2017 Clip Contest Point Standings

1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch - 1304
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade - 984
3rd - Barbara Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch - 934
4th - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch - 894
5th - Andy Morrison, The Blade - 804
6th - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch - 694
7th - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch - 604
8th - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun - 594
9th - Eric Schelkun, Elsestar Images - 564
10th - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch -554
        - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal - 554
12th - Patti Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal - 524
13th - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer - 504
14th - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News - 444
15th - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer - 374
16th - Scott Heckel, The Repository - 264
17th - Tom Dodge. The Columbus Dispatch - 244
18th - Molly Corfrman, The News Messenger - 234
19th - Chris Crook, Zanesville Time Recorder - 224
20th - Jonathan Quilter. The Columbus Dispatch - 144
21st - Greg Lynch, The Journal News - 114
22nd - Karen Schiely, Akron Beacon Journal - 54

January 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Rollover"
2nd - Scott Heckel / The Repository, "Missing Girl Found Dead"
3rd - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch, "Protest"

Judges comments: The rollover photo has humor in and is well composed. Kudos to the photographer for getting to the scene on time. 

General News
1st - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch, "Guilty"
2nd - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch, "MLK"
3rd - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "Classmate Lost"

Judges comments: There’s a lot of subtlety to the moment Greene found out he was guilty. It’s a powerful moment in both their expressions.

Feature
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "African Children's Choir"
2nd - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch, "Choir"
3rd - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "Bad Haircut"
HM - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Lights"

Judges comments: This was a stronger category. The first place photo is just a great moment with body language, repetition of form and a leading line.

Sports Action
1st - Sam Greene / Cincinnati Enquirer, "Upended"
2nd - Kareem Elgazzar / Cincinnati Enquirer, "Off the Fingertips"
3rd - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Goal"

Judges comments: The first place photo is successful beyond peak action. The suspension of the moment and two of expressions make this a winner. Sports action is more and more competitive each year. The base level of photography has risen to the point where everybody can make a lot of the same photos. So it’s about something subtle or different to set yourself apart.

Sports Feature
1st - Barbara J. Perenic / The Columbus Dispatch, "Buckeye Fans"
2nd - Sam Greene / Cincinnati Enquirer, "Hair Flip"
3rd - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch, "Pucks"
HM - Barbara J. Perenic / The Columbus Dispatch, "Snow Angel"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Dubinsky Goal"

Judges comments: I almost gave this to hair. But just couldn’t. The reaction first place photo just has too many layers of expression, body language and emotion.

Portrait
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Bringing Up McGhee's"
2nd - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "Racist Message"
3rd - Kareem Elgazzar / Cincinnati Enquirer, "Artist"

Judges comments: What a great portrait of the siblings. The portrait shows the relationship through expressions, body language and is executed very well. Bravo.

Story/Essay
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Laid to Rest"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth / The Blade, "Winter Quest"
3rd - Adam Cairns / The Columbus Dispatch, "Trump Protest"

Judges comments: The funeral story has the best narrative and moments but needs an edit on sequencing. The photographer saw several different moments at the event and there are several strong images that hold on their own. But the sequence feels a touch too literal. I would consider the order of 05, 01, 03, 02, 04, 06, 07 as stronger.

Judges: Kevin Martin, Independent Photo Editor

February 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Crash"
2nd - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Hug"
3rd - Patrica Schaeffer / The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Chimney Fire"

Judges comments: There were not a lot of entries here. We liked the crash one best because the photographer was able to get so much of the scene into the photo.

General News
1st - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "Travel Ban"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth / The Blade, "Purple Heart"
3rd - Karen Schiely / Akron Beacon Journal, "I Have a Dream"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The Blade, "Unity Rally"

Judges comments: First place here was a nice moment, that also tied to a national event. Second was a quiet moment that was well composed that really stuck out from the beginning. Third we liked because it’s easy to go to events like this and come out with generic photos, but the photographer worked here to make something a bit more unusual.

Feature
1st - Eric Albrecht / The Columbus Dispatch, "First Air Climb "
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth / The Blade, "Owens Rings"
3rd - Molly Corfman / The News-Messenger, "Burning Snowman"
HM - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch, "Newlyweds Kiss"

Judges comments: First place here we had already seen from the stories category and all the judges commented that this frame would have made a stronger single photo and were happy to see it entered on its own. Second was a nicely framed pictoral photo. Third we liked but didn’t think it was technically as strong. HM we all liked as a moment and the extra caption info made it rise above the rest. As a whole a lot of the entries seemed like they would have done better in other categories. Some might have even placed in portraits rather than feature.

Sports
1st - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "High Sticking"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic/Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch, "State Diving"
3rd - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Community News, "Slams"
HM - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Community News, "Upended"

Judges comments: We all thought this was more of an unusual moment in hockey. Second had a great expression for the diver, but the background was a little distracting. Third was an interesting wrestling move that we all enjoyed.

Sports Feature
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Dog Days of Winter"
2nd - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch, "Dodge"
3rd - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images, "UD Celebration"
HM - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Community News, "Dramatic Entrance"

Judges comments: First was an unexpected one with the puppy and the hockey player. Second we all enjoyed as a nice image from the edges of the game. Third was the best of the celebrations. HM could have done better but needed to be cropped. The door on the left was distracting, but we all enjoyed the different image.

Portrait
1st - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch, "Faces in the Crowd"
2nd - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "Fishing Buddy"
3rd - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Unique Furnishings"
HM - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch, "Trumpet Kicker"
HM - Molly Corfman / The News-Messenger, "Suicide"

Judges comments: First placed jumped out at all of us. It is well composed and striking. Second had lovely natural light. Third rose above the others because we’ve all had assignments like this, and the photographer really got a different image than most would have. The kicker was beautiful lit and clearly the photographer took the time to compose it well. The suicide portrait we enjoyed the moody background that seemed to suit the subject matter. The extra caption information was also very nice.

Story/Essay
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "Transplant"
2nd - Andy Morrison / The Blade, "Boxing"
3rd - Molly Corfman / The News-Messenger, "Suicide"

Judges comments: The kidney transplant story was the clear winner. Great access. Great images. It was a thoroughly done from start to finish and we enjoyed seeing the whole process. The boxing images were all nice, but we weren’t really sure what the story arc was. The suicide story had some nice images, but could have used some editing with fewer photos.

Judges: Shelby Lum, James Wallace and Alexa Welch Edlund from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

March 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Salem Grange Road Crash"
2nd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Church Fire"
3rd - Greg Lynch, Journal-News, "Apartment Fire"

Judges comments: First place had the strongest emotion although we wish the image was from closer to the peak moment of the event. Other images in the category made the best compositions of typical spot news situations.

General News
1st - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Knee Replacement"
2nd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Painters"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Therapy"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Hospital School"
HM - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Mourns"

Judges comments: Judges loved the oddity of the first place image and making an image from a situation that has a lot of potential to get absolutely nothing from.  Layered composition from second place image was great and the third place image did an excellent job of visualizing a complex news story where access can be hard.

Feature
1st - Scott Heckel, The Repository, "Taste of Massillon"
2nd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Hospice Chaplain"
3rd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Bumpy Ride"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Jaywalking"
HM - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Shoving Off"

Judges comments: First place image stuck out on pure oddity and fun of the situation. Second place was an excellent quiet and personal moment.

Sports Action
1st - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Helmet"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Gouge"
3rd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Hook"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Rebound"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Rebound"

Judges comments:  First couple images are excellent captures of peak moments from difficult shooting scenarios. First place has great peak action and expression that make the most of a rare situation. Third place had the most striking moment and was an excellent remote capture.

Sports Feature
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Jaun"
2nd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Win By One"
3rd - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Upset"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Finale"
HM - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Season Ending"

Judges comments: First place photo was the winner right away. Lots of great reacting photos. Several images more images could of placed HM.     

Portrait
1st - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Immigration Attorney"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Architect"
3rd - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Newsome"
HM - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Archery"
HM - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Actor"

Judges comments: A very strong category with the winner ultimately being chosen for making a beautiful image in a difficult situation that both demonstrates the story and the trust between subjects and photographer. Excellent use of light across images.

Story/Essay
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Juan"
2nd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Wages"
3rd - Jonathan Quilter, The Columbus Dispatch, "Transformation Challenge"

Judges comments: Not a large category but some strong entries. First place was quickly chosen as the most complete and visual varied story. Personal and visual, the photographer made the most of what was in front of them. Second place was a strong essay on a difficult topic to visualize that served as a quiet window into its subjects lives. Third place was a short but concise and conveyed its message effectively.

Quarterly Illustration 
1st - Brooke LaValley, The Columbus Dispatch, "Cocktails"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Baked Cod"
3rd - Brooke LaValley, The Columbus Dispatch, "Cookbooks"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Beet Salad"
HM - Greg Lynch, Journal-News, "Pepper"

Judges: From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Christian Tyler Randolph, Dan Speicher, Shane Dunlap,Kyle Hodges  

April 2017 ONPA clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Rollover"
2nd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Five Left Homeless"

Judges comments:Several images were not compelling enough and could have benefitted from waiting for a cleaner moment. The rollover photo was first because of the lady visible. Good job to the photographer for getting there fast and close. The fire photo was just incredible as well.

General News
1st - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Grads"
2nd - Jonathan Quilter, The Columbus Dispatch, "New Sheriff Pup"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Facing a Killer"

Judges comments:We loved the graduation photo expression with the added layer of the people seen in the window. The new sheriff puppy was a cute, tight moment. We liked the "Facing A Killer" photo, despite the distracting man in the background.

Feature
1st - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Book Sale"
2nd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Egg Hunt"
3rd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "How Low Can You Go"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Day Care"

Judges comments:The books photo was super clean, and the photographer made it even better by waiting for the girl's expression. The egg hunt was well executed because of the moment separated well enough from the chaotic background, which also added to the photo. The pig statue photographer was a funny scene. We wanted day care to be listed as an honorable mention because of the kids' reaction and separation, despite the distracting leg sticking out of the far left boy.

Sports Action
1st - Scott Heckel, The Repository, "Stolen Base"
2nd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Twisted Dive"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "High Flyer"

Judges comments:The first base photo was perfectly done: clean, opposing action, tight, etc. The twisting dive photo made us cringe. The high flyer was a great moment, but we wish we could see it a little better. Many of the images were "almosts."

Sports Feature
1st - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Squared"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Spring Game Fans"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "One That Got Away"
HM - Molly Corfman, The News-Messenger, "Rain Delay"

Judges comments:We chose first place because we could read the whole story in one well-executed photo. The young fans image is a classic sports photo with great faces. The "One That Got Away" photo was hilarious and made us want to read more. We wanted to give the "Goofing During Rain Delay" photo an honorable mention because the photographer worked hard to get something of a funny moment. We just wished the kids in the background were engaged and that the framing was more thoughtful.

Portrait
1st: - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Shot Put"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Aqua Bunny"
3rd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "BalletMet"

Judges comments:The shot put photo was over the top because of the detail of the chalk and the brilliant crop. The Easter bunny photo was very interesting and the hand added an additional element. The ballet photo was superbly lit.

Story/Essay
1st - Jonathan Quilter, The Columbus Dispatch, "Logan Cole"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Blue Jackets Playoffs"

Judges comments:It was evident that the photographer cared for the photo story of Logan. There was a nice variety of images and moments that made us feel different emotions during our journey with him. The only critique is that we wish some redundant images were cut. Otherwise, great work by the photographer. We awarded the CBJ playoffs story second because of the effort involved in finding different hockey moments and angles despite the restrictions.

Judges: Steph Chambers, Stephanie Strasburg, Rebecca Droke, Haley Nelson and Antonella Crescimbeni/ from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

May 2017 ONPA clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Smoke"
2nd - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Motorcylce"
3rd - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Crash"
HM - Bill Lackey / Springfield News-Sun, "Tornado"

General News
1st - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "March for Justice"
2nd - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "Fire Memorial"
3rd - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "School Choice Rally"
HM - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade, "Apprehended"

Feature
1st - Molly Corfman / The News-Messenger, "Fighting Cancer"
2nd - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Newspapers, "Fun Slide"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic / The Columbus Dispatch, "Flags"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Hammock"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Anshai Sfard Cemetery"

Judges comments: Love seeing the emotion in the images.

Sports Action
1st - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "Almost"
2nd - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images, "High Kick"
3rd - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Newspapers, "Under the Tag"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar / Cincinnati Enquirer, "Scores"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Steal"

Judges comments: Such a tough category to judge, especially during baseball season… It was refreshing to see images from soccer and hockey. One of the hardest choices for any types of sports is lens selection. I saw a lot of “almosts” if they had either just been a lot tighter or looser.

Sports Feature
1st - Barbara J. Perenic / The Columbus Dispatch, "Winning"
2nd - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images, "Thanking the Fans"
3rd - Shane Flanigan / ThisWeek Newspapers, "Safe at Second"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Rally Cups"
HM - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "Bubble"

Judges comments: Great entries. Like sports action, a very hard category to judge.

Portrait
1st - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch, "Rev. Carol Boyd"
2nd - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch, "Shakyla"
3rd - Chris Crook / Zanesville Times Reocorder, "Willows"
HM - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "Spinners"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade, "Eagle Scout"

Judges comments: Great use of small systems lighting!

Story/Essay
1st - Molly Corfman / The News-Messenger, "Heroin's Unrelenting Grip"
2nd - Eric Albrecht / The Columbus Dispatch, "Honor Ride"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal, "OCW"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel / The Columbus Dispatch, "R.I.P., Chief"

Judges comments: All of the stories in this category had an excellent selection of images. The story, “Heroin’s Unrelenting Grip” particularly jumped out at me due to the relevance of this story on the local as well as national level.

Judged by freelance photographer Tyler Barrick of Springboro, Ohio.

June ONPA clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Fire"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Fire"
3rd - Patrica Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Trailer Fire"

Judges comments: These photographers found good ways to frame first responders in context. 

General News
1st -  Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Hunger"
2nd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Protest"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Closed"

Judges comments: The winners were able to find a real moment at each of these events, as opposed to simply showing a scene. 

Feature
1st - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Stepping Out"
2nd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Sculpture"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Spin"

Judges comments: We liked that the winning images in this category found good moments of human connection or unique graphic framing.

Sports Action
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Steal"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Safe"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Catch"

Judges comments: These images captured clean moments of peak action. The winner is an exceptional version of a play at second base with the ball popping out of the glove and expressive faces.

Sports Feature
1st - Chris Crook, Zanesville Times Recorder, "Sunset Single"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Heading Home"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Pile"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Hot Dog Race"

Judges comments: The winners in this category went an extra step to capture beautiful scenes, emotion or humor during a sporting event. 

Portrait
1st - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Scholar Athlete"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Golfer"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Kasich"

Judges comments: We liked that the first and second place images used unique concepts to visually tell the story and were well executed. We want to recognize the third place image for going beyond what would be expected at a political stump event and finding a genuine moment off of the main stage.

Story/Essay
1st - Chris Crook, Zanesville Times Recorder, "PAL Boxing"
2nd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Memorial Tournament"
3rd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Memorial Tournament"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Memorial Tournament"

Judges comments: We thought the winning story in this category was well shot and provided a window into a day in the life of this boxing gym. Many of the other entries were held back by unnecessary images that brought down the overall quality of the edit. 

Quarterly Illustration 
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Brunch"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Mom"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Cioppino"

Judges comments: The winning photographers in this category created cleanly styled images using light effectively. We're hungry now. 

Judges: From the Denver Post - Katie Wood , Photo and video editor; Patrick Traylor, Photo Editor

July 2017 ONPA clip contest results

Winnng images

Spot News
1st - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Deadly Holiday"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Floods"
3rd - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Extra Help"

Judges comments: The layers, light and color of the first-place photo made this stand out above a weak category.

General News
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Invasion"
2nd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Bridge Collapse"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Recruit Graduation"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "No Trial For Tensing"
HM - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Red, White & Boom"

Judges comments: The access, moment and lighting for the first-place photo caught our eyes in a stronger category. We liked the noodle bridge collapse contestant’s reaction coupled with the pasta dust, while the police graduation was a nice off-to-the-side moment.

Feature
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Sunset"
2nd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Rodeo Prayer"
3rd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Muddy"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Prism Door"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Human Gym"

Judges comments: The strong contrast, colors and compression, plus the fact that this is a pure feature photo, made this a winner. We really liked the light on the horse looking at the praying cowboy for the second-place, and enjoyed the moment for the mud run.

Sports Action
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Welterweight Match"
2nd - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Tackle"
3rd - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Ground Ball"
HM - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Photo Finish"

Judges comments: The fight was good peak action and something that only a still photographer could capture. The second-place soccer photo was a nice moment, while the photographer who submitted the baseball grounder photo showed a good eye in seeing #17’s reaction.

Sports Feature
1st - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Coach Returns"
2nd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Swim Meet"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Dragon Team"
HM - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "J.T. Barnett"

Judges comments: We liked that the first-place winner elevated a daily assignment with composition and long exposure. The bored kid at the swim meet was a nice capture of ennui at an everyday assignment, and we liked the higher angle the photographer worked for at the dragon boat event.

Portrait
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Ron Wagner"
2nd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Chase Fulmer"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "History Teachers"
HM - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Drone Pilot"

Judges comments: The framing, wideness and layers of the first-place photo made it stand out against the others. The airplane portrait was a different, refreshing setting, while the third photograph also showed nice lighting and a studied moment.

Story/Essay
1st - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Mine Quest"
2nd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Doo Dah Parade"
3rd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Naturalization Ceremony"

Judges comments: The scuba dive/lead mine story was easily the winner here — the access combined with the technical challenges of shooting in dark, underwater areas and the breathtaking compositions elevated this story above anything else we saw in the entire contest. The Doo Dah Parade was a fun assignment where the photographer clearly worked hard to show variety in scenery and moments, while the naturalization ceremony story showed nice juxtaposition of colors and contrasting cultures.
 

Judges: From the York Daily Record/Sunday News: Chris Dunn, Jason Plotkin, Eileen Joyce, Maddie Crocenzi and Paul Kuehnel

August 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Salineville Fire"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Fatal Accident"
3rd - Greg Lynch, Hamilton Journal-News, "Fatal Crash"

General News
1st - Bill Lackey/Staff, Springfield News-Sun, "Goodbye"
2nd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Eclipse"
3rd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Ribs"
HM - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Funeral"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Brimingham Festival"

Feature
1st -  Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Big Wheel"
2nd - Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Peltonia Riders"
3rd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Relaxing"
HM - Scott Heckel, The Repository, "National Night Out"
HM - Greg Lynch, Hamilton Journal-News, "Concert Sunset"

Sports Action
1st - Scott Heckel, The Repository, "Helmet"
2nd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Blur"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Diving Stop"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Bengals Practice"

Sports Feature
1st - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Huddled Up"
2nd - Scott Heckel, The Repository, "Lining Up a Putt"
3rd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Podium Play"
HM - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Football Is Back"
HM - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Favorite Son"

Portrait
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Northland"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Smoked on High"
3rd - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Gourd Canopy"
HM - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sadie"
HM - Greg Lynch, Hamilton Journal-News, "Skater"

Story/Essay
1st - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Pelotonia"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sale of Champions"
3rd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Pilot For a Day"
HM - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Peltonia"
HM - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Solidarity"

Judged by Hilary Scheinuk from The Baton Rouge Advocate

September 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "School Shooting"
2nd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Snooze Alarm"
3rd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Escaping"

Comments: Emotion is always my number one when coming to spot news and you rarely get the chance to get up close and make a moment from spot news. The first photo has that while the other two show some odd moments from scenes.

General News
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Honor Guard"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Hores For Humanity"
3rd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Algae Bloom"

Comments: General news is super hard to shoot because it is usually press conferences and ribbon cuttings. I enjoyed the clean backgrounds and colors in these images.

Feature
1st - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Weiner Dogs"
2nd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sousaphones"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Tip of the Hat"

Comments: No photo stood a chance to the wacky wonder that is Weiner dog racing. It has everything. Layers. Moment. Weiner dogs. I enjoy features that really use pattern and color to paint a mood or just make something pretty.  The last two do that for me.

Sports Action
1st - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Touchdown Dive"
2nd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Header"
3rd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Cross Country"

Comments: Peak action wins all in sports. I shot next to the pilon every game in hopes this moment will happen and the first photo does is down to the ball tapping the pilon. That peak action, mixed with either rain and an overactive sweat gland, make that second photo. The third photo shows that some sports can be repeative which means you can always make them look pretty.

Sports Feature
1st - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Victory Bell"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sooner Flag"
3rd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Game Over"

Comments: The first photo is an example of filling every inch of the frame with emotion. I was actually at the game where the second photo was taken and I know how hard it was to predict where he was going to plant the flag, fun fact, I'm behind him so I got photos of his butt.  The last photo is a quiet moment that I love seeing in sports, especially professional. I wish it was a bit wider but that's just me. Easily the strongest category.

Portrait
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Dance"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Zoning"
3rd - Chris Crook, Zanesville Times Recorder, "Bus Driver"

Comments: Nice use of color and light in the first photo.

Story/Essay
1st - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Mussel Survey"
2nd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Eid Al-Adha"
3rd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Red Oak Community School"

Comments: Nice light and variety of images in the first story. Stories are hard to tell, let only in a month, so to get a solid collection of images from one take is tough. Second story had some funny moments which is refreshing to see.

Quarterly Illustration
1st - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Mee Heang"
2nd - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Postmark Restaurant"
3rd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "BBQ"

Comments: Food can be hard to shoot but the first images shows a good control of light and has nice warm tones that really make me want wontons.

Judged by Ian Maule from Tulsa World

October 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Flames Subside"
2nd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "McKeefrey Mansion Fire"
3rd - Bill Lackey, Springfield News-Sun, "Encyclopedias"
HM - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "A Long Way Down"

Judges comments: Never had a really standout photo from the flame action of mansion burning, but No.1 is best of the lot. Explosion a nice moment. Long Way Down has a nice angle, but needs cropping and a bit more of victim face.

General News
1st - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Seeking Sanctuary"
2nd - Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Selling Seats"
3rd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Groundbreaking"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Candidates Forum"
HM - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Guard Heads to Puerto Rico"

Judges comments: Nice comp and layering for Deport, stood out from the rest. Dr. Lego has nice color and light. Clean and simple for Color Guard. Good idea for HM Guard, but not enough action from subjects to stand out.

Feature
1st - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Climbers"
2nd - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch, "Harvest"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Pumpkin Sale"
HM - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Pumkpkin Play"

Judges comments: Evening Climb very nice, good comp. Beautiful light for Harvest, and great color, layering and flow to Pumpkins. Stem-picking a cute moment.

Sports Action
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Touchdown Catch"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Leaping Score"
3rd - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Goalie Save"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Helmet"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, The Cincinnati Enquirer, "No Catch"

Judges comments: 99% of the lot needed tighter cropping. Touchdown Catch great peak and build-up of player layering, though needs a more vertical crop to lose the gawkers in the end zone. Leap would have been No. 1 if it had been cropped much tighter – great peak moment. Goalie Save is clean, nice moment and face. Good find with Beheaded (well-cropped, too). Terrific peak to Deep Pass, but….crop.

Sports Feature
1st - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Independence Celebration"
2nd - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Pick Six"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Autographs"
HM - Kareem Elgazzar, The Cincinnati Enquirer, "Andy Dalton"
HM - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Faithful Fans"

Judges comments: No. 1 really stood out as a clear winner. Great face and moment. Good jube with plenty of players on Winner. Liked the different approach and eye for Browns Town.

Portrait
1st - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Xeyrius Williams"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sculpture"
3rd - Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Avoiding Deportation"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Station Closing"

Judges comments: Great emotion, execution and crop to Xeyrius. Nice arrangement to Sculptor, but should be tighter cropped to lose the fluorescent lights and elements beyond the soldiers. ICE has good light and color, maybe a different angle/comp to make it stronger. Classic edginess to Gasman.

Story/Essay
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "J.T. Barrett"
2nd - Chris Crook, Zanesville Times Recorder, "Mugshots"
3rd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Scary Puppet"

Judges comments: Weakest category. Ohio State Win did the best job of telling a story with the right amount of photos. Wanted more from Jail, but understand the constraint on inmates’ faces – we wanted to see more hands, etc. and a photo or two more at least. Haunted should be edited down – can lose at least 3 photos. A strong photo or two, should have started with the black/green hard contrast image.

Judges: Mike Christy and Kelly Presnell from the Arizona Daily Star

November 2017 clip contest results

Wininng images

Spot News
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Truck Fire"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Explosion"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Electrocution"

General News
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Hershey"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Citizens"
3rd - Andy Morrison, The Blade, "Baby Gorilla"HM - 02_turkeytrot_arc
HM - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Turkey Trot"

Feature
1st - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Trick or Treat"
2nd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Fall Foilage"
3rd - Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Dog Walk"

Portrait
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Jae'Sean Tate"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Calvin Fluellen"
3rd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "WWII Vet"

Sports Action
1st - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Rainball"
2nd - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "End Zone Dive"
3rd - Erik Schelkun, Elsestar Images, "Headball"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Facemask"

Sports Feature
1st - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch, "Block-O Body Paint"
2nd - Shane Flanigan, ThisWeek Community News, "Big Upset"
3rd - Fred Squillante, The Columbus Dispatch, "Happy

Story/Essay
1st - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch, "Crew Playoffs"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "The Game"
3rd - Molly Corfman, The News-Messenger, "Fire Then Tornado"

Judges: Amber Arnold, John Hart and Michael P. King from the Wisconsin State Journal

December 2017 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch , "Okay"
2nd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Fatal Fire"
3rd - Patricia Schaeffer, The (Lisbon) Morning Journal, "Tragedy in Leetonia"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Arson Fire"

Comments: No much entered here. Winner based on composition, creativity, and timing. Great hustle by the photographer shown on 1st, Powerful story behind 2nd, and 3rd. Beautiful light in HM, wish there was more of a moment. 

General News
1st -  Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Bye"
2nd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Polar Express"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Missing Vet"

Comments: Such an intense capture in 1st place. Beautiful moments in 2nd and 3rd. 

Feature
1st - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch, "Scuba Santa"
2nd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch, "Sciota Lights"
3rd - Tom Dodge, The Columbus Dispatch, "Euchre Suit"
HM - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Stacked "

Comments: Some great moments in this category. Judged based on moments and difficulty to capture these scenes. 

Sports Action
1st -  Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch , "Incomplete"
2nd - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Drag"
3rd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch , "Face Mask"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Rebound"ag

Comments: The eyes and the moment win this one. Lots of entries with almost moments near peak action, but the combination of peak moment and expression of two players was the deal breaker in this category. 

Sports Feature
1st - Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch , "Big Win"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch , "Cotton Bowl Champs"
3rd - Barbara J. Perenic, The Columbus Dispatch , "Huddle"
HM - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Last Time"

Comments: Great moment and composition win this one. 2nd, and 3rd were nicely seen, just wanted more of a moment

Portrait
1st - Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Lost Son"
2nd - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch , "Difference"
3rd - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch , "New Begining"
HM - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Woodside"

Comments: Beautiful, intentional use of light to tell the story in 1st.  

Story/Essay
1st - Eric Albrecht, The Columbus Dispatch , "Bipolar Santa"
2nd - Joshua A. Bickel, The Columbus Dispatch , "Community Medics"
3rd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch , "Bowl Game"Comments:

Quarterly Illustration 
1st - Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Kale Ceasar Salad"
2nd - Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch , "Corn"
3rd - Leah Klafczynski, Akron Beacon Journal, "Mozzarella"

Comments: Best use of color, composition, and lighting wins this category. 

Judged by Kyle Grillot / Self-Employed, Reuters, AFP/Getty