(13 entries)

Judge: J. Kyle Keener, Deputy Director of Photography, Detroit Free Press
Keener is a six time winner of the National Press Photographers Association Regional Photographer of the Year. He was a staff photographer at The Philadelphia Inquirer for nine years before joining the Free Press five years ago. For his work in 1999 the Society of News Design honored him with gold, silver, and a judges special recognition for his complete body of work. He has often taught "Art Direction" at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies.

First place
SARAH PRALL
Arizona Daily Star
"Glowing Memories"
"The first place "Day of the Dead" illustration used the wrinkled Polaroid transfer technique to create a wonderful mysterious mood. The photographer chose to keep the concept simple yet symbolic. Dramatic lighting combined with the use of a warm color palette added to the mood. And the choice of a smiling scull mask was critical bringing home the point that even death can occasionally be a time of celebration."

Second place
DAVID SANDERS
Arizona Daily Star
"Cook Outs"
"The second-place winner is well lit with seamless Photoshop technique to create the distorted character. Good choice of a minimalist background keeps the reader focused on the key elements of the photo. It fell down slightly, however, because the content and humorous tone of the illustration had little in common with the content of the story."

Third place
MONA REEDER
The Arizona Republic
"Spa...ahhh!"
"The third place winner, showing the latest chic drapings being used for spa attire has a beautiful, soft, and sensual feel. The bold use of color both in the fabric and in the background is outstanding. However, the extra close crop on both the top of the head and the model's face kept this strong effort from placing higher."