By: Karli Zschogner, Community Journalism Trainer, Journalists for Human Rights
Thank you to all who submitted content for past and current photo contests. The overall hope and goal is to encourage appreciation for one’s own creative eye and mind or to be the first to capture that split-second moment as a type of storytelling. Not only can you take pride in your work, but know that you can make earnings off of your work. Photojournalism is a thriving contribution. Just consider The Atlantic’s “Hopeful Images from 2018” or Time Magzine’s 2017 Best Photojournalism.
More locally, there is the power of Nadya Kwandibens, Anishinaabe from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. As Red Works, she has been featured in Photographers Without Borders under the Indigenous Rising portrait series.
For Let It Snow! Winter/Holiday Photo Contest showcased in December’s Naotkamegwanning Mazina’igan’s third issue, I have taken into consideration many factors including the adherence to the theme and instructions of submitting with a caption or photo essay. creatively, and the use of the rule-of-thirds.
The diversity of submissions evoking the full range of emotions: happiness, joy, peace, gratitude, and sadness, resulted in a very difficult challenge with the 14 photos submitted. So much so, that I increased the number of winner prizes. It became especially difficult when it came to respecting the baseline of following criteria of providing descriptions.
Congratulations to everyone who has submitted! Very big step! Chi Miigwetch for this opportunity!
1st ($100) – Kiara Lynn Bird – “This photo was taken as the sun was coming up during a winter morning. This tree has been around since my grandparents have lived in this exact spot; it reminds me they are never too far. Grateful for this season and even more grateful for the beauty that surrounds Naotkamegwanning.”
- Shadow/silhouette
- Creativity
- Timing
- Detail/Focus
- Rule-of-thirds
2nd ($50) – Ozawaa Paypompee – “Throwing snow. There is happiness in snow when you go outside and embrace the snow. The outdoors are freedom.”
- Timing/Movement
- Rule-of-thirds
- Inspirational Power
3rd ($25) – Cayne Kakeeway – “A beautiful sunset on the snow laden hills of Whitefish”
- Colour Contrast
- Timing
- Clarity
- Lines
4th ($15) – Damon Hunter – “A stretch of burnt handrail from a house fire’s remains”
- Rule-of-thirds
- Clarity, Detail and Focus
- Creativity/Lines
- Newsworthiness
- Current/Potential Social Impact
Notable Mention:
Caidy Indian – (December Baibombeh Pow Wow – smiles) No caption
- Inspirational Power
- Timing/Movement/Action
- Rule-of-thirds
Honorary Mention:
Maria Blackhawk – “Frozen Lakes, Ice Roads, and Unique Opportunities” with Essay with photos (See Naotkamegwanning Mazina’igan Link)
- Creativity
- Timing, uniqueness, rarity
- Clarity
- Reflection
- Rule-of-thirds
Naotkamegwanning News 