries were simply a collection of images made at an event. And, many of the entries had too many repetitive photos...be careful in your editing. Whether because of a lack of staffing or the severe time constraints of trying to juggle projects and the pandemic, etc., none of the entries were in-depth stories like traditional picture stories. With that in mind, the two winners, at least, were stories with a narrative arc from one- or two-day shoots.

First place

Good story idea executed well. Each photo was interesting and well-done with a good mix of tight and overall images. I don't understand the need for both of the last two images -- stylistically, they were very similar. The last photo was the weaker of the two.

Second place

The photographer really worked the subject, but I would have liked to have seen a bit more variety in the images -- maybe a tight face and a detail to round out the package. I would have edited it tighter and skipped the straightforward photo of him lying on the floor; the more overall one, perhaps cropped more tightly, would have done the work of both photos.

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First Place: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

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A female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruit from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, carries a casualty to Medevac following a simulated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on an obstacle course during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the fist gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, eat an MRE (Meal, Ready to Eat) lunch after completing an obstacle course during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, give a "toast" after reading a medal citation before body boxing during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, receive a safety briefing before body boxing during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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Female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, spar during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, crawl in the dirt on their backs during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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A United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruit from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, yells in response to a drill instructor as they crawl in the dirt on their back during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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A female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruit from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, aims their rifle while covered in mud following an obstacle course during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, climb up an obstacle course during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 21, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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Female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, support each other as they carry 60 pound packs at the end of their 9.7 mile hike on Edson Range to the top of a mountain called The Reaper, during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training before officially becoming US Marines on April 22, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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USMC senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik salutes before presenting female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pin to officially become US Marines after completing a 9.7 mile hike on Edson Range to the top of a mountain called The Reaper, during The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training on April 22, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, wear face masks as they sing The Marines' Hymn after officially becoming US Marines following The Crucible, the final part of phase three of recruit training on April 22, 2021 at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. - Lima Company is the first gender integrated company with a female platoon training alongside male platoons at the west coast Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (MCRDSD). The Crucible is the final 54-hour test for the recruits, where upon completion the recruits will receive their eagle, globe, and anchor pin to officially become US Marines. Recruits had to spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning training due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congress ordered the Marine Corps to fully integrate women into its west coast training battalions by 2028 under the National Defense Authorization Act. Women make up about 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

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Second Place: Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick (right), 34 from Corona, puts on an alb as he prepares for his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, is greeted by priests prior to his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, sits along side his mother Victoria during his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, is introduced to parishioners during his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, lies on the floor in the shape of the cross during the Litany of Supplication portion of his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, lies on the floor in the shape of the cross during the Litany of Supplication portion of his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, kneels before Alberto Rojas, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, during his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick (center), 34 from Corona, smiles after receiving his priesthood clothing during his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Father Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, is hugged and congratulated by other priest during Hollick’s Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

Deacon Ian Francisco Hollick, 34 from Corona, greets parishioners after his Ordination to the Priesthood mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga Saturday morning May 29, 2021. Father Ian Hollick was assigned to the St. Martha Parish in Murrieta.

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Meet Our Judge, Marcia Prouse

Marcia Prouse started her professional career as a photo editor and deputy director of photography at the Detroit Free Press. She was part of the picture editing team that edited two Pulitzer Prize-winning entries for Feature Photography, in addition to three finalists. That team was also honored with the Angus McDougall Award in picture editing in POY. Marcia returned to California to the Orange County Register as a photo editor, Director of Photography, Sunday Editor, Page One editor, and finally, Assistant Managing Editor/Page One and Photography. In 2014, she moved to the Tennessean in Nashville, eventually becoming Visuals and Storytelling Coach.

Marcia got hooked on photojournalism when she was required to take a photo class for her journalism education major at Arizona State University. After brief stints, mostly as a photographer, at the now-defunct Simi Valley Enterprise and Camarillo Daily News, she completed the master's program at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where she produced the book, "Arrow Rock: 20th Century Frontier Town."

Since retiring from the Tennessean earlier this year, she has been freelance editing, coaching photographers and teaching. She just returned from Alaska, the 50th state she has visited.