And The Winner Was ...

Someone asked after my end-of-the-year newsletter (link below) about the National Press Photographers Association competition in 1976 to see the winner.

I couldn’t find a print but I do have a copy of Photojouralism/76, the NPPA book of winners published that year. Gloria Swanson is on page 125.

This was 3rd Place in the Portrait/Personality category.

I don’t think this is that spectacular a photo. If it wasn’t Gloria Swanson but a local politician at a news conference promoting her no-sugar, no-meat diet, it’s unlikely it would have been considered among the best of the year.

I’m sure it was shot on Tri-X, probably pushed two stops to 1600ASA, and processed in D76 or HC-110 making it more contrasty.

Also, note the “Hand of God” burning across the top. It was the fashion of the day and is now very frowned upon.

The earlier newsletter is below.