WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 10, 2025 – The White House News Photographers Association® announced that Ben Martin of ITN has been named the 2025 WHNPA Video Photographer of the Year in the annual ‘Eyes of History®’ video contest. Additionally, Chris Shlemon has been recognized as the 2025 Video Editor of the Year in the Video Editing division of the association’s annual ‘Eyes of History®’ visual journalism competition.
“I’m truly honored to receive the WHNPA Video Photographer of the Year award! A heartfelt thank you to the organization,” Martin said upon learning of his recognition. “It means the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to work alongside such talented professionals. Thank you for this remarkable acknowledgment!”
Martin and Shlemon’s work included on-the-ground coverage of the Los Angeles wildfires, the political “Cold Civil War” being waged across the U.S., and former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign to reclaim the White House. This marks Martin’s eighth time winning the top video photography prize and Shlemon’s ninth time winning the top video editing prize.
“To be recognized for our work in 2024 is incredible! I’m especially thankful to be part of a team that allows for creativity in our storytelling,” Shlemon said. “Any editor who has the privilege of working with Ben Martin as their photographer is committing a crime if they don’t produce exceptional news stories!”
WHNPA President Jessica Koscielniak said, “Congratulations to Ben and Chris — an incredibly talented duo. They are truly masters of their craft. The quality of their work stands out year after year; it is beautiful, emotional, and impactful.”
The judges for this year’s video photography contest were Charles Anderson (WETA), Bob Gould (Michigan State University), and Kerry Meyer (retired independent), while the judges for video editing were Bob Ferrier (MPT), Derek Thacker (CTV, retired), and Lauren Werner (WUSA-TV, retired).
“The challenge came in looking at such a broad range of work and craft that really showcases a talent for storytelling,” said Robert Ferrier. “When you can judge work that makes it seem effortless to understand the story, it’s a pleasure to see the amount of talent displayed.”
Bob Gould added, “Overall, there was a very high level of work entered in this contest. The stories that stood out went above and beyond the basics, from exceptional framing and lighting in interviews to perfectly crafted, powerful images that elevated the level of video storytelling and photojournalism.”
The top winners were selected over two days after reviewing work from more than 50 video journalists and video editors.
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 the efforts of Washington’s professional visual journalists. WHNPA provides 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]. For further information about ‘The Eyes of History®’ and to view the winning images and videos, visit the WHNPA website at www.whnpa.org.