WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 10, 2025 – The White House News Photographers Association® announced that photographer Jabin Botsford of The Washington Post has been named WHNPA 2025 Photographer of the Year, and Evan Vucci of the Associated Press has been awarded Political Photo of the Year in the still photojournalism category of the annual ‘Eyes of History®’ competition.
Botsford’s winning portfolio was praised by the judges for its high quality across the full spectrum of human experience — from deadly border crossings to gold medal triumphs at the Paris Olympics, and notably, his coverage of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. This marks Botsford’s third time being honored as WHNPA’s Photographer of the Year.
Regarding his coverage of the shooting in Butler, the judges noted that Botsford’s photos took them on an emotional rollercoaster, despite being captured in just a few moments. One judge even wondered aloud when Botsford had found time to sleep over the course of the year, if at all.
Upon learning of his win, Botsford reflected on the support and encouragement from his colleagues at The Washington Post and the bond he shares with fellow political photographers — particularly those who covered the Butler rally.
“After an intense political year, it’s an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of winners. Our collective work will be used to remember and understand this moment in history,” Botsford said.
The judges for the 2025 ‘Eyes of History®’ stills competition were: Chicago Tribune staff photographer Brian Cassella, Chicago-based photojournalist Jamie Kelter Davis, and Raleigh News & Observer Director of Multimedia and Photography Scott Sharpe.
Vucci’s Political Photo of the Year was an image of Trump standing with a raised fist, surrounded by Secret Service agents under an American flag, with a trickle of blood on his cheek from the sniper’s bullet in Butler.
Commenting on Vucci’s Political Photo of the Year, Cassella said, “You could headline the photo ‘Trump Triumphs,’ and you could headline the year ‘Trump Triumphs.’ It becomes the political photo of the year because it is the moment when everything turns.”
He added, “It’s a very rare photo in a world of constant imagery that immediately breaks through in the biggest way. And after we studied all of the photos made that day for hours, it still breaks through.”
“It’s an iconic moment. There’s an intensity to it that you can’t deny,” added Davis, a fellow judge.
Upon receiving the award, Vucci said, “It’s an honor to have my photograph selected as WHNPA’s Political Photo of the Year. These past few weeks have been challenging, as the administration has barred The Associated Press from most White House events in retaliation for our independent editorial standards. I look forward to the day I can once again cover President Trump alongside my colleagues. Now more than ever, independent, nonpartisan photojournalism is essential, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to document the first draft of history.”
In commenting on the WHNPA ‘Eyes of History®’ contest winners, President Jessica Koscielniak said, “The top honors of this year’s contest highlight the importance of still photojournalism in our modern society. The world saw the photographs created by our members within seconds. Even as we reflect on these images a year later, their power is undiminished. Without question, the world relies on the brave and tireless work of photojournalists like Evan and Jabin.”
The top winners in the still, video, digital, and student categories will be honored at the annual ‘Eyes of History®’ gala on September 6, 2025, in Washington. This black-tie event celebrates all the winning visual journalists.
The White House News Photographers Association® is a 104-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Washington’s professional visual journalists. WHNPA aims to provide professional and educational outreach to its members and the community through scholarships, programming, an annual competition, and a celebration of the industry at the annual ‘Eyes of History®’ gala.
For more information, please contact Jessica Koscielniak at [email protected] or Executive Director Heidi Elswick at [email protected]. To view the winning images and videos, visit the WHNPA website at www.whnpa.org.