March Photo of the Month Contest winners announced

April 9, 2021

MARCH WINNERS

First Place: Sophia Allen, Notre Dame de Sion

As the sun sets on the Fort Worth city skyline senior Bella Aquino hoists the national championship trophy above her head March 7. The cheer team placed first in their national competition, the only competition they got to compete in due to the cancellation of Regionals to qualify for State. “It made me feel like I was on top of the world,” Aquino said. “All of Coach Tabby’s and the senior’s hard work these past four years finally had paid off.” (Sophia Allen)

Judge’s Comments: The photographer did an excellent job on overall composition and exposure, but it is the expression of the subject that truly makes this picture. There is a clear sense of emotion that has been captured, and the caption does a great job of supporting the image as well.

Second Place: Claire Lowry, Platte County High School

Keeping his opponent from getting an escape, junior Jaydon Walls wrestles in his semi-final match. Walls lost 9-3 and later placed third at the MSHSAA State Championships on March 12. “I had a lot more experience this year than I had before,” Walls said. “Once I got on the mat, I was level-headed when I got to wrestle.” (Claire Lowry)

Judge’s Comments: While the framing is a bit off on the bottom of the image, the intensity of this moment is clear and focused. The viewer can easily see the struggle and strength of the subject. The caption is also written well and gives the subject more depth.

Third Place: Michaela Schmohl, Kearney High School

Launching off the running blocks, the guys 100 meter runners fling themselves forward as the sprint begins. “To start off the season we had lots of injuries from getting back into the swing of things,” senior Morgan Wood said. “But there’s still a lot of talent on this team and as long as we continue to work hard, I think we can be really successful this year.” (Michaela Schmohl)

Judge’s Comments: This is a great example of using a leading line in your photography composition, which then offers repetition of the subjects. The photographer did nice work of capturing the correct moment of the start of the race so that the image captures movement. It can be tricky since there is so much happening at track and field events, but it would have been nice to see more of the athletes’ faces.

Honorable Mention: Santana Hiatt, Liberty High School

Senior Jackie Martin hurdles during a track practice at LHS on March 19. Jackie has been apart of the track team since freshman year, and it excited for her final year. “I am going to miss track, but I can not wait to see what this final season brings,” Martin said. (Santana Hiatt)

Judge’s Comments: This photograph also did a nice job of capturing movement and that repetition with the hurdles, which offers depth to the image. The picture seems a bit underexposed, but by positioning themself lower, the photographer was still able to get a clear view of the subject’s face.