2019-20 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
106 Photo Illustration of Travel ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: National Geographic Traveler Entry Title: California: A quest for quiet Entry Credit: Jennifer Emerling Judge Comment: The thesis for this strange California road trip is offbeat enough to give the photographer a long leash on creativity as she discovers a path to silence. Brilliant photography defines a brilliant idea. The noise of the introductory images is palpable. In fact, the photographer’s organization of the lead image is so excellent, she allows the viewer to make sense of a chaotic scene. Her aesthetic, along with a diminishing use of garish color, helps the narrative end on a quiet destination of peace. Absolutely stunning execution of an ethereal concept.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: National Parks Magazine Entry Title: Water, Smoke, Spirit, Forest, Ghost, Land, Sky Entry Credit: Matt Brass Judge Comment: This wonderfully personal photo essay is based on the photographer’s ties to his geographic heritage. The extremely difficult combination of color and black images is a brilliant technique to help the reader transcend time as he talks about his history visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There’s also a back and forth between visual skills that highlight excellence in documentary work alongside stunning scenic images. Never does the storytelling leave the central mission of the essay – to compare the nostalgia from youth to his family enjoying the same region today. Very moving piece.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: National Geographic Traveler Entry Title: Philadelphia Entry Credit: Dina Litovsky Judge Comment: The heart of this city is its people, and the photographer includes hundreds in her photos to show how residents and visitors
share a state of mind. Some of the compositions are wildly busy but so well-organized. This is a testament to the
photographer’s skill at simplifying the bizarre, proving a mastery of visual literacy. There is a brilliant pairing of the Philly skyline and the Jean-Georges restaurant. The concluding three images, all photographed at night, feel like the perfect images to close on, technically perfect while full of peace and happiness.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Smithsonian Magazine Entry Title: American Idyll Entry Credit: Gregg Segal Judge Comment: Parsing ideas and focusing down to a singular theme — swimming holes, in this case — might seem specific, but this idea is clearly allowing the photographer to dive into social scenes full of life that many do not get to experience. The photographer’s concept of sense of place enhances the experience of viewing these locations. He communicates how visitors relish and take pride in these locations. The photographer shows off a little humor, good action and spectacular composition, always keeping the human element part of the story.
