1st Place, Feature Presentation – Individual Spread
2022-23, Division 1, Yearbook Visual and Verbal
By Kennedi Smith
The Odyssey
Troy Athens HS
Y-26. Feature Presentation – Individual Spread
Entries may include unusual feature spreads from any section and Wow/Show Stopper/Interrupter spreads that explore a topic; typically non-traditional coverage (i.e., NOT homecoming, a sport or other annual activity typically covered every year in the book). Subject selection, writing, photography and design will be considered.
Judging Criteria
Writing
- Copy (if traditional copy is used) has engaging angle, solid lead and meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Captions begin with strong lead and contain at least two sentences that answer all reader’s questions and clearly identifies all people
- Copy and captions show evidence of adequate research
- Clever, engaging primary/secondary headline combination draws reader into the story and establishes visual/verbal connection between photos and copy
- The primary/secondary headline combination clarifies the content of the spread
- Primary headline is short and grabs the reader’s attention
- Secondary headline is sentence-like and summarizes the story
Adheres to rules of good journalism including:
- Use of active voice
- Freedom from editorial comment
- Careful editing and proofreading
- Correct use of grammar
Design
- Designed as a visual unit; arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto pages and show careful planning
- Special treatments are used sparingly and effectively
- Graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design
- Primary/secondary headline combination has contemporary design
- While designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic standards
Photography
- Photos have strong storytelling content and are effectively cropped
- Photos are technically strong and show evidence of composition rules
- Attracts, holds reader’s attention; posed photos are avoided
- Avoids distracting back/foreground