Luci Moran, a senior ADPR and journalism major from Omaha, won the top prize in the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge on March 14 for her essay titled, “The Nature of Motherhood.” Moran will receive a $10,000 scholarship to complete her studies at Nebraska. Moran’s story explored postpartum depression and the challenges faced by new mothers, like Sam Vargas of Lincoln, Nebraska.
The annual competition is a test of determination and drive. This year, 20 students had 24 hours to shoot and compose a photo essay of up to 12 images around the theme of Mother Earth. Five professional photojournalists judged the essays in two rounds. In the first round, five finalists were selected to present their work to the judges and a public audience, where the winner was selected.
Presenting in the final round were:
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Carmella Bailey, freshman, advertising & public relations major, Lees Summit, MO
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Aeriel Frey, freshman, broadcasting major, Vermillion, SD
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Jordan Moore, freshman, journalism major, Lincoln, NE
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Luci Moran, senior, journalism and advertising & public relations major, Omaha, NE
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Emma Storms, sophomore, advertising and public relations major, Fremont, NE
This year’s judges were Allen Schaben, staff photographer, Los Angeles Times; Calla Kessler, freelance photographer, NYC; Julia Dean, founder and executive director, The Los Angeles Center of Photography; and Ted Kirk, former photo editor, Lincoln Journal Star.
