The Best of Photojournalism

Chapter Two

By Maria Mann

This year's launch of the Best of Photojournalism Contest was a living testament to the trial by fire theory. While we sputtered along a bit in the early stages it was an exciting and grand beginning. We are fortunate to have a BOP Committee whose members do not understand the word 'impossible'.

Our first effort to go digital proved to be the most daunting task, and one that considerably ratcheted up the anxiety factor. As with all new ventures we suffered through a period of forehead-mopping -- but the team at MerlinOne made it possible for us to realize a break-through method of judging, and they are working closely (and continuously) with us to make things even easier this year.

We were able to judge photos in the serenity of The Poynter Institute, whose Visual Journalism Group Leader Kenny Irby has once again generously offered The Poynter for next year's judging March 23-29, 2003. It is a journalistic haven.

As for the Best of Photojournalism book, it is, simply put, a jewel. To Bill Marr and Sarah Leen our gratitude and admiration.

This considerable measure of success has served as our starting block. We are fully determined and anxious to make next year's contest easier, more streamlined and a model of forward thinking. We've also listened to feedback, from inside and out, and have made efforts to address some issues.

As was the case last year, we will have a superb group of judges - Mike Sargent, Vice President of Getty Images; Beth Keiser, former AP photographer; Jean-Francois LeRoy, Director of Visa Pour L'Image in Perpignan; Jim Wilson, Photo Editor at the New York Times and Robert Seale, Sporting News staff photographer.

Our BOP Committee includes Joe Elbert, Kenny Irby, Brian Storm, Larry Nighswander, Keith Jenkins and Mike Smith. And, once again, we will have the pivotal support our NPPA volunteers, without whom we would find ourselves in dire straits.

The contest will be one hundred percent digital -- either via FTP or on CD. The fee is zero. We encourage a truly global, more ample participation and trust that you will convince your colleagues at home and abroad to participate. We await your entries.