Pictures of the Year

I just got back from Washington, D.C. where I spent two days at the annual Pictures of the Year International Education and Awards Program.

It was a fantastic couple of days with the first day's events held at The Newseum, which just recently opened to the public. Day two, which included the presentation of awards, followed by a reception and dinner, was held at National Geographic. Here is a complete list of winners from the POYi 2008.

Before booking my trip I had to decide between attending the News Photographer's Association of Canada's (NPAC) annual National Pictures of the Year (NPOY) awards presentations and educational program in Vancouver, B.C. but I didn't want to miss this opportunity to go to Washington.

Here is the complete list of winners from Photojournalism 2008. So far I have heard nothing but good things from the weekend in Vancouver, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend both functions. I'm sure there are some who will want to rake me over the coals for going to Washington instead. From the looks of things NPAC's POYs are beginning to gain the recognition they deserve.

I'm sure a few of my friends enjoyed a drink or two for me as I requested. It would have been nice to spend the time with some old friends, but I have to say that it was also a great pleasure to meet some photographers in Washington whom I have only ever know by name, reputation, and their photographs for years. Photographers are an excellent group everywhere you go, and the gathering down their certainly made me feel welcome. I certainly appreciated their hospitality. My short, but brutally early 6am flight back to Toronto, delivered me safely at home with a pocket-full of new business cards, a pile of great memories, and the knowledge that I had made some new friendships that will last a long time.

Congratulations to all of the winners, both NPAC POY, and POYi. The images are all deserving, and inspirational.