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.

US-

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.

US-

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.

US-

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.

US-

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.

US-

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.

2021 Qtr. 2 Singles

Quarter 2 judge, Marcia Prouse

Judge’s notes & bio at bottom of page

General News

First Place: Ringo Chiu, Agence France-Presse

A girl looks on as Migrants from Guatemala take out their shoelaces as they are initially processed after turn themselves over to authorities at the United States and Mexico border May 12, 2021 in Yuma, Arizona.

Second Place: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) offices wrestle a knife away from a person experiencing homelessness as they detained during an event with Los Angeles City Council Member and mayoral candidate Joe Buscaino announcing his "Plan For A Safer Los Angeles" at Venice Beach on June 7, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Mayoral candidate Joe Buscaino spoke about his "Plan For A Safer Los Angeles" to address the homelessness crisis in the city, as homeless encampments of unhoused people across the city remain a key issue for the city's residents.

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Third Place: Don Bartletti, Freelance

APRIL 21, 2021. SAN LUIS, ARIZONA. Two Cuban nationals fall to their knees after scaling a gate in the U.S./Mexico border fence at San Luis, Arizona. They and companions behind them squeezed through an existing cut in the barbed wire. They told me the stunt was a spontaneous act of celebration to end their journey from Cuba and through Central America and Mexico. This $-multi-million barrier on the banks of the Colorado River was funded, engineered and built during the Trump Administration - but it sits 100 yards inside Arizona. Scores of people daily trek over the dry river bed and land on U.S. territory. This is the only time in my 42 years of photographing border dynamics where not a single undocumented immigrant attempted to flee capture. Everyone begged to be taken into custody and pleaded for asylum.

Honorable Mention: Francisco Lozano, Freelance

Asylum seeker gets a haircut from a relative while they wait in a tent city near the Mexico-U.S. border at El Chaparral in Tijuana, Mexico.

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Honorable Mention: Eric Thayer, Freelance

Texas State Police officers assist asylum seeking migrants illegally crossing the Rio Grande River at the U.S.-Mexico in Roma, Texas, April 25, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

People watch as they drive through Easter themed tents after receiving kits to host their own Covid-19 pandemic safe celebrations during a drive-in Easter Eggstravaganza for children including foster youth during an event held by Guardians of Love and Los Angeles Mission on April 2, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

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Honorable Mention: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Terri Cole has a moment seconds after receiving her son, Sean Phoenix Cole-Smith, high school diploma as she walked for him at the eighty-sixth annual Jordan High School graduation at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Sean battled and died from ataxia-telangiectasia.

Honorable Mention: Justin L. Stewart, Freelance

Aerial view of the Energy Observer, the first vessel powered by renewable energies and hydrogen, arriving in Long Beach, CA on April 22, 2021, the 65th stop of its round-the-world Odyssey.

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Honorable Mention: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG

Joanna Cloonan, center, the mother of Aiden Leos, who was killed in a recent road rage shooting, gets a hug from Carla Lacy, left, with daughter Alexis Cloonan, at a press conference with a picture of Aiden in the background. Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner and OC Parks Zoo Staff announce that they will be dedicating the large mammal exhibit, currently under construction, with a plaque in Aiden’s honor on Monday, June 14, 2021.

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Feature

First Place: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG

Paddle bikers have some cool fun at Irvine Regional Park in Orange on Monday, June 14, 2021 as the mercury rises during a heat spell.

Second Place: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

Venice Beach, CA - May 20: Alexander Chino, visiting from Chicago, fished with his cousin Aaron Ortega (not shown), who lives in Sun Valley, as waves crashed against the Venice Breakwater in Venice Beach, CA, Thursday, May 20, 2021. Chino had caught a dozen sardines while fishing at the end of the day.

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Third Place: Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Mission Elementary kindergarten teacher Erin Pagel shows her excitement as she greets new students on the first day of in class instruction in Loma Linda Monday Apr. 5, 2021. Monday was the first day of in class instruction at the school since March 13, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Honorable Mention: Brandon Richardson, Long Beach Post

A child watches penguins at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Thursday, June 17, 2021. The aquarium faced severe budgetary challenges amid the pandemic but is doing well since reopening.

Honorable Mention: Gina Ferazzi, LA Times

A young boy run with out-streched arms toward the surf of Manhattan Beach, CA, June 19, 2021.

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Honorable Mention: Genaro Molina, LA Times

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30, 2021 - - Terri Taylor turns and raises her hands to her friend chef David Thomas while speaking at his memorial service inside the Holsinger Chapel at the Los Angeles Mission on April 30, 2021. Thomas, 61, who came up from the streets of Skid Row, eventually lead the kitchen as Food Service Director at the Los Angeles Mission over the past 20 years. He passed away earlier this month. “The Mission has lost an indefatigable spirit, a fun-loving and caring soul, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” said Troy Vaughn, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission. Chef Michael Voltaggio, who spoke at the memorial, calculated that Chef Thomas was responsible for about 12 million meals for guests at the LA Mission. “The humility that matched his size,” said Michaela Pereira about her friend’s formidable size. “When you walked into that kitchen you were family,” she said. Only about 70 people were allowed to attend to maintain safety measures regarding COVID-19.

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Portrait

First Place: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Musician Danny Elfman poses in his studio Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Los Angeles.

Second Place: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

San Clemente, CA - July 01: Professional surfer, and now Olympian, Caroline Marks,19, is photographed at T-Street Beach, in San Clemente, CA, Thursday, July 1, 2021. Marks is a member of the USA Surfing Olympic team and will be competing in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as the sport makes its debut. Marks was the youngest surfer, male or female, to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour, at 15.

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Honorable Mention: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

Third Place: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Musician Danny Elfman poses in his studio Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Los Angeles.

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Honorable Mention: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Nathan Tourtellotte of Rose Park Coffee Roaster stands in the company’s newest coffee shop in Long Beach Friday, June 11, 2021. Rose Park Roasters celebrated its soft opening at their new location in Downtown’s East Village, marking the coffee retailer and roastery’s third brick-and-mortar and second location in Downtown Long Beach.

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San Clemente, CA - May 04: Nyjah Huston, the top-ranked skateboarder in the world, is seen in a tintype photograph, made outside his skate park in San Clemente, CA, Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Huston will be representing the United States as a member of the Skateboarding team, as it debuts at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

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Honorable Mention: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

Hermosa Beach, CA - June 10: Wearing the jersey of and surrounded by memorabilia of Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Austin Donley, whose family has Dodgers season tickets, holds the damaged carboard cutout he contributed to the Dodger Stadium outfield, in his Hermosa Beach, CA, bedroom, Thursday, June 10, 2021. Life-long baseball fan Donley was “lucky” to have the cutout, with his likeness, dinged twice, by hits from the Dodgers’ Will Smith and Mookie Betts. After the media and Twitter attention, Donley received a signed bat from Smith, with the line, “Sorry I hit you in the face, Go Dodgers, Will Smith.”

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Pictorial

A graphic image that expresses beauty, tension and other abstract concepts through composition and tonal and color relationships more than through human interaction.

First Place: Ringo Chiu, Associated Press

A parasail flies high above the Port of Long Beach as the storm clouds in the background, Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Long Beach, California.

Second Place: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

In an aerial image, empty boat slips sit on a dry lake bed at Folsom Lake Marina as the lake experiences lower water levels during the California drought emergency on May 27, 2021 in El Dorado Hills, California.

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Third Place: Don Bartletti, Freelance

JUNE 21, 2021. VISTA, CA. With its extended legs encrusted with yellow pollen, a honey bee heads for a landing on a chocolate/cherry colored sunflower.

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Honorable Mention: Apu Gomes, Freelance

Beach yoga class on an overcast evening at Venice beach during the heat wave in Los Angeles, California on June 16, 2021

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Honorable Mention: Aude Guerrucci, Freelance

US National Artistic Swimming team trains at the SODA Aquatic center in Moraga, California, U.S., May 5, 2021. The team was unable to swim for three months last year during the California stay-at-home order, and for a few weeks during the California wildfire last August and September.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

A full moon is seen framed with a US flag during totality of a total lunar eclipse as the moon enters Earth's shadow for a Super Blood Moon on May 26, 2021 in Chico, California.

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Honorable Mention: THOMAS R CORDOVA, LONG BEACH POST

A glass dining table top reflects the back of the dining chairs in a 1930 home in Long Beach, Monday March 29, 2021.

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Spot News

First Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

A suspect exits his boat after police tear-gassed him after an hours-long standoff in Long Beach Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Long Beach police officers responded to a battery call, which they later determined to be felony spousal abuse, said LBPD spokesperson Allison Gallagher. Police attempted to negotiate with the man, but he refused to comply with the officers’ commands to surrender, Gallagher said. The SWAT team was activated, and officers employed “moderate force options” to detain the man, who was not identified, police said. Witnesses said police used tear gas and a less-lethal round to arrest the man.

Second Place: Brandon Richardson, Long Beach Post

Sheriff’s deputies use a pepper spray canister to force a driver out of his vehicle after an hour-long standoff in front of the Lakewood station, Saturday, June 12, 2021.

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Third Place: Ringo Chiu, Reuters

A protester is detained by police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest in Huntington Beach, California, U.S. April 11, 2021.

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Honorable Mention: Genaro Molina, LA Times

VENICE, CA - APRIL 21, 2021 - - Pediatrician Courtney Gillenwater, facing, receives a hug of support from Brian Averill, with Venice Boardwalk Action Committee, in front of her fire damaged home at 31 E. Clubhouse Avenue in Venice on April 21, 2021. The fire is under investigation but residents in the neighborhood believe it may have been set by new homeless in the area. Gillenwater’s dog Togo died in the fire. Gillenwater is familiar with the homeless in the area and has been able to get along even bringing them water and food from time to time. But there were new homeless in the area that were not as receptive. The fire started around 3 a.m. Wednesday according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Arson investigators were on the scene trying to determine the cause of the fire. Residents and neighbors have been having problems with some of the homeless in the area.

Honorable Mention: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

A woman talks on her phone next to her tent as firefighters work on a scene after a fire in downtown Los Angeles, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. A fire in a homeless encampment in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday night spread to a nearby commercial building before being extinguished by firefighters.

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Entertainment

First Place: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Noah Cyrus is prepped by a COVID-19-safe stylist for her moment on the red carpet at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Second Place: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France-Presse

In this long exposure image, fiber-optic lights glow at the Field of Light immersive art installation from artist Bruce Munro, part of the Light at Sensorio on April 13, 2021 in Paso Robles, California. The Light Towers feature 69 towers composed of more than 17,000 wine bottles adjacent to a 15 acre Field of Light at Sensorio which has a solar powered array of over 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics.

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Third Place: Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Country music fan Kelli Schramm, from Redondo Beach reaches towards Dylan Scott as he performs during Boots in the Park at Silverlakes in Norco on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Approximately 14,000 country music fans attended the first major outdoor music festival in Southern California since the state reopening on June 15. Chris Young headlined the show.

Honorable Mention: Don Bartletti, Freelance

JUNE 5, 2021. LONE PINE, CA. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the annual event, The Concert in the Rocks takes place in the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, CA. It was a sold-out fund-raiser for the local Museum of Western Film History. In the “Hills” and here in Lone Ranger Canyon hundreds of western movies were made in the past decades, but on this bucolic evening not a single masked man, woman or child could be found.

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Sports Features

First Place: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez, left, helps Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner adjust his glasses after Turner dove into second for a double during the fourth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Los Angeles.

Second Place: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News

Sha’Carri Richardson of the USA wins the 100 Meter Dash with a time of 10.77 during the 2021 USATF Golden Games and Distance Open at MT. SAC in Walnut on Sunday, May 9, 2021.

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Honorable Mention: Aude Guerrucci, Freelance

Third Place: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts hangs on the wall as fans cheer after making a catch on a ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Tim Locastro during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, May 17, 2021, in Los Angeles.

US National Artistic Swimming team practices stretching at the Luna Gymnastics center with their coach, Anna Voloshyna and her baby Nicole, in Moraga, California, U.S., May 4, 2021. The team was unable to swim for three months last year during the California stay-at-home order, and for a few weeks during the California wildfire last August and September.

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Honorable Mention: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News

Los Angeles Rams fan wearing a Aaron Donald #99 jersey sits next to his photo cutout during Los Angeles Rams mini camp at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw yells at first base umpire Jeremy Riggs after being called for a balk during the third inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Los Angeles.

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Honorable Mention: Gina Ferazzi, LA Times

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 14, 2021: Covered in cheese, a fan holds Justin Turner’s home run ball after it the ball landed in his nachos at the centerfield wall in the 3rd inning at Dodger Stadium on April 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Honorable Mention: Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence holds on to crew member Cale Hood as he wipes water off the bottom of Torrence’s driving shoes prior to the opening round of qualifying Saturday May 22, 2021 at the NHRA Springnationals at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.

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Sports Action

First Place: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG

Jay Devilliers competes in the Pro Pickleball Association Orange County Cup in San Clemente on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

Second Place: Patrick Fallon, Agence France-Presse

Female United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits from Lima Company, the first gender integrated training class in San Diego, spar with boxing gloves 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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Third Place: Aude Guerrucci, Freelance

US National Artistic Swimming team trains at the SODA Aquatic center in Moraga, California, U.S., May 4, 2021. The team was unable to swim for three months last year during the California stay-at-home order, and for a few weeks during the California wildfire last August and September.

Honorable Mention: Katharine Lotze, Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 15: Mia Cervantes of UCLA competes in the pole vault final at the PAC-12 Track & Field Championships at the University of California on May 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

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Honorable Mention: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale, left, and Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George go after a loose ball during the second half in Game 6 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series Friday, June 18, 2021, in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention: Libby Cline-Birmingham, Freelance

Stephen Tomasin, left, reaches for the ball as Madison Hughes, right, tackles a team Korea player during a Quest for Gold Sevens” international rugby pre-Olympic exhibition match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

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Fire

First Place: Eric Thayer, freelance

Water dropping helicopters battle flames during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Saturday, May 15, 2021. A fast-growing brush fire near Pacific Palisades exploded to 750 acres Saturday evening, prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in the Topanga area.

Second Place: Ringo Chiu, Associated Press

Residents walk their dog as a brush fire burns behind homes in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles Saturday, May 15, 2021.

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Third Place: Eric Thayer, Freelance

Water dropping helicopters battle flames during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Saturday, May 15, 2021. A fast-growing brush fire near Pacific Palisades exploded to 750 acres Saturday evening, prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in the Topanga area.

Honorable Mention: Ringo Chiu, Associated Press

A bird flies over as a firefighting helicopter drops water as smoke rises from a brush fire scorching at least 100 acres in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles Saturday, May 15, 2021.

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Honorable Mention: patrick fallon, agence france-presse

A firefighter looks at the flames from the Palisades fire cresting the hills in the distance in Topanga State Park, North West of Los Angeles on May 15, 2021. - A brush fire near Pacific Palisades started Friday and grew to 750 acres Saturday night, triggering a mandatory evacuation of residents in the Topanga area.

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Judge’s Notes & Bio

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GENERAL NEWS

Photographers are doing such important, compelling work along the border and this category was full of poignant images that readers and politicians need to see. Keep up the important and difficult work.

First place - There were so many strong images along the border, but this one stood out. This puts a human face on the border issue like few others did. I keep looking at how the light is falling on the face of the child surrounded by the dark colors of the adults which really makes this photo.

Second place - Peak moment -- could have been spot news, as well.

Third place - A reader can feel this photo by looking at the two men's reactions after crossing the border. Another compelling border image.

Honorable mentions

Good job of seeing on the part of the photographer. It's easy to see the squalor, etc., but it's important to find those storytelling moments of humanity.

Another compelling photo from the border.

Just a cool, fun photo from a covid-related event.

So many graduations to cover, but this is a very poignant photo that really grabs a reader.

I like the juxtaposition of the futuristic boat with the speed boat going by.

This is a nice moment at an everyday event.

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FEATURE

Overall, not as strong a category as many of the others, but still, the winners were some very nice photos.

First place is a fun photo any photographer would be glad to find on a hot summer day when sent out to look for features. 

Second place has nice light. I like how the photographer waited for the waves to be just right.

Third place - An assignment done every year, but this time, with the added impact of the pandemic. This is a great moment the photographer saw.

Honorable mentions

A joyful moment composed well.

I have seen this kind of photo many times before, but this is executed very well. The light hits the little girl's face just right for a really nice moment. The added context in the cutline about the pandemic's impact on the aquarium makes the photo even better.

This is a poignant moment at a funeral. Most funeral photos show mourners' faces; the body language shot from behind the speaker makes this photo.

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PORTRAIT

A really strong category with a wide range of cool portraits. There were some that were excellent but had just a tiny imperfection that kept them off the winners list. When you look at a portrait, you want to know something more about a person. Because the photographer controls all the elements, the photo needs to work on all levels.

First place - Compelling light, perfect angle, cool personality of the subject. All add up to a portrait that gives a great sense of the subject.

Second place - I've seen these a lot before but this one is soooo well-executed with light. The water splashing around her as the wave breaks behind her really elevates the photo and shows that the photographer pays attention to all details. I especially like how the water is parted in front of her...very cool.

Third place - This photographer hit paydirt with two excellent portraits from the same shoot. Two different shooting styles, but both outstanding work.

Honorable mentions

Simple portrait, but executed on a very high level with dramatic lighting.

Another simple portrait, creatively executed.

This photo could have been a nightmare with a cluttered room, but the photographer did a great job getting the subject to play along and be part of the chaos. A fun portrait.

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PICTORIAL

This category was so difficult to pick the winners because there were so many beautiful images. Memorable pictorial images, for me, are ones in which a photographer sees something extraordinary out of an ordinary situation that someone else might pass right by. Those visual surprises add up to something special. All of these have those qualities.

First place - A beautiful monochromatic photo with a pop of color from the parachutist. I do wish the photographer had straightened the horizon.

Second place - A great job of seeing by the photographer. This is a strong general news photo that is compelling because of its pictorial qualities.

Third place - All the stars -- um, bees -- aligned here. Might not have been as strong with a traditional yellow sunflower, but this one is lovely.

Honorable mentions (and there could have been even more)

Been done before, but this one is so darn good. Everything comes together successfully.

A pretty, graphic photo.

Wow...I keep looking at this picture.

A more traditional look at artistic swimming than the photo that won in sports action, but done on a very successful level. The lane lines and the one swimmer off to the side really take this to the next level.

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SPOT NEWS

Not a big category, but some nice images.

First place - The photo stood out among all the spot news images for its subtle moment and layering. There are no flames or guns pointed, but you know what it is by looking at his face.

Second place - Peak moment in a clean image.

Third place - Compositionally very strong. Very well-done arrest photo.

Honorable mentions

A nice moment composed well after a fire.

Strong reaction after another fire.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Overall, a bit of a weaker category in large part due to the pandemic and lack of events, but I like that the winners took a look away from the performers to see how people reacted to them, and found nice moments.

First place - What a sweet moment enhanced by shooting from the right angle.

Second place - This is a beautiful photo that shows the photographer was thinking about how best to capture the lights.

Third place - Well-done fan photo.

Honorable mention

Well-executed overall that not only gives a sense of place but is a beautiful concert photo.

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SPORTS FEATURE

Another strong category with nice moments beyond the traditional. Good job by the photographers.

First place - I love this photo. The photographer saw this take place after the play was finished and captured a nice moment away from the action. When you're covering dozens of games of many sports, it speaks volumes when a photographer captures a different, storytelling image. Bravo!

Second place - There have been a lot of photos of Sha'Carri Richardson of late, but this one is so well-executed...peak reaction and peak flowing hair!

Third place - I love how Mookie Betts is teetering on the wall, almost toppling into all those cups and other things on the bench.

Honorable mentions

Good job of seeing away from the practice by the photographer. The baby with one of its legs up mimicking the athletes was the frosting on the cake.

Nice moment away from the action. We've seen millions of these photos when few fans were allowed into games, but this one is among the best. Love the pure joy on the fan's face.

Nice moment after the action of Clayton Kershaw,

You can't look at this photo without smiling. Good job by the photographer to capture the moment after the fan's catch. Fans looking at the photo are saying to themselves, "I would do the same thing to catch a Justin Turner home run."

A good job of seeing this moment by the photographer. Instead of just capturing a race or the preparation or the reaction, the photographer saw this out-of-the-ordinary moment. 

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SPORTS ACTION

It was good to see a good range of sports (beyond the usual baseball, etc.) covered with some really nice images.

First place - That face! The combination of that facial reaction, the ball in the perfect spot and the clean background make this the perfect combo. We've seen it a bunch of times, but not with everything lining up so well.

Second place - Well-composed image with nice light, shot from the right angle. The photographer chose a more overall approach to the photo -- instead of simple tight action -- and it paid off.

Third place - Usually this sport is photographed from above or straight on. This photographer was creative and captured an image I've not seen before. Good work!

Honorable mentions

Gorgeous light, nice reaction and clean background make for a strong version of a photo we have seen often
I'm a sucker for tight sports action. This one is done right. Composed and cropped well.

Because the players are often in a big pile, it's hard to get a good, different photo. This one is a jumble, as well, but each piece of the photo contributes something to the overall -- good faces, good action and a clean look at the ball.

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FIRE

Lots of strong images. I know California photographers cover a lot of fires, but I still marvel at your bravery and execution under extremely difficult conditions.Stay safe!

First place - Nicely composed, beautiful light and every bit of the photo contributes to its overall impact. You really feel this photo.

Second place - I like how the photographer saw a bit of humanity during a huge fire.

Third place - A dramatic photo using light and composition as the foundation of the image. Another one of those "we see these photos a lot," but this one is so dramatic.

Honorable mentions

A well-executed fire drop photo.

I like the layers of color and how the image brings the reader there with the firefighter,

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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.

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2021 Qtr. 1 Singles

Quarter 1 judge, Curt Chandler

General News

First Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Hilbert Armijo holds the urn of his father Thomas Armijo after a funeral service for both his father and older brother James Armijo who both died of COVID-19 in Long Beach Monday, March 15, 2021.

Second Place: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Melanie Bolanos, 9, writes messages on a car window to protest hate crimes committed against Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities ahead of a car caravan in Koreatown on March 19, 2021 in Los Angeles. Asian communities in the U.S. have been shaken by recent racist attacks and a series of shootings at spas in the Atlanta area that left eight people dead, including six Asian women.

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Third Place: Patrick T. Fallon, AFP

A pedestrian jogs past counter-protesters, some carrying ANTIFA flags, as they wait to confront a demonstration of Trump supporters for a "Patriot March" near the Crystal Pier on January 9, 2021 in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California.

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Honorable Mention: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

A homeless person touches a syringe and prays before receives a COVID-19 vaccine from a nurse at a vaccination clinic set up in the parking lot of the L.A. Mission in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. The L.A. Mission partnered with other service providers in the Skid Row community to administer COVID-19 vaccines to about 40 eligible people who were identified by homeless service agencies.

Honorable Mention: Taya Gray, The Desert Sun

Darla Garcia, mother of Debra Nicole Nelson, is comforted by her husband Tino Perez at the site where her daughter died in a fatal crash on Monroe Street in Indio on March 13, 2021.

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Feature

First Place: Genaro Molina, LA Times

Jesus Saquic, 17, is reflected in a photo that features teens from the 1970’s who were once attended the Wilmington Teen Center in Wilmington on January 13, 2021. The Wilmington Teen Center is a small, rundown community center whose longtime president Connie Calderon recently passed away and is struggling to survive because of coronavirus. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the center used to provide a boxing gym, a dance studio and other activities for teens living in the area. The pandemic has curtailed its usual activities since March 2020.

Second Place: Gina Ferazzi, LA Times

Office Assistant Patricia Uribarre consoles a scared student on the first day back to school after almost one year at Pachappa Elementary on March 9, 2021 in Riverside, California. The school was closed on March 13, 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.The students have been divided into two groups. One group attends in-person learning on Tuesdays and the other on Thursdays. All students will stay in remote learning the other days of the week.

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Third Place: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

Scott Hirshberg,9, from Manhattan Beach, is hit by a “snowball,” by best friend Hutton Morris,9, during a break from homeschooling, after a passing storm dropped sleet along the El Porto section of Manhattan Beach, CA, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021.

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Honorable Mention: MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG

Ryan Valliere, left, and Dana McGregor, navigate an inflatable surfboard filled with kids through the surf in San Clemente on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Gina Ferazzi, LA Times

National Guard troops pet a dog on a walk as all is quiet at the California State Capitol the morning of the Inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Sacramento, California.

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Honorable Mention: Genaro Molina, LA Times

A mural depicts a pair of men ready to battle COVID armed with Purell, toilet paper and antibacterial spray as a pedestrian walks past almost a year after the pandemic was declared in Los Angeles. The mural is by street artist Hijack who is based in Los Angeles. He is primarily known for his art that focuses on political and social commentary.

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Portrait

First Place: MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG

Richie “The Barber” Esposito pulls out his bag of clown tricks at OC Barbers Parlor in Huntington Beach where he cuts hair. Among the items he uses to entertain: juggling knives, a rubber chicken, and lots of confetti.

Second Place: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Valerie Zeller is reflected at a mirror at an encampment in Echo Lake Park as the city makes plans to evict all the parks encampments during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Los Angeles, March 24, 2021. Hundreds of advocates for the homeless gathered at Echo Park Lake today to protest plans by the city to clear a large homeless encampment from the park and close the area for what's being described as more than a half-million-dollars in repair work.

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Third Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Khylie Braxton, 10, started her nail polish line Sissy B. Nails as she shows off the Cali color polish in Long Beach Monday, January 25, 2021. Khiley has used the past six months to start a business of which she is the CEO, social media manager and brand ambassador. SheÕs quite literally the face of the brand, a kid-friendly line of nail polish with each bottle carrying a tiny sticker featuring her smiling likeness, framed by a crown of curls.

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Pictorial

A new category for 2020: A graphic image that expresses beauty, tension and other abstract concepts through composition and tonal and color relationships more than through human interaction.

First Place: Will Lester, Icon Sportswire

Defending Funny Car champion Matt Hagan does his burnout during the opening round of qualifying at the season opening AMALIE Motor Oil 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida Friday March 12, 2021.

Second Place: Will Lester, INLAND Valley DAILY BULLETIN

A wolf from the Wapiti Pack chases off ravens from an elk kill from last night near the Petrified Tree area of northern Yellowstone National Park Wednesday February 10, 2021.

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Third Place: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Motorists wait in long lines to take a coronavirus test in a parking lot at Dodger Stadium Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

A woman is silhouetted against the backdrop of a full moon, also known as “Snow Moon”, rises in Los Angeles, Friday, February 26, 2021.

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Spot News

First Place: RINGO CHIU, FREELANCE

A protestor spits while being detained by police officers after a fight broke out during a protest in support of US President Donald Trump in Los Angeles on January 6, 2021. - Trump supporters, fueled by his spurious claims of voter fraud, are protesting the expected certification of Joe Biden's White House victory by the US Congress on January 6.

Second Place: Will Lester, INLAND Valley DAILY BULLETIN

A solo pilot (second from right), who did not want to be identified, speaks with others after crashing a Cessna 150 airplane on 46th Street in Jurupa Valley on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. The pilot of the single-engine plane reported engine failure and landed on 46th Street hitting 2 vehicles, just south of Flabob Airport at 12:49 p.m. No injuries were reported.

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Third Place: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff

A bloodied Trump supporter walks away from the scene of a fight with counter protestors. A pro-Trump rally at Los Angeles City Hall spilled onto the streets as the U.S. Congress meets to formally ratify Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 Presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Patrick T. Fallon, AFP

Dena Cook, center, a resident who rode out the storm inside her house, and her sister Cecelia Cook, right, clean up debris following a the morning after a tornado hit the Eagle Point community

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Entertainment

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First Place: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

Noah Cyrus is prepped by a COVID-19-safe stylist for her moment on the red carpet at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Second Place: Patrick T. Fallon, AFP

US Secret Service members watch fireworks from the roof of the White House as Katy Perry sings "Firework" at the end of the Inauguration day for US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021.

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Third Place: Jay L. Clendenin, LA Times

The sculpture “Sidewalk Judge,” by artist Seward Johnson, wears a facemask, in downtown Yountville, CA, as tourists begin to visit California’s Wine Country.

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Sports Features

First Place: Will Lester, Icon Sportswire

A race fan finds a comfortable place to sit as he watches the final round of pro qualifying at the season opening AMALIE Motor Oil 52nd annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida Saturday March 13, 2021.

Second Place: SCOTT MITCHELL, Zuma Press

The noon day sun lights up the back of a wave as a surfer braces for impact, Rincon Beach, Ventura, CA., USA, January 5, 2021.

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Third Place: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff

Feb 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) lets out a yell as he throws down a two-handed slam dunk over Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris (11) in the fourth quarter at Staples Center.

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Sports Action

First Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Oregon State gymnasts look on as a teammate competes in the uneven bars during a gymnastics meet in Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Second Place: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff

Mar 12, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Kurtis Gabriel (left) and Anaheim Ducks left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) trade punches during the first period at Honda Center.

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Third Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Jaime Jaquez Jr. #4 of the UCLA Bruins drives to the basket against the Washington State Cougars In the first half of a NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Westwood on Thursday, January 14, 2021.

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Fire

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First Place: Michael Coons, The Acorn Newspapers

A firefighter is lit up by the lights on a bulldozer during the Erbes fire in Thousand Oaks on Jan. 14, 2021.

Third Place: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register

Firefighters investigate a home that caught fire in the 2100 block of E Sycamore St. in ANAHEIM, CA, on Monday, April 12, 2021. The residents of the house were living in hoarding conditions.

Second Place: Will Lester, INLAND Valley DAILY BULLETIN

Firefighters work to extinguish a mulch fire at RWP Landscape Materials in the 7200 block of Chino Avenue in Ontario Thursday Feb. 18, 2021. The fire was reported at 1:20 a.m.

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Judge’s Notes & Bio

FEATURE

First place is a technically challenging image that creates a nice juxtaposition between a group photo of kids at a once-vibrant community center and a lone youth entering the building today. The composition unites the elements in an image that is quick to read. 

Second place is a great human moment that incorporates visual cues that show it is happening during the pandemic. The composition is simple and clean.

Third place just makes the viewer wince. Great timing on a “snowball” to the face in a place where you might not expect one. Honorable mention to an image that balances battle-ready troops with a cute dog. I wish this photo had less depth of field so the people separated from the background more cleanly. An honorable mention to the surfing goat picture. What a great situation to photograph. Also, an HM to the street art pandemic stalker photo. The stop sign and position of the pedestrian add a neat storytelling element to what could have been a boring photo of a mural. Nice work.

PORTRAIT

First place uses humor, tight composition and great timing to make a funny portrait of a clown/barber. I’m not sure how many takes it took to get the confetti right, but it was worth it.

Second place separates the subject from her environment, while also using the environment as context. Well-lit and nicely composed.

Third place uses color and layering to unify the storytelling elements in a clean composition.

ENTERTAINMENT

First place is a well composed behind-the-scenes image showing the junction of Covid precautions at the Grammys with the desire for the show to go on.

Second demonstrates some good planning on the part of the photographer. The foreground is key in fireworks shots, and showing Secret Service agents watching the show from atop the White House ties together the unique elements of this fireworks display.

Third place demonstrates forethought, good timing and composition that reads quickly from foreground to background.

GENERAL NEWS

First place image uses strong composition, excellent timing and works despite being made in the rain. A compelling human moment to illustrate an important story on the death toll from Covd-19.

Second place was made by showing up early to an event and using just the right lens and composition to make a solid storytelling image.

Third place is a funny, “only in LA” moment, as a bikini-clad jogger maneuvers around demonstrators clothed head-to-toe in black. This was a deep category.

Two other pictures that stood out as honorable mentions were a photo of parents visiting a memorial to a child who died in an auto accident, and a nice detail photo of prayer moment before a Covid vaccination.

PICTORIAL

The first place picture combines great light, color and a dynamic puff of smoke to make an attention-grabbing image.

Second place is not the type of image I expected to see in this category, but the composition, color and timing make it unforgettable.

Third place is a study in abstract pattern made from overhead. It’s a bonus that it also shows a newsworthy event. The honorable mention photo of the moon is clean and light hearted.

SPORTS ACTION

Following the eyes of teammates and coaches as an athlete tumbles through space makes for a unique first place sports action photo. Every face adds to the story. Nice composition.

Second place photo has a great expression on the player’s face as a fight erupts in a hockey game. Excellent timing and clean composition.

Third place is all hands and no armpits, plus a great face under the basket. Tight and clean action.

SPORTS FEATURE

The first place image shows the casual side of auto racing. Humorous and clean. I wish the fan had been identified.

Second place shows that not every surf run is successful. Good light and clean composition helped this image to stand out. I wish the surfer had been identified.

Third place is a clean reaction shot with a good face. 

SPOT NEWS

The first place photo is a peak action moment from exactly the right angle during an arrest. The flying saliva adds a sense of urgency to the image, even if the photographer is uncomfortably close.

The second place image is an unusual incident and cleanly composed. It appears to have the original caption. I’m not sure why it wasn’t updated with information from a story.

The third place photo is an iconic portrait of a bloodied demonstrator. Kudos to the photographer for continuing to make pictures after the obvious action was over.

Honorable mention to a tornado aftermath photo that uses body language and good timing to show a story where a clean view of the damage wasn’t possible.

FIRE

First place photo combines great light and strong composition to show the challenge a firefighter faces while mopping up a brush fire. The photo reads quickly and shows scale.

Second place is a clean image from a stubborn mulch fire that is still burning eleven hours after it was reported. Good use of color to separate the firefighter from the smoke.

Third place apparently uses a drone to provide an overhead view to extensive damage from a house fire. The leading line from the ladder provides a unifying compositional element to pull the image together.

Meet our judge, Curt Chandler

Curt Chandler teaches multimedia reporting and entrepreneurial journalism at Penn State University. Before jumping to academia he was the director of photography and editor for online innovation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He taught picture editing and design at the Northern Short Course in Photojournalism for more than a decade and has been a long-time video trainer at NPPA's Multimedia Immersion workshop. He has edited two books on photojournalism and visual management, The Great Picture Hunt II by David LaBelle and Vision, Courage and Heart by Bob Lynn.

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