A picture that exploits the graphic or aesthetic qualities of the subject with emphasis on composition.
First Place
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Washington: The Washington Monument is see reflected in a window on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 in Washington, DC.
Second Place
Louie Palu, Freelance for National Geographic
Arctic Marines: U.S. Marines and U.S. Army special forces during an exercise before deploying to Norway walk toward a long range radar station in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska built to detect possible missile or bomber attacks from the Arctic Circle. Operated by the United States and Canada, the North Warning System formerly known as the Distant Early Warning Line was built in the 1950's at the outset of the Cold War and is still in operation today. Similar radar stations extend into Greenland and Iceland.
Third Place
Rod Lamkey Jr., Independent
Remnants of a past life: A basketball hoop is realized by the weeds and nature in the backyard of an abandoned and condemned home on Main Street remains in a state of decay in Dumfries, Va., January 17, 2018. Several of these homes will soon be demolished in this neighborhood 25 miles from Washington, DC.
Award of Excellence
Calla Kessler, The Washington Post
Fireworks: Fireworks illuminate the National Mall in celebration of Independence Day in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2018.
Award of Excellence
Calla Kessler, The Washington Post
Hand: Richard Serra's “Sylvester” is photographed at the Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland on September 7, 2018.
Award of Excellence
Leah Millis, Reuters
Keep, Make America Great: A fan holds up slogans while waiting for U.S. President Donald Trump during his Make America Great Again rally at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., May 29, 2018.
Award of Excellence
Bill Clark, CQ Roll Call
Capitol Rain: During a year of record rainfall in Washington, the dome of the U.S. Capitol is seen through rain drops on the skylight of the Capitol Visitor Center.