Benning Printing brings home eight awards

The Minnesota Newspaper Association held their annual convention on Thursday, January 26, and Friday, January 27, in Brooklyn Park. The Independent News Herald brought home five awards, and the Verndale Sun received three.

In the category Photography News Photo (1501-3000), the Independent News Herald swept the category.

First place photo for Building in Hewitt destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve went to Trinity Gruenberg. Judges comments were: This photo has everything a good news photo needs. It’s clean, it’s happening and it tells the story.

Second place went to Ray Benning for Two injured in rollover. Judges comments were: I’m glad it was you and not me going out after this one—you did a good job and it’s an excellent, clean photo that tells a story.

Third place went to Trinity Gruenberg for McMann arrested after fatal accident. Judges comments: This has everything a good news photo needs—t’s clear, it’s got action, it tells a story. Good work.

News Photo (Under 1000), for the Verndale Sun, Trinity Gruenberg placed third with Barn is a complete loss after fire. Judges comments: This is so artful and beautiful, yet we know it’s a serious loss for the owner...I appreciate the artistry, and am not bothered that there aren’t other people in it...the simplistic art of it is perfect.

A competition’s comment was added: News photos are what happens when you aren’t ready to go take the picture—they tend to be spur of the moment—grab your camera and run. Many of the photos in this contest told wonderful stories of what was happening in their towns—however they weren’t news photos—they were feature photos (and for the most part very good ones).

In the category Photography Portrait and Personality (1501-3000) the Independent News Herald took two awards.

First place went to Jennifer Krueger for Browerville Days fun in the sun. Judges comments: This photo has everything. Perfect focus on the subjects, great color and lighting. The angle is what caught my attention. It’s looking for a viewpoint one doesn’t expect that makes this a great photo.

Third place went to Ray Benning for Fan photo. Judges comments: This was a difficult shot to get. I’ve shot crowds for years and to get so many reacting within a space so well is harder than one would believe. Good lighting, and focus, although there are some parts that are too light, but overall a great shot.

Competition comments: This was a fun competition to judge. Very difficult to settle on just three best. Excellent photographers in this group.

Portrait and Personality (Under 1000) for the Verndale Sun, Trinity Gruenberg placed first with Painting Sparky, Party Animals. Judge’s comment: The framing emphasizes the boy’s concentration and his project; a good crop.

In the category Photography Sports Photo (Under 1000) for the Verndale Sun, Trinity Gruenberg placed third for Sold out crowd for the rodeo. Judge’s comment: Nice action shot. The photo needs to be a bit sharper.