2026 Q1 Photo Essay

Points for Q4 PPAGLA Quarterly Contest 2025

Keith Birmingham                 180 Points

Thomas Cordova                   180 Points

Mindy Schauer.                       170 Points

Cristina Salvador Klenz           160 Points

Nancy Newman                       140 Points

Jeff Gritchen                              100 Points

Terry Pierson                               70 Points

Ringo Chiu                                  70 Points

Ghawam Kouchaki                      70 Points

Ted Soqui                                    70 Points

Jill Connelly                                70 Points   

J.W. Hendricks                           50  Points

Robert Hanashiro                       40 Points

Cayo Seals                                 40 Points

Gina Ferazzi.                              20 Points

Quarter 1 judges: Kevin Clark, Erika Schultz, James Gregg

First Place: Initially judges were reluctant on this essay thinking that perhaps it was a little voyeuristic but upon learning that there was strong reporting behind the images including people’s names and their stories it became a very powerful commitment by the photographer to their approach. Intimate moments and a uniform approach strengthened this work because of the journalism behind it.

Second Place: This package had some of the stronger images of the set, but it also felt like there was a good amount of repetition relying on flags and people shouting with their arms up. It would have been served better to be a bit tighter with some different perspectives. Solid daily coverage work.

Third Place: Good moments from this memorial of victims of the fire. It could have been served better with a tighter edit. There are some nice individual frames and use of light and composition.

Honorable Mention: Tough lighting conditions to work with but it is technically sound. It could deal with a tighter edit and it would be more interesting if we knew something about the people photographed.

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First Place

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Michael Chase, 38, smokes a cigarette while lying next to a dumpster near Chestnut Avenue and Willow Street in Long Beach.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. An individual sits on the sidewalk near Long Beach Boulevard just north of Anaheim Street. The person was reluctant to speak with me and I was unable to get any personal or identifying information.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Josue Valencia, 40, has been homeless since 2024. He was on section 8 housing but no longer trusts it.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Elizabeth Piper has been living on the streets for 10 years. “They took my home, my RV. Because I didn’t have a home, they took my son.” The last time Elizabeth saw her son was 10 years ago when he was 16-years-old. Elizabeth didn’t know how old she was, but that she was born in September of 1972.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Kristin Both charges her phone on the median on Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. She has been living on the streets since 2020.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Jayson Lingen, 66, on the streets for 3.5 years. He is charging his phone on Pacific Avenue. He said that he had SSI administrative issues and was evicted.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Penny Malman walks with her dog, Daisy, on Wardlow Street near Orange Avenue in Long Beach.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Rick McDonalds, 54, says he has been on the street his whole life.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. An individual argues with Long Beach Police officers and refuses to get in the ambulance that was on scene.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Paramedics were called on scene by a good samaritan who had performed CPR on a man who said overdosed. Paramedics were able to continue lifesaving measures and the man’s life was saved.

1st_PHOTOESSAY_Cristina Salvador Klenz - Freelance_11.JPG

Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Michael, says that his girlfriend kicked him out and that he is now on the street. He uses a fire to warm his hands in the early morning in Pomona, California.

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Photos From My Car - is a photo essay of images I take during my travels primarily in Long Beach, California. All the images are taken from my vehicle and often depict the current plights of residents. Like many U.S. cities, Long Beach’s homeless population has increased over the years. In 2025, there were 3,595 individuals experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. A man requesting help, sits with his dog in a parking lot along Willow Street in Long Beach.

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Second Place

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This photo essay documents Free Iran rallies across Los Angeles and California in January 2026, organized in solidarity with protests in Iran amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. A mother and her daughter attend a Freedom for Iran rally at Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, California.

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Protesters release colored smoke in the colors of the Lion and Sun flag during a Freedom for Iran rally in downtown Los Angeles, California. Feb 14, 2026

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An organizer leads protesters through the Second Street Tunnel in downtown Los Angeles during a Freedom for Iran rally in Los Angeles, California. Feb 14, 2026

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Protesters march through South Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles during a Freedom for Iran rally in Los Angeles, California. Feb 14, 2026

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A protester holds a sign in support of Reza Pahlavi while marching during a Freedom for Iran rally in Los Angeles, California. Feb 14, 2026

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A protester waves a large Lion and Sun flag during a Freedom for Iran rally at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, California. Feb 7, 2026

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Protesters march down Third Street in Santa Monica, California, during a Freedom for Iran rally. Feb 22, 2026

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A protester cries in the arms of another during a Freedom for Iran rally in Santa Monica, California. Feb 22, 2026

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A portrait of MOHAMMAD REZA PAHLAVI is held up at Persian Square in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, during a rally in support of freedom for Iran. Feb 1, 2026

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A large crowd gathers at Persian Square in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, during a rally in support of freedom for Iran. Feb 1, 2026

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Protesters clap and march down Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, during a Freedom for Iran Rally. March 1, 2026

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A protester lights their Islamic Republic passport on fire at the conclusion of a march from Persian Square in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, in support of freedom for Iran. Feb 1, 2026

Third Place

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Drone view of the Pacific Palisades a year after it burned. Homes are being rebuilt slowly due to red tape and insurance issues. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A memnoriam for Randall Miod who died on January 7, 2025, in the Palisades Fire while trying to protect his home. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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An empty lot with an USA flag where a home once stood. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A memorial with surviving family members of those who died during the Palisades Fire. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A USA flag that survived through the Palisades fire is being removed and replaced with a new flag. Vigils were held for residents who died during the Palisades Fire one year ago. Anniversary events were also held in the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A march through the Pacific Palisades with community and survining family members of those who died during the Palisades Fire. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A bell is rundg fro each community memebr that passed away due top the Palisades fire. Vigils were held for residents who died during the Palisades Fire one year ago. Anniversary events were also held in the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA. Photo by Ted Soqui/SIPA USA

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Community members hold a rally calling for accountablility for the Palisades fire. Vigils were held for residents who died during the Palisades Fire one year ago. Anniversary events were also held in the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA. Photo by Ted Soqui/SIPA USA

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A rusty car remains one year after the devestating Palisades fire. Vigils were held for residents who died during the Palisades Fire one year ago. Anniversary events were also held in the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA. Photo by Ted Soqui/SIPA USA

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A memorial with surviving family members of those who died during the Palisades Fire. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A memorial with surviving family members of those who died during the Palisades Fire. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

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A march through the Pacific Palisades with community and survining family members of those who died during the Palisades Fire. A vigil marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, honoring residents who died in the blaze, in Pacific Palisades. Anniversary events were also held at the civic center. 01/07/2026 Pacific Palisades, CA., USA.

Honorable Mention

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless woman curls up on the sidewalk under a quilt in front of a locked storefront on Broadway January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless woman sits alone on the sidewalk on Broadway January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: Volunteer Eric Fong uses a street map and his phone to navigate the grid his team is driving to count the homeless in the Koreatown area on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless woman sits with her belongings at a bus stop downtown on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA : A homeless man with no shoes leans against a locked storefront with just a blanket for warmth on Broadway January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA : A homeless man sifts through trash for a crumb of food while a homeless woman sits on the sidewalk on Broadway January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless man sifts through trash for a crumbs of food on Broadway January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless man walks the streets with no shoes downtown on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: A homeless person sleeps in a lighted doorway on a chilly night, January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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LOS ANGELES, CA: Volunteer Adrian Funchess uses an app on his phone to count the homeless as his team drives an assigned area in Koreatown on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Volunteers are fanning out across metro Los Angeles to begin the annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The tally provides a point-in-time snapshot of the homeless.

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Kevin Clark

Erika Schultz

James Gregg

Meet your judgeS

Kevin Clark is a photojournalist at The Seattle Times, where he specializes in capturing compelling images of life in the Pacific Northwest. Before landing his first full-time staff position at The Washington Post, he crisscrossed the country five times, interning at various newspapers including The Seattle Times, The Times-Picayune and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Prior to joining The Seattle Times in 2022, he was a photojournalist for The Everett Herald. He is a graduate of the University of Washington. In 2025 he was named as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for local reporting as part of a team investigation into Washington’s spending on failed construction projects.

Erika Schultz is a staff photographer for The Seattle Times and a member of their Climate Lab team. As a photographer and videographer, she focuses on news and longform stories about human connection and community, health, climate change and the environment. Her visual storytelling has been recognized by Pictures of Year International, the Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism, National Edward R. Murrow Awards and the ASNE Community Service Photojournalism awards. Supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation, her immersive digital stories exploring asylum, deportation and women’s rights on the U.S.-Mexico border earned a National Emmy, an Online Journalism Award and recognized by NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism. She also was part of The Seattle Times’ 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning team for Breaking News Reporting. Erika has taught photo and video storytelling at University of Washington, Photographic Center Northwest and coached at Mountain Workshops. She is also an FAA Part 107-certified drone pilot.

James Gregg is the director of photography at The Seattle Times, where he oversees a staff of photojournalists and editors as well as the production and publishing of photography and video on all platforms. He was recently named Best of Photojournalism’s Editor of the Year for local/markets. Before arriving in Seattle in 2024, he worked in newspapers as a staff photographer and video journalist and was the deputy director of photography and video at the Austin American-Statesman. Previously, he worked on the express and live desks of The New York Times as a photo editor and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and San Diego State University. He is a fluent Spanish speaker and a graduate of the University of Kansas.