A picture that exploits the graphic or aesthetic qualities of the subject with emphasis on composition.
First Place
Matt McClain, The Washington Post
Rotunda Visitor: A visitor is illuminated while passing through the rotunda at the United States Capitol on Wednesday May 03, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Second Place
Stephen Voss, Freelance
Watching: A discarded newspaper on the metro with an image of President Trump, on February 6, 2017.
Third Place
Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency
Monumental Eclipse: The moon eclipses the sun above the Washington Monument during the so-called 'Great American Eclipse' in Washington, DC, USA, 21 August 2017. Eighty one percent of the sun was obscured in DC; the thin path of totality, where viewers were treated to a total eclipse, passed through portions of 14 US states, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Award of Excellence
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Marine One: WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 21: A murmuration of starlings fly in front of the Washington Monument and around the Marine One helicopter, as President Donald Trump returns to the White House after traveling to Walter Reed Medical Center, at the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017.
Award of Excellence
Andrew Harnik, The Associated Press
Hats: The hats of officials sit on a coat rack outside a meeting between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Vietnam Defense Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich at the Pentagon in Washington.
Award of Excellence
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Capitol Reflection: The U.S. Capitol building is reflected in etched marble on the East Front Plaza the day Congress is poised to pass huge tax cuts in both the House and Senate December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. The legislative victory would give the Republicans their first major accomplishment since President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January.