Since I started school at MU, I have always loved going to POYi. The photography is inspiring, and the judges critiques are always really interesting and helpful. One of the categories that has grown on me over the years is editing. When I started as a photo-j student, I couldn't understand how the judges could choose edits by looking at the designed page. It seemed like it was all about the design, but whether the judges agree or not, I have come to think that is a good thing. After working on the Macon book, I just don't understand how you can't say photo editing is a form of design, which is why, after doing design, I would not be able to stand doing a photo edit and then handing it off to another designer. Part of the design process is deciding how the photos should be played. I am not sure I ever thought of photo editors as designers before, but now I can't help but do so. Ah, it is such an interconnected world we live in.
As for the issue reporting category, the work was just breathtaking and some of the designing I saw was really well done. But I did notice a lot of repetitiveness in the photo layouts, although I guess that makes sense. When it is a photo story, the image is supreme and so I think it is ok to stick with what works and let the photos speak for themselves. Actually, after 4 years of watching POYi, two working for it, I noticed myself getting bored with some of the spreads that had more design elements on them. There are a few European and Russian magazines that have a very distinct look and this year I recognized them right away and noticed their design elements more so than the photo stories. So, I say when it comes to photos less is more.
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