Gilbert Christian Schools

Gilbert, AZ USA
Grades PK-12, Coed Boarding and Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
Adding artificial light to a natural setting isn't always easy to do, but this is the consistent thread through these fun portraits. These are cinematic and larger-than-life because they are so well-planned and well-lit. It looks like the students enjoyed the process as much as the photographer. Beautiful work.

I appreciate that this school’s entry is different from the others, and I recognize the photographer’s intentional effort to up-level these shoots. Creative use of blended artificial and natural light helps to dramatize these sports portraits. My technical favorite is the volleyball girl, backlit with that golden setting sun and the added soft key light in front — evenly balanced both in color temperature and intensity. Her casual pose and genuine expression make for an appealing and pleasing portrait. Checks all of the boxes. Bravo!

TEAM
Corey Gilmore

Tie for Silver

Greenhill School

Addison, TX USA
PK-12, Coed Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
Each of these four is a very strong image for different reasons (extraordinary natural light capture and use of artificial light source, solid composition, and captured exuberance), and together, they make for an appealing collection.

TEAM
Sara Ellis, Greenhill School, Digital Content Specialist

Tie for Silver

Greenwich Country Day School

Greenwich, CT USA
Grades PreK-12, Coed Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
I love these unposed, emotionally-charged, candid captures. Technically well done: composition, exposure, sharpness — all solid. And that beautiful fall sunrise behind the magnificent tree given scale with the passing student is worthy of a page spread or viewbook cover.

TEAM
Ariana Lubelli Brown, Senior Visual Storyteller, Digital Asset Manager
Jon Lopez, Visual Storyteller, Sports Information Manager

Shady Side Academy

Pittsburgh, PA USA
Grades JPK-12, Coed Boarding and Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
These are all solid images that even have a professional feel. Their contexts are understood. They present strong candid moments—joyful, happy kids, engaged in activities shared by their peers. My favorite capture is the outdoor class at the river. Well framed, caught at the right time of year, it communicates to viewers that their campus has this beautiful setting as part of their grounds or at least has nearby access to it. Collectively, these capture the warm, friendly spirit of the school—an appealing mini portrait of Shadyside. 

TEAM
Laura Stewart, Social Media Strategist