Last month the Journalism Education Association held it’s spring convention in downtown Phoenix. I was asked by my old Student Media Advisor at NCSU, Bradley Wilson, to help with the judging. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to help. It’s been a while since I’ve judged any photo contest and this was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to judge at the high school level.

The evening was a lot of fun and was able to met David LaBelle. I bought his book, The Great Picture Hunt, when I was first getting into photojournalism. It was very influential in getting me started along that path.


I hope I was able to help and encourage the students with my critiques. I know the many critiques I’ve had have helped me. Not a bad way to spend a Friday evening.