(50 entries)

Judges: H. Darr Beiser, Amy Kinsella, Denny Gainer, USA Today
H. Darr Beiser has been a staff photographer at USA Today since its founding in 1982. A native of Tucson and UA grad, he worked five years at the Tucson Citizen before moving to USA Today.
Amy Kinsella is a news photo editor at USA Today. She joined the staff after four years at The Detroit News. Denny Gainer has been a photo editor at USA Today for 12 years after being assistant director of photography at The Detroit News.

First place
BRAD ARMSTRONG
The Tribune
"Salute"
"Strong and instant impact. Conveyed emotion of the moment. Judges were quickly unanimous in choice for first place."

Second place
TONY BLEI
The Tribune
"Forgive"
"The three-picture package stood out among many courtroom photos because it tells a complete story. Judges were impressed by the range of emotions conveyed in the package."

Third place
MONA REEDER
The Arizona Republic
"Columbine Memorial"
"Judges were struck by the stark simplicity of the composition in this photograph."

Honorable Mention
SAMANTHA FELDMAN
The Tribune
"Backstage Help"
"A seldom-seen spontaneous moment that portrays a private side of the candidate."