Photo competition takes shot at patriotism, diversity

By Dana Arellano
Diversity Institute Fellow

08.06.04

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More than 40 photographers showed up for the kickoff of the UNITY Photography and Design Competition Wednesday afternoon, and participants were soon looking for images that would convey a theme of patriotic diversity.

“Everyone is going to try to shoot the monuments,” Washington Post Photographer Mark Gail said. “I’m thinking about going over to Fort McHenry, which is the birthplace of the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ ”

Organizers of the competition said the patriotic theme seemed ideal for this year’s convention, which drew 7,500 journalists — including photographers.

“What better place to photograph patriotic events than Washington, D.C.?” Paul Sakuma, an Associated Press photographer, asked. He is one of six judges for the competition.

Boyzell Hosey, another judge, stressed quality of work.

“I think overall we just want to talk about good photojournalism and foster that environment,” Hosey, a photographer for the St. Petersburg Times, said.

The competition is open to anyone registered for the UNITY convention, and participants are limited to five final entries.

Photographers have mixed ideas about developing a strategy to win.

“Choose a theme and work it,” Gail, a seven-year veteran at the Post, said. “That’s the most important thing.”

Virginia Grimm, a freelance photographer in Aurora, Colo., said she didn’t have a plan.

“I’m thinking of maybe going to the Arlington Cemetery or the Union Station.”

Michael Leftwich, a news photographer for WB Channel 64 in Cincinnati, Ohio, said he simply liked to concentrate on people.

Winners will be announced today after two hours of judging. Photos will be displayed at the Washington Convention Center.

Related

UNITY 2004 coverage by Diversity Institute reporters
Summer fellows file dispatches from Washington, D.C., where more than 7,000 journalists of color are attending convention workshops, speeches, receptions.  08.05.04