Here's what the judges said and HERE'S the link to the images.
I'm really proud of what the judges said about my portfolio. Color, light, composition, patterns, all that matters, but to have my work described as "sincere and accessible" and providing "important documentation in the tradition of photography that preserves a sense of time and place, historically one of the most important contributions of photography in general." makes me proud.
Photographer of the Year
33 entries
The panel found this category more difficult to judge than the individual photographs, as many portfolios suffered from inconsistency of quality. The ones that took the prizes stood out in this regard, and in their ability to consistently create powerful images while serving to promote the colleges and universities they depict. As one judge put it, "The winning photographs and collections were distinguished by the simple values of evocation of emotion, time, and place. What the photographers have succeeded in doing in service of their institutions and clients is twofold. To promote a message as well as communicate with the power of authenticity."
Gold Award
Boston University (Mass.) - Photographer: Cydney Scott
The panel agreed that Cydney Scott presented a decisively distinguished body of work. The educational environment presents a special atmosphere of refuge where growth and inquiry are protected and flourish. That atmosphere is present throughout Scott's photographs. The photographer has managed to maintain the integrity of personal vision and sensitivity to the people and environments depicted, presenting a sense of authenticity as well as the inherent power of documentation. There is no sense of contrivance or overt messaging. It is simply sincere and accessible. Scott has recorded the natural interactions between people, at times with a touch of humor. Many years in the future, people will look at Scott's work as important documentation in the tradition of photography that preserves a sense of time and place, historically one of the most important contributions of photography in general.
