Best of Photojournalism 2008: TV News Photography: Winners

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Clips from the Video News Photography and Editing winners in the Best of Photojournalism 2008 are viewable at Poynter Online.

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Documentary Finalists

“El Viaje Norte”: John C.P. Goheen, AJE
“Semana Santa (Holy Week)”: Michael DelGiudice, Equator HD
“Standing Tall: A Soldier’s Story”: John Drilling, KARE/Minneapolis, MN

Winners

1st: “El Viaje Norte”; John C.P. Goheen/AJE
2nd: “Semana Santa (Holy Week)”; Michael DelGiudice, Equator HD
3rd: “Standing Tall: A Soldier’s Story”; John Drilling, KARE/Minneapolis, MN

Judges’ Comments

Tim Griffis

This was the easiest category to choose a winner. “El Norte” was an incredible story about Latino family hiking across the US border. It was dirty, rough and often too dark to see, but it was great piece of journalism. Put it on your “must see” list.

“Holy Week” finished second. It was also incredibly shot under very difficult shooting conditions in Guatemala. “Standing Tall” showed tremendous commitment as it followed all struggles of a wounded soldier over the course of a year.

All 3 showed commitment, storytelling and great execution.

Bob Gould

The winning entry was extremely interesting and well-told. For the first time all week, the judges quickly decided on the winning entry. It was a unanimous decision.

A young journalism student narrated and helped produce the piece that was superbly shot and edited. It provided drama and insight. All the judges were glued to the screen for the entire piece.

The student who voiced the story really showed some skill with how he narrated and took us through the family’s journey from Mexico to crossing the border illegally. This piece really put the “journalism” into photojournalism. Great shooting in very difficult conditions. I would love to hear the backstory on the experience of making this documentary. Thanks for producing that. It was really fun to watch.

Semana Santa was a documentary shot in Guatemala about the rituals of Holy Week. This was very interesting and I was compelled by the majesty and beauty of the celebration. The photographer really made us feel as if we were there for this event, which means so much to the people of Antigua.

I also really liked “Standing Tall.” This news documentary, produced at KARE 11 in Minneapolis followed an injured soldier for a year, documenting his life after a bomb exploded in Iraq. His legs had to be amputated and we followed his journey to recovery.

The commitment the photojournalist and reporter team made to this project, along with outstanding storytelling, shooting and editing, helped make this a finalist and earn a 3rd place award.

Jeff Roberts

A refreshing judging session for this category with our first vote being unanimous for the winner.

The documentary “El Vlaje Norte” was a wonderful piece following a family leaving Mexico on a trip across the border into the United States. Drawing viewers into the story along every step of the three thousand mile journey.

“Semana Santa” took second with a beautifully shot story of the festivities surrounding Holy Week in Antigua, Guatemala.

Third place was “Standing Tall, A Soldier’s Story” an hour long special showing an Army sergeant returning home and overcoming the loss of both legs which showed great commitment from the photographers and their station.

Preston Rudie

Major kudos to the photojournalist, reporter and others involved in “El Vlaje Norte.” WOW! This was a great effort and outstanding way of looking at the immigration issue from a different perspective. While the quality of the photography was not always the greatest, it was easy to look past that with such a compelling story. Plus, the conditions under which the photojournalist was working had to be amazingly demanding. The night time video and moments made you feel like you were there and simply rocked! I loved how the reporter / narrator wove his track in with his on camera thoughts during the documentary. Well done and keep up the great work!

Nellie Stinson

For the first time this week, we the judges agreed on the winner within the first ten seconds of debating. Hands down “El Vlaje Norte” embodied the essence of a documentary. The storytellers involved with this piece traveled thousands of miles with the subjects...lived and breathed with them...even made me feel the anticipation at every twist and turn in their journey. Nicely done.

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