This award, established in 1949, is the highest honor in the field of photojournalism. It is awarded to not more than two individuals each year and is granted only if achievement is, in the opinion of the Committee on Honorary Recognitions, of a sufficiendly high standard. Two awards may be given:
To a working photojournalist an individual who advances, elevates or attains unusual recognition for the profession of photojournalism by conduct, initiative, leadership, skill, and devotion to duty.
To an individual not a working photojournalist for unusual service or achievement beneficial to photojournalism or for an outstanding technology advance in equipment or processes of photojournalism.
Joseph A Sprague, who died in 1948, was a press technical representative for Graflex Corp., Rochester, NY. The firm manufactured Graflex and Speed and Crown Graphic cameras and flash units. Sprague is credited with the design of the Big Bertha, Magic Eye and Combat Camera and dozens of refinements to the Speed Graphic.
2016
Michael Williamson
Ken Kobre
2015
Boyd Huppert
Jonathan Malat
2014
Michel du Cille
2013
Ken Hackman
Mickey Osterreicher
2012
Dennis Dimick
Charles W. "Chick" Harrity
2011
Donald R Winslow
Joe Torelli
2010
Bill Luster
2009
Bob Lynn
Kevin Scofield
2008
Steve Sweitzer
Sharon Freed
2007
John Long
Kenny Irby
2006
Bob Brandon
Clyde Mueller
2005
Rob Galbraith
Wally McNamee
2004
Dirck Halstead
William Pekala
2003
Joe Elbert
Dave Metz
2002
William Allard
Kurt Wimmer
2001
Carol Guzy
Mike Davis
2000
John Goheen
Michael Morse
