2026 Q1 Picture Story

Points for Q4 PPAGLA Quarterly Contest 2025

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: This package had a variety of access points, compositions, and moments to keep the viewer moving from picture to picture — which is what a photo story should do.

Second Place: This story would have benefited from a tighter effort. Redundancies of people and their position in the frame as well as composition held this back from being as dynamic as it could have been, but it has strong access to great moments, use of light, and a variety of different looks at an event.

Third Place: This package had strong individual news images and the greatest variety amongst the protest-type packages. It would have benefited by eliminating 2 to 3 pictures of people with their arms raised, but it’s good enough for 3rd place — very strong work.

Honorable Mention: There are some very strong action images in this set but it also relies a bit heavily on signs at times. Kudos to the photographer for being right in the middle of things.

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First Place

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Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins warms-up during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins scores a 10 on the vault during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Judges look on as Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins competes in the floor exercise during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins reacts after competing in the floor exercise during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins reacts with teammates after scoring a 10 on the vault during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Jordan Cilies of the UCLA Bruins prepares for the balance beam during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

1st_PICSTORY_Keith Birmingham - Pasadena Star News_07.JPG

Fans look on as Jordan Cilies of the UCLA Bruins compete on the balance beam during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Jordan Cilies of the UCLA Bruins compete on the balance beam during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

1st_PICSTORY_Keith Birmingham - Pasadena Star News_09.JPG

Katelyn Rosen of the UCLA Bruins reacts along with coach Lacy Dagen after competing on the balance beam during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

1st_PICSTORY_Keith Birmingham - Pasadena Star News_10.JPG

Tiana Sumanasekera of the UCLA Bruins competes on the uneven bars during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

1st_PICSTORY_Keith Birmingham - Pasadena Star News_11.JPG

Tiana Sumanasekera of the UCLA Bruins competes on the vault during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

1st_PICSTORY_Keith Birmingham - Pasadena Star News_12.JPG

Jordn Chiles of the UCLA Bruins has a little fun with UCLA Alumni band director, Joel Fierberg during a NCAA gymnastics meet against Nebraska at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

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Second Place

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homas Medel, of Renaissance High School, belts it out as the vocalist for the metal band Bloody America at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Long Beach high school and middle school students sang, screamed and shredded during the fourth annual Battle of the Bands in the At The Top nightclub on Pine Avenue Saturday afternoon. The competition, a fundraiser for Renaissance High School for the Arts, gives students a peek into what it’s like to perform professionally. What started as a humble event for Renaissance students has grown into an event attracting hundreds of audience members who stood shoulder to shoulder to watch the city’s best young talent.

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Adelah Rahniin left and Joaquin Palafox, both from Renaissance High School and the band Jezebel, arrived at the venue with gear in hand for the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Jezebel came in second place in the contest and will perform at Dipiazza's on May 31, alongside the first and third-place bands.

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Samuel Ayala, Iaroslav Riabinin, and Jeremiah Yambao from Wilson High School, members of the band Letters for You, warm up backstage before starting the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

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Nico Wallen, left, and Yvie Jett, perform with their band Amelia's Body at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

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Adelah Rahniin from Renaissance High School plays drums with her band Jezebel at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on March 7, 2026. Jezebel finished second and will perform at Dipiazza's on May 31 with the other top bands.

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Nico Wallen, left, and Samuel Ayala watch another band from the side stage as they wait to perform with the band Amelia's Body at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

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Magnolia Young and Social Hour fired up a mosh pit at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The band started at Marshall Middle School, and their guitar player still goes there.

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Isaiah DJ, left and Joaquin Palafox from the band Jezebel tuned their instruments before taking the stage at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Jezebel finished in second place and will play at Dipiazza's on May 31 with the first and third-place bands.

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Aiden Julian, right, gets airborne as he performs with his band Acid from Cabrillo High School during the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

2nd_PICSTORY_Thomas Cordova - Long Beach Post_10.JPG

Thomas Medel from Renaissance High School and Abigail S. from Milliken High School sit at the side of the stage while Bloody America sets up for their performance. Both are vocalists for the metal band, which played at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Bloody America won the contest and will perform at Dipiazza's on May 31, alongside the second- and third-place bands.

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Isaiah DJ celebrates his win with friends in the green room after the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on March 7, 2026.

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Abigail S. from Milliken High School sits on the stage as she belts out her vocals with the metal band Bloody America at the 4th Annual Battle of the Bands in Long Beach on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Bloody America took first place and will play at Dipiazza's on May 31, along with the second- and third-place bands.

Third Place

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_01.JPG

A few thousand demonstrators gathered to celebrate the U.S. and Israeli military strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Many people marching waved the Lion and Sun, the flag of Iran before the Islamic Revolution, during the afternoon rally in Westwood a hub for the Iranian community in LA. People marched, danced, sang, smiled and cried.

A woman cries during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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Hamed Razipur leads the crowd during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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People chant and throw flowers onto a large poster of Reza Pahlavi during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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A protesters holds a sign thanking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump as others celebrate during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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Demonstrators holds a Lion and Sun flag during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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Protesters hold flags and signs including ones featuring Reza Pahlavi and President Trump during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_07.JPG

People carry a massive Lion and Sun flag during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_08.JPG

A protester holds a sign featuring Reza Pahlavi and President Trump during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_09.JPG

People march, and chant during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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protester holds a sign thanking President Trump during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_11.JPG

Hamed Razipur swings a Lion and Sun flag during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

3rd_PICSTORY_Jill Connelly - Freelance_12.JPG

A huge flag is carried down the street during a demonstration in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_01.jpg

Protesters stand on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

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Department of Homeland Security officers and protesters clash as a vehicle attempts to leave the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_03.jpg

A protester holding a knife walks past a law enforcement vehicle whose window is being smashed after having been sprayed by pepper spray while it leaves the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_04.jpg

A Department of Homeland Security officer holds a riot shield which has a sticker which reads “Fuck Trump” stuck to it as he and other officers clash with protesters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_05.jpg

Department of Homeland Security officers and protesters clash outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_06.jpg

Department of Homeland Security officers and protesters clash outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_07.jpg

Department of Homeland Security officers and protesters clash outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_08.jpg

Protesters use cardboard and other trash to protect themselves from less than lethal weapons and barricade Department of Homeland Security officers inside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_09.jpg

Protesters work to move a dumpster as they clash with Department of Homeland Security officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_10

A protester lights a cigarette for another protester as they clash with Department of Homeland Security officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_11.jpg

A sign which reads “Fight for those who can’t” sits on the ground as Department of Homeland Security officers and protesters clash outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

HM1_PICSTORY_Cayo Seals - Freelance_12.jpg

A dumpter that was moved by protesters as they clashed with Department of Homeland Security officers reads “Fuck ICE” outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2026. This protest was a part of the nationwide general strike in opposition to ICE activities across the country.

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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.