The photojournalism contest sponsored by The White House News Photographers Association is one The Sun could not enter until three years ago. We were not accepted as members into the group. Dudley Brooks, former Assistant Managing Editor/News Photography and a member, worked diligently to make it so we could be part of the gang.

The Eyes of History contest is held in very high esteem. Nearly all entrants involved are heavy hitters. Photographers from Getty Images, Associated Press, Washington Post, Newsweek, Time, Agence-France Presse, and Washington Times are some of the entities involved, just to name a few. Photographs from around the country and the world are entered, along with those in the Washington arena of red velvet ropes and politics.

It is a nice contest in which to be involved and be recognized. The Sun had a strong showing, winning five awards in five categories. Staff photographer Monica Lopossay led the pack with three, Chiaki Kawajiri came in with one and yours truly nabbed one also.

Monica Lopossay, First Place, Pictorial

Monica Lopossay, Second Place, International News

Monica Lopossay, Award of Excellence, Domestic News

Chiaki Kawajiri, Award of Excellence, Portrait

Christopher T. Assaf, First Place, Feature

Awards are not everything and cannot be taken all too seriously. Many things can influence the judges, who carry their biases and experiences into the judging room. It is all subjective. However, it is really nice feeling to be recognized by your peers in the industry and at the office. It helps make the ordeals and frustrations melt away, ever so briefly, and helps one remember what is important: To make great photographs that tell stories and offer a distinctive insight into the world and its surroundings.