2025 Q1 Picture Story

Points for Q1 PPAGLA Quarterly Contest

Cristina Salvador Klenz                                                        230 points

Ringo Chiu                                                                              170 points

Robert Gauthier                                                                    160 points

Jill Connelly                                                                             150 points

Robert Hanashiro                                                                   130 points

David Swanson                                                       110 points

Patrick Fallon                                                                            90 points

Terry Pierson                                                                             90 points

Thomas Cordova                                                                       90 points

Keith Birmingham                                                                     90 points

Brandon Richardson                                                                 70 points

Genaro Molina                                                                          60 points

Mindy Schauer                                                                           50 points

Mike Goulding                                                                            50 points

William Liang                                                                               40 points

Amy Gaskin                                                                                   30 points

Michael Coons                                                                              30 points

Gina Ferazzi                                                                                   20 points

Dana Rene White                                                                          20 points

Scott Mitchell                                                                                 20 points 

Quarter 1 judges, jAMIE rOSE & JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON

This category had more than the photo essay did, but this one has three that rose to the top.  No Honorable Mentions.

First Place: This is great storytelling throughout an event. There is a lot of visual variety in the use of overalls, telephoto, light, action, portraits. While lacking a strong detail, it hits all the elements of composition with each frame bringing something to the edit while not feeling repetitive. 

Second Place: We’ve seen a lot of border/asylum stories over the years. However, this offers the visual as well as emotional variety that the subject matter needed. The piece could have benefited from a tighter edit but still been just as strong. The creative use of scene setters and emotional caring is well done. The silhouette on the tent and the bunk beds were stand out as well as #06 which felt reminiscent (in a good way) of Peter Turnley’s exodus from Ukraine image. 

Third Place: Getting access to a private ceremony like this shows professionalism and trust. The photographer did a strong shoot in a matter of a day while still getting a clear sense of the mood and powerful emotions of the subject. The piece could have benefited from a tighter edit since certain frames felt repetitive. But the ability of the photographer to get and keep access through all stages of the day supersedes that.  

Honorable Mention: There are a couple of really strong images, like the leading photo.  I think a closer and tighter edit would help this but overall nicely done.

Honorable Mention: There are some great single images in here and the consistency of the technical and compositional is really strong. The visual variety of tight, medium and wide shots are well done combined with both quiet moments and peak action. 

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First Place: Jill Connelly / Freelance 

Description: “Las Valentinas are, a group of middle and elementary schoolers who are competing in the sport of escaramuza — part of Mexico’s national sport of charrería, or Mexican rodeo. The sport requires a combination of elegance and toughness as a team of eight girls wear long gowns and perfectly matching accessories while riding horses around an arena. They perform a 12-step routine consisting of synchronized equestrian ballet maneuvers in rapid succession for about five minutes. The team practices in a ring at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, California. Caption: Rosemarie Zamorez, 18, (right) braids Alicia Ramirez’s hair as she and other members of Las Valentinas get ready for a performance at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Lillibeth Luna unpacks her sombrero as she and other members of Las Valentinas get ready to perform their Escarmuza routine during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Roselina Medina brushes her horse Malibu as she and other members of Las Valentinas get ready to perform their Escarmuza routine during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

(L to R) Alicia Ramirez and Roselina Medina relax before their Escarmuza performance at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Lillibeth Luna removes the pad and blanket from her horse Luna following a Las Valentinas performance at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Roselina Medina, 13, pets her horse Malibu at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Members of Las Valentinas perform their Escarmuza routine with their coach Celina Zamorez (center in black) during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025. coach

Damaris Cabrera rides her horse in a race with turns called “carrera con giros” as the crowd watches her and other Las Valentinas perform at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

The crowd watches members of Las Valentinas perform their Escarmuza routine during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Members of Las Valentinas perform their Escarmuza routine during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Alicia Ramirez on her horse in the ring at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

Members of Las Valentinas perform their Escarmuza routine during a fundraiser at Rancho Zamorez in Coachella, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2025.

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Second Place: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers gather on Avenida Jose Maria Larroque outside a U.S. customs office as they deal with the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers gather on Avenida Jose Maria Larroque outside a U.S. customs office as they deal with the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Solange Murzi, 4, passes the time as she waits with her asylum seeking parents on Avenida Jose Maria Larroque outside a U.S. customs office days after the cancellation of the CBP1 program.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Marcela Medina 57, tears up with gratitude along with her husband Jesus Correa, 61, as aid workers deliver breakfast for the dozens of asylum seekers waiting to meet with U.S. customs officials. They were still unsure how to deal with the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers board a van for transport to a shelter after waiting hours outside U.S. customs despite the cancellation of the CBP1 program. Many waited months for an appointment only to have them cancelled by President Trump.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Shadday Chapparo, 7, from Venezuela is transported to a government shelter with her family days after the cancellation of the CBP1 program.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Colombian asylum seekers cook a meal at Templo Embajadores De Jesús days after the CBP1 program was canceled by the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers at Templo Embajadores De Jesús have lived for there for months after the cancellation of the CBP1 program.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers rest at Movimiento Juvuntude 2000 days after the cancellation of the CBP1 program. Their future is now more uncertain as Mexican officials decide where they must go.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers deal with the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers hungry for information are given information regarding the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 - Asylum seekers gather on Avenida Jose Maria Larroque outside a U.S. customs office as they deal with the cancellation of the CBP1 program after waiting weeks and months for an appointment with officials to enter the U.S.

Third Place: Cristina Salvador Klenz / Freelance

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork at the DMV to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. A small group of men, including brother-in-law, Sonny, were the first to see Robert at the funeral home. Robert’s younger brother, Mario, kisses his brother goodbye. The men were not only brothers but also best friends.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Extended family members prepared the meal that was served at Robert’s funeral. A framed photo of Robert was placed at the center of the main table. His teenaged son, Luke, one of four surviving children, is seated next to the picture.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert left behind four children including his daughter Gigi, 9, who is saying her final goodbyes. Gigi left a personal note that was folded and placed in her father’s suit pocket near his heart. It went with him to his grave and it said: “Dear Dad, I don’t know why you had to leave me to go to Jesus. I’m crying, and I still love you, and I want you to come home.”

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s mother, MaryAnn, is in despair after the loss of her firstborn child. She is proud that her son was an organ donor. “What Gypsy boy do you know donates his organs? He couldn’t save his own life, but he is saving other people.”

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s mother, MaryAnn is consoled by her sister-in-law, Ericka, at the funeral home in Reno, Nevada.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Family matriarch, Cathy, 9, consoles Robert’s daughter, Gigi during the funeral meal that was prepared by the extended family. It is customary to have plates of fruit at Romani funeral tables.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Romani men from Robert’s extended family brought their grills to the funeral home and prepared food for the family.

The Gift of Life — March, 17, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Family matriarch, Cathy, offers powerful words of prayer prior to the meal at Robert’s funeral in Reno, Nevada.

The Gift of Life, March, 18, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s son Luke, brother-in-law, Sonny, mother, MaryAnn and brother, Mario, take extra special care with the final preparations so that Robert can be taken to the cemetery. They make sure he has a set of clothing, pajamas, shoes and hats.

The Gift of Life, March, 18, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s family sits in prayer next to his casket. Robert was buried next to his father, Spiro, at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, Nevada.

The Gift of Life, March, 18, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert was buried next to his father, Spiro, at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, Nevada. From right to left are: his brother, Mario, his mother, MaryAnn, and his sister, Susie.

The Gift of Life, March, 18, 2025, Robert Richards was known to his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would give his last dollar to anyone. His legacy of giving and kindness continued even after his death. Robert, who was only 39, when he died, filed the proper paperwork to ensure that his organs would be donated. His family granted his wishes and kept him on life support in Reno, Nevada, so that his organs could be distributed to individuals in dire need of life-saving transplants. According to his family, Robert saved the lives of 6 to 7 people including the life of a distant Romani relative, a father of three children. Because of tradition, it is uncommon for Romani Americans to donate their organs. After death, the body is considered sacred. Robert’s uncle, the family patriarch said, “I never knew he was a donor until I went to the hospital and the lady told me. It’s not our ritual, and I was in shock because he did it without letting me know. I feel good about it because he saved lives.” Robert’s sudden death has left the family heartbroken. Romani families are very close. Robert’s mother MaryAnn grieves during the internment and is supported by her brother and sister-in-law. Robert was buried next to his father, Spiro, at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, Nevada.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Richardson / Long Beach Watchdog

Jonathan Guzman and Maricela Gonzalez, left, and other family members comforth each other during a vigil for Brian Gonzalez at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Brian died the day before after suffering a medical emergency during a soccer game.

PICSTORY_5628108346_GonzalezVigil_10.jpg

Coach Sandy Castillo addresses her team through tears the day after player Brian Gonzalez died on the field at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Poly High School soccer player Leandro Mendoza places a candle on the "C" statue at Cabrillo High School during a vigil for Brian Gonzalez Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. Gonzalez died the day before after suffering a medical emergency during a soccer game.

Cabrillo soccer players mourn the death of their teammate Brian Gonzalez during a vigil at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Cabrillo frosh/soph soccer player Matthew Lopez wipes away tears during a vigil for teammate Brian Gonzalez, who died during a game the day before, at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Brian Gonzalez, a Cabrillo soccer player who died during a game the day before, during vigil at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Players and coaches hold hands during a vigil for Brian Gonzalez at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Cabrillo baseball players place flowers on the ground for Brian Gonzalez, a soccer player who died during a game the day before, as Gonzalez's parents, left, look on during a vigil at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Coach Sandy Castillo holds back tears the day after player Brian Gonzalez died on the field at Cabrillo High School. A vigil was held for Gonzalez at the school Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Angel Castro, 17, left, and Aiden Vazquez, 16, varsity soccer players at Jordan High School, play guitar and sing during a vigil for Cabrillo soccer player to Brian Gonzalez at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Frankie Gonzalez, 23, consoles Jonathan Guzman on the spot where his son Brian died during a vigil at Cabrillo High School Saturday, Jan. 18, 2024. Brian died the day before after suffering a medical emergency during a soccer game.

Honorable Mention: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, March 13, 2025 - Thousands gather in Haneada Airport terminal 3 to greet the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team who are en route from the U.S. to play in this MLB Tokyo Series 2025. Alas, the team was a no-show as it chose to disembark at a private terminal nearby.

Tokyo, Japan, Monday, March 17, 2025 - Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is featured on numerous billboards for various companies in and outside the Tokyo Dome at the MLB Tokyo Series 2025.

Tokyo, Japan, Monday, March 17, Koki Yamaguch corrals his boys, Hataka, 3, and Kyoji, 1, as they scurry around the Tokyo Dome where fans arrive to view the MLB Tokyo Series 2025.

Tokyo, Japan, Friday, March 14, 2025 - Dodgers fans try on caps at the official MLB Tokyo Series 2025 souvenir store against at the Tokyo Dome.

Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025 - Tokyo Dome grounds crews apply the finishing touches to home plate before The LA Dodgers play an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome for the MLB Tokyo Series 2025.

Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Third base is placed before LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs play the first game of the season at the MLB Tokyo Series 2025, in the Tokyo Dome.

Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, March 16, 2025 - J-Pop trio MiSaMo throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the LA Dodgers play an exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers at the Tokyo Dome for as part of the MLB Tokyo Series 2025.

Tokyo, Japan, Friday, March 14, 2025 - LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani enters the field at the Tokyo Dome for a workout ahead of this weeks MLB Tokyo Series 2025 against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.

Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025 - A young boy who was brought along to team introductions looks up in awe to Shohei Ohtani before an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome for the MLB Tokyo Series 2025.

Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy dives for a foul ball hit by Ian Happ that was eventually caught by former USC quarterback Rodney Peete, left.

Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - The LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs play the first game of the season at the MLB Tokyo Series 2025, in the Tokyo Dome.

Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani waves to fans as he leaves the field after a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs at the MLB Tokyo Series 2025, in the Tokyo Dome.

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Meet your judge

Jamie Rose is co-Founder and COO of Momenta Group, LLC, which operates Momenta Workshops, Momenta Creative, and manages Wildfire Media, a nonprofit dedicated to documentary storytelling. Her early career was spent in the halls of power as a Press Corps photojournalist covering Capitol Hill and the White House, primarily as a long-term contract for The New York Times. 

Her passion for working with nonprofits led her to documentary coverage of humanitarian and health crises in Africa, North and South America, and the Middle East. Her clients included organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, The Calvert Foundation, The Global Fund, and Physicians for Human Rights. 

In 2011, Jamie was awarded the United Nations’ Photographers Leadership Award. Her long-term photo projects have won acclaim from the Alexia Foundation and The White House News Photographers’ Association for her portfolio of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) health care workers in wartime Northern Uganda.

Jamie is considered an expert in nonprofit communications and has been interviewed about the importance of storytelling in nonprofit communications by The Candid Frame, Photo District News (PDN), Creative Marketing & Business Podcast, and News Photographer Magazine, among others. She has been an invited lecturer at Harvard University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, University of Oregon, the Northern Short Course, and her alma maters.

Jamie holds degrees in Literature and Communications from American University and Visual Interactive Communications from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. She also runs the popular blog Jamie’s List, which promotes jobs and opportunities for creatives. 

She lives in the mountains of Oregon with her husband, co-founder of Momenta John Chris Anderson, and their rescue dogs, Cody and Malcolm. 

John Christopher Anderson is the founder and CEO of Momenta Group. He has been an active player in the photographic and communications industry for more than two decades. His background includes roles as a photojournalist, daily news and travel photo editor, and Photo and Illustrations Editor for National Geographic Society. This collection of experience, plus a passion for the craft of Concerned Documentary Photography, helped him find the inspiration to launch Momenta. 

Momenta has divisions in creative consulting, specializing in nonprofit and strategic communications, and International educational workshops. In 2017, Chris helped Momenta launch a charitable nonprofit called Wildfire Media, which provides capacity-building and development assistance along with a dose of inspiration to under-supported NGO communities charities and documentarians around the world. 

The challenges of using powerful visual messaging and open-source research content as a vehicle for educating the public has grown into his biggest passion of late.

John lives with his wife and business partner, Jamie Rose, in the beautiful mountains of Oregon. When he’s not working on Wildfire and Momenta, you can find him blazing down a singletrack on his dirt bike, perfecting a carve on a snowboard, or hiking the backcountry trails with Jamie and their rescue pups.