After careful consideration, I am proud to announce that our Features Editor Jacob Anderson has won photo of the month, and Podcast Editor Ryan Boone has won graphic of the month.

Jacob’s photo was taken as part of a slideshow for the Oswego hockey game that occurred Jan. 12 against the Naperville Huskies. His photo features junior Max Dukovac (91).
The photo was chosen for many reasons, one reason being its use of leading lines. The multiple bars in the photo frames the figure and draws your focus in. The framing is even more intensified by the bars being both in the foreground and the background.
The image itself also has great detail to it. The jersey is what really stands out – the detail of the wrinkles and folds in the clothing, it just draws the viewer in even more. The detail isn’t lost in the background either, when looking at the glass, the letters on it are very sharp, and keeping them unblurred was a great transition into the blurred game.
Speaking of the background, it was a huge part of the photo selection as well. Having the game in the frame brings the viewer into the moment, making them feel like they are in the stands of the hockey game.
Another reason the photo was chosen was because of the use of lighting. Jacob did a great job using the natural light of the stadium. It moves across the jersey of the player very well, creating great contrast with the foreground and background.
The photo not only had great composition, but also a creative angle. Although it was a normal straight-on view, Jacob made sure to be in a place to capture the leading lines, along with Dukovac’s back in the frame.
Overall, the photo is well done both creativity and composition wise.

Ryan’s graphic is also something special. It was used for his ongoing podcast with Video Editor Owen Meldon.
The detail in the piece puts it over the top. The fireworks, the shine of the disco ball, and the precise lines on the record – it is all just phenomenal. Ryan even had writing and mini music notes on the record player. Clearly, no detail was missed in the process.
The piece also has so many eye-catching colors, each of which compliment another. The pinks complimenting the greens, the oranges with the blues, and the yellows with the purples – this makes the piece really pop!
Also making the piece pop is the contrast. The white text and bright firework colors against the dark navy background really brought the piece together as a whole.
His creativity also contributed greatly, by using the record and disco ball as the two o’s in the word “scoop.” The photo also especially related to the actual podcast itself because it talked about upcoming award shows like the Grammys and Oscars, along with new movies coming out.
The illustration was very well done. It has amazing detail, a great use of color and creativity, and draws viewers in, making them want to listen to the podcast.
The is no doubt that both pieces are worthy of the title, and I’m proud of both of them for their hard work. Who will be our winners next month? Check back soon to find out!