2021 Qtr. 3 Picture Story

Joe Vitti & Charlie Nye, Quarter 3 Judges

It was a strong selection of pictures. Winning stories and essays were well edited. The photographs that stood out in all categories were story-telling pictures as well as technically strong. The winning pictures were smartly cropped, but many pictures entered had good content but were too loosely composed and would have been strengthened by cropping.

We read captions on many pictures to help us understand the context and importance of the photographs and the ones we read were well written and providing good information — good work by everyone on the captions.

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First Place: GINA FERAZZI, LA TIMES

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: The Camp fire displaced roughly 50,000 people in 2018, and many are still living in limbo, off the grid and out of compliance. The nomads of Butte County must hide or keep moving — scope out a little wooded draw to park a trailer unnoticed or head down the mountain to rotate between driveways in Chico. Camp fire victim Inez Salinas has to bathe her 5 year old daughter River outside her 20X8 tiny home because she has no running water or electricity on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim and volunteer firefighter Inez Salinas carries her 5 year old daughter River to her 20X8 tiny home after an outdoor bath because she has no running water or electricity on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim and volunteer firefighter Inez Salinas brushes her daughter River’s hair inside their 20X8 tiny home on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim and volunteer firefighter Inez Salinas holds her 5 year old daughter River at bedtime inside their 20X8 tiny home on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: With the landscape still dotted with stagnant burned trees and more than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim Mike Nimz wipes the sweat from his face while watering his garden in the heat of the day on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. Nimz lost his house in the Camp fire, but is able to still live on his 3 acre property in a new trailer with his wife and 2 year old daughter. Their garden produces enough vegetables to sustain them for evening dinners. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim Lucas Anderson fills white buckets with water from big blue drums at the front of his trailer so he can wash his families clothes outside his trailer which he has been allowed to park at a campground for an extended period of time on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim Lucas Anderson hangs his families clothes on a line after washing them in white buckets outside his trailer which he has been allowed to park at a campground for an extended period of time on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim Linda Banks, 70, does arts and crafts projects inside her small trailer which she has been allowed to park at a campground for an extended period of time on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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CONCOW, CA - JULY 22, 2021: Camp fire victim Linda Banks, 70, walks from her trailer to her son’s trailer which they have been allowed to park at a campground for an extended period of time on July 22, 2021 in Concow, California. More than 3 years after the tragic Camp fire destroyed the town of Paradise and the surrounding communities, families are still living in trailers and “tiny homes.”

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Second Place: WILL LESTER, INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN

Cheryl Rex (center), mother of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola is supported by a Marine along with Dylan’s sister Oliva (second from right) and grandmother Clarinda Matsuoka (left) prior to a memorial vigil for the fallen Marine at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

Rancho Cucamonga city employees Parag Ajmera and John Valenzuela place a memorial banner up former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola prior to a memorial vigil for the young Marine at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

Jerry Peterson, from Glendora, raises his hand during the playing of Amazing Grace during a memorial vigil for former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

A crowd of approximately 2,000 attend a memorial vigil for former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

A custom keepsake box, made by Boy Scouts Troop 66, sits on a table for the Merola family as attendees sign condolence cards for the family prior to a memorial vigil for former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

A portrait of former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola sits on display at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021 prior to a memorial vigil for the fallen Marine. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola’s sister Oliva leans on her brother Brandon as they support each other during a memorial vigil for the fallen former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

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The memorial procession carrying the remains of Marine Cpl. Dylan Merola heads down Haven Avenue towards the 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga Tuesday Sept. 21, 2021. Thousands of residents lined the streets to pay their resects to the fallen Marine as his remains were brought through the city he grew up in for the final time. Merola was one of 13 service members killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan last month.

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California Highway Patrol officers salute as the hearse carrying the remains of Marine Cpl. Dylan Merola enters the 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga Tuesday Sept. 21, 2021. Thousands of residents lined the streets to pay their resects to the fallen Marine as his remains were brought through the city he grew up in for the final time. Merola was one of 13 service members killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan last month.

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Christopher Witts II salutes as the memorial procession for Marine Cpl. Dylan Merola passes by on the 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga Tuesday Sept. 21, 2021 as he stands with his father Christopher Witts Sr. Merola was one of 13 service members killed by suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan last month.

Attendees arrive for a memorial vigil for former Rancho Cucamonga resident and Los Osos High School graduate 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola at Central Park’s Freedom Courtyard in Rancho Cucamonga Thursday evening Sept. 2 2021. The Marine was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan August 26.

Third Place: WILL LESTER, INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN

A Saddle Bronc horse sits in its bucking chute waiting to be ridden during the second performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

Saddleback rider Dusty Hausauer, from Dickinson, North Dakota, holds on to his ride for a score of 77.0 points during the first performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Saturday July 24, 2021.

A group of bull riders check the bull they have been drawn to ride event at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

Competitors tape up their arms prior to their event at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

A competitors bruises can be seen on his back as he prepares for his event at during the second performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

Ladies Ranch Bronc Riding competitor Rae Snider gets thrown from her ride during the first performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Saturday July 24, 2021.

Bull Riding competitor Caleb McMillan gets thrown from his ride for a no score during the first performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Saturday July 24, 2021.

Rodeo fans watch the first performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Saturday July 24, 2021.

Cowboys cheer for saddle bronc rider Tegan Smith, from Winterset, Iowa, as he rides All Or Nothin during the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

Saddle bronc rider Tegan Smith, from Winterset, Iowa, reacts after riding All Or Nothin to a score of 86.5 during the second performance at the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming Sunday July 25, 2021.

Colton Stees takes a short nap under the grandstands prior to competing in the Wild Horse Race Sunday July 25, 2021 during the 125th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming as his team member Nate Nelson tapes up his fingers.

Honorable Mention: MINDY SCHAUER, orange county register

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Derby, a goldendoodle with a mohawk, gets carried back to his board after catching a wave at the Surf City Surf Dog competition on Saturday, September 25, 2021.Derby is owned by Kentucky Gallahue.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Big dogs can’t wait to catch big waves during the Surf City Surf Dog competition on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Rustan catches a wave with Sugar during the dog/human heat at the 2021 Surf City Surf Dog contest. Dozens of canines competed in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Faith, left, and Rusty, have two times the fun while competing in the tandem division of the Surf City Surf Dog competition in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Teddy, a golden doodle, struts his stuff for the crowd before competing in the shredder category of the Surf City Surf Dog competition on Saturday, September 25, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Homer Henard’s dog Skylar keeps his blue and brown eye focused while riding a wave during the Surf City Surf Dog competition on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Rustan and Sugar go overboard during the 2021 Surf City Surf Dog contest. Dozens of canines competed in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Thor’s dog Prince watches the Surf City Surf Dog competition with wide eyes on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Rustan and his competition companion, Sugar, take part in the dog/human heat at the 2021 Surf City Surf Dog contest. Dozens of canines competed in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

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Meet Our Judges, Joe Vitti & Charlie Nye

Joe Vitti attended first Marquette, then Ohio University, working on student publications until 1977, when he began an internship at the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson and never looked back. He served as staff photographer, page designer and assignment coordinator until 1984. He then moved to the Los Angeles Times, where he was a staff photographer in the paper’s San Fernando Valley zone section, which covered a region of some 600 square miles.

In 1990 he moved to Indianapolis as photo editor for the News. When the News and Star papers merged in 1995, he continued as photo editor. In 1998 he transitioned back to photographer. Around 2010 he took on the combined photographer/weekend photo editor role in which he served until 2014.

Charlie Nye is a retired photojournalist living in Indianapolis. He worked for newspapers in Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Oregon and Indiana, and also served as a National Geographic photography intern two summers while attending Ohio University (undergraduate) and the University of Missouri (graduate school). His first job out of college was as editor of a twice-weekly newspaper in Minnesota. In the 1970s-2000s he held a variety of other positions at newspapers, including staff photographer, director of photography/graphics (Eugene Register-Guard, Indianapolis News) and assistant managing editor for photo and graphics (Indianapolis Star).