Philadelphia College Media Convention Shoot-Out 2014
Twenty-three students submitted 41 images for critique on Saturday and entry into the competition as part of the “Shoot Out” at the National College Media Convention in Philadelphia this fall.
The quality of time images at this fall’s shootout was as high as ever. And the students seemed very engaged in documenting the city, which was definitely photogenic.
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the fifth-most-populous city in the United States, and the core of the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the country. Popular nicknames for Philadelphia are Philly and The City of Brotherly Love, the latter of which comes from the literal meaning of the city’s name in Greek “brotherly love,” compounded from philos “loving,” and adelphos “brother.” Philadelphia is known for its arts and culture including Independence Hall. The cheesesteak and soft pretzel are emblematic of Philadelphia cuisine, which is shaped by the city’s ethnic mix. The city has more outdoor sculptures and murals than any other American city.
Armed with that information, more than 60 students were given their assignment: “Independence” and about 48 hours to turn in one or two images with captions.
We told them: When the judges look at the pictures individually and collectively, they should feel that the pictures reflect upon Philadelphia and this unique experience. They should offer an analysis of the historical and “Rocky” nature of the city that goes beyond the superficial.
For their effort, the entrants get bragging rights that they competed in a national competition with some of the finest college photographers around. Putting such a line on their resume is worth the effort.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following participants in the Philly Shoot-out.
FIRST PLACE — Tim Kothlow, California Baptist University (Michael Chute, adviser)
CLASS FAVORITE AND SECOND PLACE — Jamie Stricklin, University of Arkansas (Steve Wilkes, adviser)
THIRD PLACE — Matt Merchant, Kent State University (Mitch McKenney, adviser)
HONORABLE MENTION — Julie Gurrola, California Baptist University (Michael Chute, adviser)
HONORABLE MENTION — Klara Johannesen, John Brown University (Marquita Smith, adviser)
HONORABLE MENTION — Rebecca Dietrich, Slippery Rock University (Mark Zeltner, adviser)
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JUDGES
The contest was coordinated by Bradley Wilson. The 47 judges included a great variety of professional photojournalists, former college photographers and scholastic instructors and a few others. Thanks to them.
Alex Sanchez, Amy Kilpatrick, Bryan Farley, Cary Conover, Chris Gillon, Chris Lusk, Clint Smith, Darlene Bouchard, Ellen Austin, Ellen Banner, Eric Thomas, Eva Cranford, George Bridges, Jackie Dobson, Jim McNay, John Beale, Josh Merwin, Judy Walgren, Kathy Daly, Katie Buzdor, Kelby Wingert, Kelly Furnas, Kyle Grantham, Kyle Phillips, Lauren Roberts, Laurie Hansen, Leonard Whitney, Linda Barrington, Mark Zeltner, Matt Hagen, Michael Weimer, Mitch Ziegler, Patrick Johnston, Rachel Johnson, Ray Westbrook, Rex Curry, Rob Bradley, Rob Chron, Robert Nulph, Sam Oldenberg, Sam Womack, Seth Gitner, Sherri Taylor, Trey Grissom, Will McKay, William Snyder, Zach Hetrick