1st Place, Environmental Portrait
2021-22, Division MS, News Photography
By Emily Hu
The Cougar Star
Clague MS
PH-04. Environmental Portrait
Photos in this category must show the personality and/or character of the people photographed. The photo should be posed, but show the subject in an environment that illuminates the character of the subject and gives insight into the subject’s personality. No more than two people should be featured in the picture. Sports portraits should be entered in this category. Photo may be in color even if published image was in black and white. Photos will be judged on both the quality of the photo and how it was used in the publication.
Judging Criteria
- Effective cropping to center of interest
- Clear, sharp details
- Good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black and white or colors
- Attracts, holds reader’s attention
- Avoids distracting back/foreground
- Setting and props used for portrait gives insight into the subject(s)
- Emphasizes personality of subject(s) (no more than two in photo)
- While photo may be posed, subject(s) have a natural appearance