Pictures of the Year competition judging kicks off Feb. 16 in record-breaking year
- Online
It’s a year like none other for the 78th annual Pictures of the Year judging competition , which kicks off Feb. 16 with almost double the amount of judges as normal, virtual judging and a record breaking number of photos submitted. Entrants submitted more than 40,000 images, along with short films and online storytelling presentations, to the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism contest. In spite of much isolation and stay at home orders because of COVID-19, there were more entries in many of the categories than normal, according to Lynden Steele, director of the program and director of photojournalism at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. For example, the general news category brought in more than 2,000 entries, when it traditionally brings in about 1,000 entries. The daily life category brought in more than 2,000, when it traditionally brings in around 1,300 to 1,400 entries. However, there were quite a few large news events in 2020 including COVID-19, movements inspired by Black Lives Matter and the election. “This has been one of the most tumultuous years in memory and that is reflected in the pictures,” says Steele. This year the contest introduced a new category, “COVID-19 Personal Expression,” and allowed entrants to submit an interpretive photo project that allowed photo manipulation, which is not allowed in other categories. Entrants were asked to submit work that “reflects the personal experience, feelings and thoughts related to COVID-19.” They received 200 of these artistic stories. “Photo manipulation is not a journalistic endeavor, but we thought it was really important to have space for it,” says Steele. “ One thing I liked about this category is that kind of work is not always depressing. So much of news is hard news, and it can really weigh on the soul, but through this category, I think there’s hope and there’s strength, and it underscores the value of creativity in our own resilience, into coping with all kinds of adversity.” … Organizer: Reynolds Journalism Institute — https://rjionline.org/events/pictures-of-the-year-competition-judging-kicks-off-feb-16-in-record-breaking-year/ Register: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/94593607986