Pictures of the Year Reaction – Picture Story
I watched the Pictures of the Year (POYi) issue reporting picture story category through the webcast. There were 320 entries, of which “Love Me” was the winner. While I agree with the decision, having watched almost all of the judging, I had mixed feelings about the photos themselves in “Love Me.” I feel they were the best at reporting the issue, but I wonder if there were stronger photos within the project. Alas, I could not find the entire project to decide. One webcast participant wrote that “there are lots of strong stories, if you read the captions, but if the images don’t attract you from the first view, they are not pictures of the year.” I think this is where I trip up with this series. As a whole, I think it is very good, but I wonder about the decision to open with the stark portrait of the girl. It definitely sets the tone for the project, but I don’t feel it had the strongest opening photo. Opening with a portrait creates the impression that the series is about that person, when that is not the case here. Nonetheless, I think it addressed a troubling issue with a steady eye. The judges noted its very clinical light, which I think makes sense in the context of the story. It doesn’t glorify beauty, choosing instead to show the dangers.
I had never watched the competition through a webcast, but I’m glad I did. There was some interesting discussion at times. One person asked, “war war why?” It made me glad, then, to see that the top three finishers were not necessarily about war itself. Second place went to “For Better or Worse,” about a elderly couple struggling with health care. While some of the judges wondered how issue-worthy this project was, Donna Decesare argued that we should “fight for beauty” in the world. She herself was tired of looking at war, death, and destruction. I can see how the media’s tendency to focus on those issues creates the impression that there is little good in the world. This story reminds us that we don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to find important and touching stories. This story takes place in a small town with simple characters, yet reminds us of the power of genuine love. It works well in stark contrast to “Love Me.” Only one of those stories shows true love. Despite all the efforts to make people love them, we are left doubting that the subjects of “Love Me” will ever find the simple love of “For Better or Worse.” The first story highlights conditional love. The second one praises unconditional love.
I can’t get into the Moldova story, “Moldova – The Outsiders.” One judge felt that each image was a small story in itself, and another thought it was good at giving an overview without losing the subjects. I disagree. I found the photos disconnected, and frankly, uninteresting. They don’t call out to me like the others. It does seem to accurately reflect the chaos of the current climate, but I just don’t feel it was that strong a series.
Thanks for you provide your opinion and your comments about the POYI. To be honest , it is very difficult when you look so many photos-especial nice photos. It always make us to conflict between the different story. The same thing not only happened to us, but also to the judging.
It is amazing opportunity to study photography for POYI, we are fortunated for the pictures contest.