December Photo of the Month results announced

1st Place: Dalton Stephens, Lincoln R-2 High School

“It’s over when it’s over.” Over four years and 31 home games, the Cardinals would rumble into their home end zone at Donnelly Field to “The Outsiders” by Eric Church echoing through the stands. But their legacy goes so much deeper than that. Seniors Parker Engles (3), Joe Bittner (5), Jackson Beaman (10), Tanner Bays (55), Nate Hesse (12), Hayden Beaman (73), and Bo Kroenke (7) have played for 12 years and 119 games together, experiencing only 10 losses. Here, the legacy that started when they were in first grade, comes to an end as they accept the second place trophy at the 2019 Class 1 Show Me Bowl. That day, they grieved not only for the loss of a state championship, but also for the realization that this was the last game they would ever play together. With those thoughts in mind, the seniors ended their high school careers much in the same way they began, with the powerful lyrics from another Eric Church song, “Now, it’s over when it’s over […] wish we could do it over […]we had it in the air, but just couldn’t land it.”
Judges’ Comments: This is a great example of when a strong caption really makes the photo. The story behind this photo is told in the caption; however, let the subject(s) tell the story in quotes instead of the writer editorializing. Great job capturing a powerful moment, emotions and the interaction between these players.

 

2nd Place: Lindsey Bennett, Webster Groves

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Senior Elisabeth Ragan swims against Hazelwood West at Webster University on Dec. 5. This was women’s swimming team’s first win of the season with a final score of 131-37.”Last year we got third in State and this year we hope that we can win,” Ragan said.

Judges’ Comments: Good exposure. I like that you captured a moment, even though you’re shooting from the side, where you can clearly see the subject’s face. Watch your cropping and rule of thirds. There’s some dead space at the top of the photo and to the right that you should consider cropping. Make sure you edit your captions carefully. You do have a few typos–an apparent missing word, missing space and an extra space in your caption. Besides those issues, the caption content is strong.

 

Honorable Mention: Tyler Pedee, Kearney High School

Senior Ryan O’Connor brushes past the Fort Osage defender as he drives to the lane. “The Fort Osage game was a very important game to win,” O’Connor said, “because it was the season opener in front of our home crowd and fortunately we came out on top with the win.” Photo by Tyler Pedee

Judges’ Comments: A really clean sports action shot. Need to work on the exposure, which can be tricky in a gym. Solid caption. Consider what cropping will make for the strongest photo.