A picture of a “found” situation with strong human interest, or a fresh view of an everyday scene.
First Place
Erin Schaff, The New York Times
Laughing: Jakiera Lucy laughs as her kids Jet, 4, and Jozi, 3, crack jokes as her husband Jay prepares dinner at home in Pinson, Ala., on Sept. 11, 2023. Alabama has the third-highest maternal death rate and the sixth-highest infant death rate in the United States - and Black mothers and infants make up a disproportionate share of bad health outcomes. Lucy said her birth plan had been largely ignored when she delivered her first child, Jet, in a hospital. But when she delivered Jozi at a birthing center surrounded by midwives, the experience was a good one.
Second Place
Matt McClain, The Washington Post
National Anthem: Evan Pack, 17, of Madison, Va., center, and others listen to the National Anthem during the True Grit Rodeo at the Fauquier County Fair on July 15, 2023 in Warrenton, VA.
Third Place
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Conservative Political Action Conference: A man dressed as George Washington and a man dressed as a “MAGA King” talk on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on March 3, 2023, in Oxen Hill, Md.
Award of Excellence
Andrew Harnik, The Associated Press
Flags: A member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment also known as The Old Guard, places flags in front of each headstone for “Flags-In” at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, May 25, 2023, to honor the Nation's fallen military heroes ahead of Memorial Day.
Award of Excellence
Carolyn Kaster, The Associated Press
Sunrise Service with Lincoln: The rising sun illuminations the statue of President Abraham Lincoln as people gathered for the “Easter Sunrise Service” at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 2023, in Washington, hosted by the National Community Church.