Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

501 W. Glenoaks, #655
Glendale, CA 91202
USA

Photo Contest Winners

2022 Qtr. 1 Singles

Guest User

Quarter 1 judge, Lynne Sladky

General News

First Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Maria Ortiz holds her daughters Angeles Reyes, 7, left and Helen Reyes, 4, as they pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near a crosswalk in front of Liberty Elementary School in Riverside on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Eligia Morales, 53, and a 2-year-old boy were killed after they were struck by an SUV as they crossed the street on in Riverside on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

Second Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News

Friends of Brianna Kupfer, a Pacific Palisades resident who was found dead inside Croft House, are reflected in the store window with her picture as they gather for a memorial on North La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 20, 2022. The suspect was arrested in Pasadena on Wednesday.

Third Place: Francisco Lozano, freelance

Young Ukrainian couple await their turn to be allowed in the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on the Tijuana side of the border.

Honorable Mention: Francisco Lozano, freelance

An Ukrainian refugee child is seen through the hole of a trash can keeping himself occupied at the Tijuana-U.S border in early March.

Honorable Mention: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France Presse

In an image made with a remote camera, a SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) Falcon 9 rocket with the NROL-87 spy satellite payload for the National Reconnaissance Office launches from the SLC-4E launch pad at Vandenberg US Space Force Base on February 2, 2022 in Lompoc, California.

Honorable Mention: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Supporters and opponents of abortion rights confront each other during a rally to oppose the growing assault on abortion rights to mark International Women's Day, in Los Angeles, on March 8, 2022.

Honorable Mention: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

Huntington Beach, CA - January 15: Pelicans take flight over a surfer in Huntington Beach on Saturday, January 15, 2022 where a tsunami advisory was in place.

 

Feature

First Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News

Kourtney Williams, 34, finds a storefront to bed down for the night on Colorado Boulevard before being added to the Pasadena Homeless Count on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Williams moved to the Los Angeles area from Florida to be an actor in 2019 but found herself on the streets after the car she was living in was impounded.

Second Place: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

JoJo the duck gives an interview in front of a panel of judges during the Kids' Pet Parade in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, February 19, 2022. The pet is owned by Judith Marquina.

Third Place: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register

GREAT PARK BALLOON Passengers ride the Great Park Balloon at the sun sets in Irvine, CA, on Friday, March 25, 2022.

Honorable Mention: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France Presse

An electrical contractor repairs a sign with gasoline fuel prices above six and seven dollars a gallon at the Shell gas station at Fairfax and Olympic Blvd near a billboard of John Oliver on March 8, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Honorable Mention: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News

LAUSD second-grader Isabella Loew, 7, reads her “I Have A Dream” speech as Unite LA Foundation kicks off their Unity Skate event to Serenity Park in Watts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Los Angeles on Monday, January 17, 2022.

Honorable Mention: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News

MaCES Magnet School band performs as LAUSD's new superintendent Alberto Carvalho visits in Maywood on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

Portrait

First Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

King's Lexie Flores has been selected the IE Varsity girls tennis player of the year in Riverside on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Second Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Super feather weight boxer Rayshaun “El Chivo” Thomas, 25, of San Bernardino says, “ I just ended up falling in love with boxing.” after walking into a gym one day with friends in San Bernardino. Thomas also known as Nino The Boxer now trains at El Chivo Peppertime Boxing Gym and Fitness Center in Fontana on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Third Place: Ringo H.W. Chiu, Freelance

Pastor Monalisa Siofele-Lolohea poses with her 3-year-old daughter Fai’ana Su’esolo ‘I Hevani Lolohea before her Sunday church service at Trinity United Methodist Church in Pomona, Calif., Sunday, March 6, 2022. Pacific Islander women who wish to serve as pastors face significant challenges because in their male-centered culture, women are viewed as supporters rather than leaders. Pastor Monalisa Siofele-Lolohea says she would love to serve her Samoan community. But because it is still difficult for congregants to accept a female pastor, Siofele-Lolohea serves a multi-ethnic pastor in Pomona, Calif.

While wearing his retirement crown Robert “Chris” Duncan, 71 of Riverside works his final day as a US Postal Service clerk and retires after 50 years of service at the US Postal Service, seven-years in Santa Ana and 43 in Riverside on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Duncan said, “Helping people to get what they need from the USPS,” was one of the highlights of his long career.

Honorable Mention: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Etiwanda girls basketball player and senior captain Daisia Mitchell is looking to get back on the court after dislocated her knee earlier this season as she prepares for Saturdays CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game in Rancho Cucamonga, on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

 

Pictorial

First Place: Amy Gaskin, Freelance

A skateboarder rides at the skate park on Venice Beach. Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Second Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Bill Duke remembers friend and San Bernardino icon Dr. Margaret Hill during her celebration of life as he wears a purple fedora hat her favorite color to honor her at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Third Place: Amy Gaskin, Freelance

Sunset on the bike path at Venice Beach on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Honorable Mention: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times

Location scout David Kuperman stands above a deserted Venice Skatepark and a desert beach due to cold, windy weather in Venice on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Kuperman was looking for locations for an upcoming film shoot.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register

SHADOWS ON PIER PLAZA

Visitors to Pier Plaza walk across the shadows of palm trees in Huntington Beach, CA, on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Honorable Mention: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

Mallards take flight over the Upper Newport Bay on Sunday, January 2, 2022 as water levels rise eight feet from the king tide.

Spot News

Honorable Mention: Apu Gomes, Freelance

A LA Rams fan shows his middle finger to a Police officer while the Police try to disperse fans in Downtown Los Angeles after the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.

 

Entertainment

First Place: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France Presse

US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish holds the award for Best Music (Original Song) for "No Time to Die" as she attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 94th Oscars at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 27, 2022.

Second Place: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France Presse

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 94th Oscars at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 27, 2022.

Third Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Bloomington High School Bruins Folklorico Club perform during Downtown San Bernardino Art Walk in San Bernardino on Friday, February 18, 2022.

Honorable Mention: Justin L. Stewart, Freelance

A girl is held on a man’s shoulders at the Lt. Dan Band concert at Naval Base Ventura County on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in Ventura, CA. Families from the base came out for a night of free music, compliments of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Sports Features

First Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News

LA Rams’ Malcolm Wright celebrates with his team after they won the USA Wheelchair Football League Tournament in Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-15.

Second Place: Paul Rodriguez, Orange County Register

University of California Irvine guard Ofure Ujadughele, left, and guard Justin Hohn, right, jump up as their team take a one point lead late in the second half against Cal State Fullerton in a Big West Conference game in Irvine, California on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Their celebration was premature, as the Anteaters lost to the Titans.

Third Place: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News

Honorable Mention: Justin L. Stewart, freelance

Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with his wife, Anna Croskrey, with a kiss on the field after the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in an NFL Super Bowl LVI football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Planes fly over SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA on Sunday, February 13, 2022 before the start of Super Bowl LVI. The Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20.

Honorable Mention: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

Brian Duff gets tangled with his dog, Axl, while finishing first in the 38th Newport Spirit Run Dog Mile at Fashion Island on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

 

Sports Action

First Place: Katharine Lotze, Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Nina Schank of the California Golden Bears competeson bars during a meet against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on March 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Second Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise

Norte Vista's Ediberto Villicana #15, left, takes a ball to the face as he fights for control of the ball against Valley View's Tristan Brousard #20 in a CIF State Division III regional boy soccer playoff match in Riverside on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Third Place: Ringo Chiu, Freelance

Iceland's Karitas Tomasdottir (7) and Czech Republic's Jitka Chlastakova (13) vie for the ball during the She Believes Cup soccer match between the Czech Republic and the Iceland Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Carson, Calif.

Honorable Mention: Katharine Lotze, Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Emma Malabuyo of the UCLA Bruins competes on bars during a meet against the University of Washington at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Honorable Mention: Amy Gaskins, Freelance

Skimboarding is unlike surfing in that it uses a smaller board with no fins. Riders glide across the shore breaks of crashing waves. Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Newport Beach, Calif.

Honorable Mention: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News

Wide receiver Brandon Powell, left, of the San Francisco 49ers dives for the pylon to score on a 44-yard touchdown catch and run past cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Fire

First Place: Ringo Chiu, Associated Press

Firefighters watch as a helicopter drops water on a wildfire Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, in Laguna Beach, Calif.

Second Place: David Swanson, Freelance

Firefighters respond to the Sycamore Fire which destroyed at least two homes in Whittier, California, U.S., February 10, 2022.

Third Place: David Swanson, Freelance

Oranges hang burned from the Sycamore Fire which destroyed at least two homes in Whittier, California, U.S., February 10, 2022.

 

Judge’s Notes & Bio

Entertainment:

1. Billie Eilish award (1st & 2nd are great moments and nicely composed.)

3. Folklorico Club performs (love the low angle and slow shutter speed to create movement)

HM A man and child watches the Lt. Dan Band concert (image 8964_003) I actually preferred the composition in the photo with the two American flags. But the focus on the man and flags was off. 

The photo of Mary Blige was a good moment but the image is way overexposed with messy composition. 

Feature:

1. Homeless woman Kourtney Williams (powerful image, captures the isolation of homelessness)

2. JoJo the Duck at the kids pet parade (a fun, lighthearted moment)

3. Great Park Balloon by Jeff Gritchen (beautiful light and angle. Could also work in the pictorial category)

HM Fuel prices (eye catching composition)

The images of the Ukrainians at the border have potential, would try mixing up tight and wide lenses for more variety. Go in on the faces to show the emotion of what they are going through.

General News:

2. Memorial for Brianna Kupfer (it’s always good to take a risk with different photos, the reflection and layering work here)

3. Ukrainian refugee couple at the Tijuana border (image 8097_04) I found there were too many images from this, a tighter edit would help)

HM Ukrainian refugee boy in B&W at the Tijuana border (image 8097_08) Nice framing, and looks good in B&W

HM Abortion rights protestors with locked arms (image 8201_01) Excellent framing and composition

HM Pelicans fly over surfer (This image would be better suited for the Pictorial category)

Pictorial:

2. Bill Duke attends a celebration of life (excellent composition and light, very painterly)

Portrait:

Exceptional use of composition and drawing out the personality of subjects. Well done!

Sports Action:

I like the USC Huskies Basketball hands with the ball, but this would be better in the Sports Feature category

Meet our judge, Lynne Sladky

 
 

After graduating from Kent State University in Ohio where I studied photography, I started my career as a photographer at a weekly newspaper in Cleveland, the Sun Newspapers. I later freelanced for numerous publications in Cleveland, including United Press International. I became a staff photographer with UPI in Miami in 1985. I then worked at the Palm Beach Post for two years before joining the AP photo staff in Miami in 1990, where I’ve been for 32 years and counting. I’ve been in Miami for most of my AP career, but I also worked in London for three years, and in San Juan, Puerto Rico for five years covering the Caribbean.

2022 Qtr. 1 Photo Essay

Guest User

LYNNE SLADKY, Quarter 1 Judge

First Place

Some very strong images, but tighter editing would have made it even better.

Second Place

Some great moments, but try using more of a variety of lenses.

Third Place

Good to see an environmental story, with both sides being told. Good variety of angles and lenses.

First Place: Ringo Chiu, FREELANCE

Second Place: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

Third place: Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times

Honorable Mention: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register

Meet Our Judge, LYNNE SLADKY

 
 

After graduating from Kent State University in Ohio where I studied photography, I started my career as a photographer at a weekly newspaper in Cleveland, the Sun Newspapers. I later freelanced for numerous publications in Cleveland, including United Press International. I became a staff photographer with UPI in Miami in 1985. I then worked at the Palm Beach Post for two years before joining the AP photo staff in Miami in 1990, where I’ve been for 32 years and counting. I’ve been in Miami for most of my AP career, but I also worked in London for three years, and in San Juan, Puerto Rico for five years covering the Caribbean.

2021 Qtr. 4 Singles

Guest User

Quarter 4 judges, Randy L. Rasmussen & Don Ryan

General News

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

Supporters of the FreeBritney movement rally in support of musician Britney Spears for a conservatorship court hearing, outside the Stanley Mosk courthouse in Los Angeles, California on November 12, 2021. - A Los Angeles judge on Friday formally approved the process of ending the controversial guardianship that has controlled pop star Britney Spears' life for the past 13 years.

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

In an aerial image, environmental response crews clean up oil that flowed near the Talbert marsh and Santa Ana River mouth, creating a sheen on the water after an oil spill in the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach, California on October 4, 2021.

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

A Blue Origin New Shepard rocket launches on December 11, 2021, in West Texas near Van Horn. - The NS-19 mission will take Laura Shepard Churchley, eldest daughter of famed NASA astronaut Alan Shepard, Television talk show host Michael Strahan and paying passengers Dylan Taylor, Evan Dick, Lane Bess and Cameron Bess into space/

 

Feature

First Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Manhattan Beach, CA - October 20: A pre-dawn surfer is seen with the setting Hunter’s full moon, behind the Manhattan Beach Pier, in Manhattan Beach, CA, Manhattan Beach Pier, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.

Second Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Employee Jeffery Flores holds some of the different varieties of marijuana Catalyst the first legal marijuana dispensary in El Monte on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

Third Place: SCOTT MITCHELL, Zuma Press

A young girl having fun on the beach during the Fifth Annual Pacific Air Show 2021, Huntington Beach, CA, USA, October 1 & 2, 2021

Honorable Mention: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times

FOREST FALLS, CA - DECEMBER 28, 2021: Matthew Eastman, 15, of Forest Falls sleds off a jump he built at the end of his driveway after Monday’s winter stormed blanketed the San Bernardino Mountains on December 28, 2021 in Forest Falls, California.

Honorable Mention: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Hermosa Beach, CA - November 29: A pair of surfers ending their day pass by the Christmas Tree on Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach, CA, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.

 

Portrait

First Place:  Amy Gaskin, Freelance

California Angel, a thoroughbred, is a juvenile two year old filly sired by Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome. Purchased for just $5,500, she was the surprise winner at the Jessamine Stakes, held at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, which automatically qualified her to run in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Said her trainer George Leonard III, “I liked her eyes, how alert she was and athletically made. I liked her pedigree. I was amazed we got her for the price we did.” Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Del Mar, Calif.

Second Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles, CA - December 13: Actor Ben Affleck is photographed during a day of promotion for his new film, “The Tender Bar,” at Four Seasons hotel, in Los Angeles, CA, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. The George Clooney-directed film, has Affleck portraying an uncle, becoming an unconvential mentor to his nephew

Honorable Mention: Amy Gaskin, Freelance

Third Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

West Hollywood, CA - October 29: Actress Kristen Stewart is photographed in promotion of her new film, “Spencer,” at The London in West Hollywood, CA, Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. In the film, directed by Pablo Larraín, Stewart portrays Princess Diana, during a Christmas holiday in 1991, when Diana decides to leave Prince Charles.

Horse trainer George Leonard III at the race. “I was disappointed and gratified at the same time. I really wanted to win. But I was also very grateful to be there at all. Just a few months ago it would have been hard to imagine one of the biggest days was coming. Just being there was an accomplishment. Angel was a lot more nervous. She was over excited. She broke decent and she made a good run in the end. It wasn’t her best day at the races.” Leonard is the first person of any color to start in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. His horse, California Angel, was purchased for just $5,500 in a sport where horses are sold often for millions. A filly sired by Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, California Angel finished a disappointing 11th place in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. He still dreams of going to the Kentucky Oaks. Friday, November 5, 2021 in Del Mar, Calif.

Pictorial

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

A Canadian Pacific railway locomotive pulls train cars with shipping containers along a rail line at Morant's Curve near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada on November 29, 2021.

Second Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Manhattan Beach, CA - December 21: A surfer is silohuetted, as the sun sets and the Christmas lights twinkle on the Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, CA, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021.

Third Place: Aude Guerrucci, Freelance

Lava, from the Kilauea’s eruption of 2018 is cutting a road on Big Island, November 27, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Patrick T. Fallon, Agence France-Presse

People walk along a fence after crossing the border from Mexico at the US Customs and Border Protection Paso del Norte Port of Entry along the US-Mexico border between Texas and Chihuahua state on December 9, 2021 in El Paso, Texas.

Honorable Mention: Amy Gaskin, Freelance

The lake at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area on Saturday, October 23, in Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Spot News

First Place: Aude Guerrucci, FREELANCE

Firefighters tries to extinguish flames in Venadeto Canyon near the 101 highway in Santa Barbara County, California, U.S., October 12, 2021.

Second Place: Thomas R. Cordova, Long Beach Post

Long Beach Firefighter Paramedic Will Montgomery carries Dip to the owner's car as Firefighter Paramedic Michael Thurston talks to one of the owners Adela Najarro as they transport the dogs to a local veterinarian after the firefighters gave the dogs oxygen after firefighters pulled the two dogs out of a burning apartment In Long Beach Thursday, October 28, 2021.

Third Place: Aude Guerrucci, Freelance

Firefighters work on a ranch in Aguajito Canyon in Santa Barbara County, California, U.S., October 12, 2021.

 

Entertainment

First Place: AUDE GUERRUCCI, Freelance

Becky G, winner of the Favorite Female Latin Award, poses in the press room during the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 21, 2021. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci

Second Place: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Hollywood, CA - November 10: June Spencer,6, daughter of cinematographer Alice Brooks, right and Sam Spencer, on the red carpet of the 2021 AFI Fest Opening Night Gala Premiere of Netflix’s, “tick, tick…BOOM!,” at TCL Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

Third Place: AMY GASKIN, Freelance

A Marilyn Remembered fan club member wins a white elephant gift at the holiday luncheon hosted by the club at El Coyote Mexican restaurant on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Honorable Mention: Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times

Hollywood, CA - November 13: Actress and director Halle and Shamier Anderson, have a photo taken of them by Anderson’s brother Stephan James, right, on the red carpet of the 2021 AFI Fest Gala Premiere of Netflix’s, “Bruised” at the TCL Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.The film, Halle Berry’s directorial debut, following an aging mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, played by Berry, who accepts an offer to fight the top female MMA fighter, while also dealing with the return of a son she given up for adoption.

Sports Features

First Place: Paul Rodriguez, Orange County Register

With his team following close behind, Loyola High School coach Erik Healy launches himself into the pool as Loyola wins the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 1 water polo championship over Oaks Christian High School in Irvine, California on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

Second Place: Amy Gaskin, freelance

Pepe Ontiveros and his horse, “Kilo,” whom he purchased about 6 months ago. "I've been doing this all my life. He was a little wild at first, but now we have a bond and we get along real good." Kilo is a former race horse but Ontiveros doesn't know his original racing name. Kilo is about 8 or 9 years old. At Santa Anita Park on Saturday, October 30, 2021 in Arcadia, Calif.

Third Place: SCOTT MITCHELL, zuma press

Honorable Mention: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

LA Galaxy goalkeeper coach KEVIN HARTMAN on the pitch before the match as The Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas played to a 2 to 2 draw at the end of a very physical match at the Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, USA, October 23, 2021. Hartman appears to be caught in the middle of a heavy rain but actually was behind the sprinlers which were readying the field for play.

Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs is hoisted on the shoulders of his players after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Amy Gaskin, freelance

George Leonard III is the first trainer of any color to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. He purchased California Angel, a filly sired by Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome for only $5,500, in a sport where horses are frequently sold for millions of dollars. California Angel was a surprise come from behind winner in the Jessamine Stakes race to qualify for entry in the World Championships. “I am the first man of color to ever start in the Breeders’ Cup. It’s not fair on a lot of fronts. That’s a whole other conversation. There’s never been anybody of any color. The Breeders’ Cup is for rich people. They spend millions and spend big money for better bred horses. We don’t fit in the mold of being elite and wealthy. The ones with the most money have better horses. Occasionally a horse like Angel slips through the cracks.” Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Del Mar, Calif.

Honorable Mention: Taya Gray, Palm Springs Desert Sun

Paula Badosa of Spain reacts altering winning the women's final at the BNP Paribas in Indian Wells, Calif., on October 17, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Katharine Lotze, Getty images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson #00 of California reacts after a goal as UCLA celebrates in the second overtime period at Wallis Annenberg Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

 

Sports Action

First Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Chloe Nussbaum #10 of La Canada dives for a shot against South Pasadena in the first game of a prep volleyball match at South Pasadena High School in South Pasadena on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Second Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Wide receiver Tahj Washington #16 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and dives for the first down against the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Third Place: Paul Rodriguez, FREELANCE

Northwood High School quarterback Eugene Miyata, right, has his helmet ripped off before being brought down by Righetti High School Elias Martinez, left, in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern California Division 5-A state championship football game in Irvine, California, on Saturday, December 4, 2021. Righetti was called for a facemask penalty.

Honorable Mention: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins leaps over Isaac Taylor-Stuart #6 of the USC Trojans for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Honorable Mention: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Wide receiver Kenny Golladay #19 of the New York Giants drops a pass in front of cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in Inglewood on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Honorable Mention: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR-NEWS

Defender Josip Corluka #2 of Bosnia-Herzegovina with the header over Defender Brooks Lennon #2 of the United States in the first half of a friendly soccer match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

Honorable Mention: Apu Gomes, Freelance

Gervonta Davis (r) punches Isaac Cruz during their WBA World Lightweight Championship title bout at Staples Center on December 05, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

 

Fire

First Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Long Beach firefighters attack a blaze on a two-story building during a two-alarm fire at an abandoned house near Downtown, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Fire investigators have one person in custody on suspicion of starting a significant fire at an abandoned two-story Victorian house on Long Beach Boulevard near Downtown, the Long Beach Fire Department says.

Second Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

Firefighters work to extinguish a 2nd alarm fire at an abandoned house near Downtown, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Fire investigators have one person in custody on suspicion of starting a significant fire at an abandoned two-story Victorian house on Long Beach Boulevard near Downtown, the Long Beach Fire Department says.

Third Place: Thomas R Cordova, Long Beach Post

A Long Beach firefighter stands in the water runoff after putting out a two-alarm fire at an abandoned house near Downtown, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Fire investigators have one person in custody on suspicion of starting a significant fire at an abandoned two-story Victorian house on Long Beach Boulevard near Downtown, the Long Beach Fire Department says.

 

Judges’ Notes & Bio

Comments from the Judges

When viewing the contest entries in their totality, the judges became aware or several basic photo editing elements that could have made mediocre photos, better and good photos contest winners. The main element is cropping. Even contest winners often could have been elevated in the standings with some simple cropping changes.

The second is timing. In that, the judges noted that several very strong images could have been stronger if taken a second before or after the contest image. It could have been something as simple as choosing a frame or two before or after the submitted image. We don’t know if that is the case, but you will see what we mean with some of the examples included here.

The third element is mis-categorizing your image. The judges took the liberty of taking a very strong image from a photo essay and putting it into the Spot News category.

Here are suggestions from the judges (click images to read comments):

Meet our judges, Randy L. Rasmussen & Don Ryan

Randy L. Rasmussen is a career photojournalist, beginning in high school working as a lab-tech and photographer for The Missoulian. From there, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a staff photographer for the Orange County Register and then as a staffer for the LA bureau of the Associated Press (and a member of PPAGLA). 

He moved to The Oregonian where he worked in variety of jobs, including staff photographer, magazine photographer/photo editor, news graphics editor, assistant director of photography and acting photo director. He left the paper in 2016, after 35 years, to freelance, which he continues to do occasionally. You can contact him at rlrx@yahoo.com.

Don Ryan spent 35 years as a staff photographer for The Associated Press based in Portland, OR. Ryan also spent three years as staff photographer at the Port Angeles Daily News in Port Angeles, WA and three years as staff photographer at the Gresham Outlook in Gresham, OR. He is now enjoying retirement in King City, OR.

Ryan graduated from Oregon State University in 1976 with a Major in Technical Journalism and Minor in Business Administration. His love of photography and photojournalism began in high school when he developed his first black and white photo and never looked back.