Judges' Comments

• We talked about changing the Independent category because some of the judges didn't think the work reflected was strong enough. Seth pointed out that he was hoping the work reflected photographers who were doing great work on the web. It didn't show in this category.

  Andrew Testa's pictures on the protesters were very powerful. He had a variety of shots that told the story. He covered it like a news story with wide, medium and tight shots. Seth thought it was a great story, and it was wonderfully executed.

  Andrew's Trafficking essay took second place. This was a very difficult subject to do, and the photographer did an excellent job pulling it off. Thea thought the pictures were eerie, quiet and well done and it showed that the photographer was passionate about the story.

  Irwin Thompson