2024 NPPF Scholarship Winners
ADEYEMI ADEBAYO is an MFA student in Studio Arts at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, focusing on photography and photojournalism. Adeyemi’s work explores themes like migration, the environment, and social justice. “I walk often and occasionally raise a camera to take photographs,” Adeyemi says, emphasizing his interest in capturing the world around him through a lens.
Adeyemi’s journey with photography began with a simple curiosity about people. “When I first held a camera, it was to inquire about people out of curiosity,” he recalls. He quickly developed a style that involved asking strangers for their stories and capturing their portraits, leading him to photograph over 600 people in two years and build a significant online following.
Adeyemi’s work often addresses deeper themes, focusing on the human experience and the struggles faced by those on the margins of society. “In my work, I explore loneliness, age, migration, and strife,” he explains, demonstrating his commitment to telling stories that matter. He also seeks to use photography to examine and critique how activism is approached, recognizing that it often requires careful navigation to avoid unintended consequences.
His latest project, “Outsider Landscapes,” looks at the impact of the term “outsider” over the past two centuries in America, using Western Massachusetts as a case study. “I intend to explore the landscapes that people termed and treated as outsiders have affected,” Adeyemi notes, indicating his ongoing focus on themes of migration and social justice.
ZOE CRANFILL is a student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communications. She is keenly interested in photo editing and participates in various student-led organizations. She is the Photo Editor for The Post, the student-run weekly newspaper, and the National Press Photographers Association Chapter President at Ohio University. “I am passionate about helping guide photojournalists and supporting them with their work,” Zoë mentions. She is also a Publication Design Associate at Variant Magazine and a Photographer for ACRN Media.
Zoë has gained experience by working on multiple projects at Ohio University. As the Photo Editor for The Post, she guides students in creating and editing photo content for print and digital publications. “It’s rewarding to help students create work they’re proud of,” Zoë says. She has also worked as a photographer and designer with Thread Magazine and VRNT Magazine. Her collaboration with Thread Magazine for the Delicacy Issue involved a unique project featuring drag queens in a kitchen setting. “It was challenging because I had never done photography work to be illustrated, but I learned a lot,” Zoë reflects.
Outside of Ohio University, Zoë’s experience includes working at the Philmont Scout Ranch, where she spent one year as a photographer and another as the Marketing Manager. “Backpacking in the wilderness of New Mexico with a camera and survival gear was outside my comfort zone, but it was an incredible experience,” Zoë shares. As Marketing Manager, she led a team of 15 photographers, videographers, and writers to create marketing materials and newspapers for the Ranch. This role helped her develop leadership skills and taught her the value of standing up for herself. “Many of my employees were older than me, so I had to learn how to assert myself,” Zoë recalls.
Zoë’s long-term goal is to become a Picture Editor after graduation. “I’d love to work for a magazine, but I’m open to digital outlets,” she says. She is passionate about guiding photojournalists and supporting them with their work. Zoë believes her experience in photojournalism, design, and leadership has prepared her for the role.
During the summer of 2024, Zoë will be a photo intern at The Los Angeles Times.
KAYLA BARTKOWSKI is a student photojournalist at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She discovered her passion for photography early on, thanks to her grandfather, who gave her first camera. “He taught me the nuanced art of photography, which blossomed into an ever-growing love and appreciation of the form,” Kayla says. Over time, her skills expanded to include videography and drone flying.
Kayla’s interests lie in telling stories that connect with unique environmental and humanitarian themes, often focusing on the human experience. “My main interest is working with photography and videography with nonprofits internationally on environmental or humanitarian work,” she explains. Her ongoing project involves an eight-month-long documentary following the Western New York community’s response to changing cannabis laws in New York, featuring the journey of an Asian-American mother, Britni Tantalo.
When she isn’t working on her photojournalism projects, Kayla enjoys spending time outdoors, especially climbing and bouldering. “I love anything to do with being outside,” she remarks. Kayla plans to graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology in May 2024 and then move to Boston, Massachusetts, to intern with the Boston Globe, where she aims to explore stories within the city’s Chinatown community.
Kayla’s interest in Boston’s Chinatown was sparked by reading “Forever Struggle: Activism, Identity, and Survival in Boston’s Chinatown,” which inspired her to delve into the effects of urban renewal and gentrification on the local community. “I plan to dive deeper to find people within the community to help share their stories,” Kayla says, emphasizing her commitment to amplifying voices from marginalized communities and tackling issues that often go underreported.
LORIENE PERERA is a graduate student at Ohio University’s MFA in Communication Media Arts program. She began her journey into photography at a young age, inspired by her uncle’s passion for capturing moments through a lens. “From toy cameras to digital equipment, I have always been captivated by the ability of photography to convey narratives,” Loriene explains. This early fascination eventually led her to a decade-long career at Reuters’ Global Pictures Desk, where she specialized in photo editing and image forensics.
During her time at Reuters, Loriene developed an appreciation for the power of visual storytelling and the need for accuracy in journalism. “I take pride in my ability to identify and rectify image manipulations, ensuring the integrity of the stories we tell through photography,” she says. Her work contributed to three Pulitzer Prize recognitions for Reuters in 2018, 2019, and 2020, highlighting her role in breaking news and feature photography.
Loriene’s commitment to visual storytelling has taken her into new areas of interest, mainly focusing on documentary video production and emerging technologies like XR. She hopes to use these tools to engage and inform audiences through alternative means. “Ultimately, I hope to evolve as a dynamic visual journalist capable of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of media and storytelling,” she notes.
Currently, Loriene’s work focuses on exploring the nuanced concept of racial identity within the context of Appalachian Ohio. Having spent most of her life in Singapore, a cosmopolitan city-state, her transition to Appalachian Ohio was marked by profound cultural contrasts. “Daily encounters on campus prompt inquiries into my ‘Brownness’ and the intricate racial facets of my ethnic heritage,” Loriene shares, highlighting the need for deeper exploration into racial identity in the region.
Through her engagement with the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center and work on documentary films and photo projects, Loriene has begun to delve into the historical contributions of the Black community in Athens. Her exploration into Chesterhill revealed a complex tapestry of racial identity, inspiring her to initiate a project that brings these narratives to light. “By capturing and disseminating these stories, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse fabric that defines Appalachian Ohio,” she concludes. Through thoughtful storytelling and visual representation, Loriene aims to drive meaningful dialogue and promote inclusivity within the broader media landscape.
ALLISON ROBBERT is a Washington, D.C.-based photojournalist pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photojournalism at the Corcoran School of Arts & Design at George Washington University. She focuses on capturing daily political events, providing a deeper context to the political climate. “I aim to connect audiences to the broader narrative of American democracy,” Allison says.
Allison’s work has led her to collaborate with various local and national publications. Her portfolio includes contributions from The Washington Post, Bloomberg, The Hill, and Axios. She profoundly understands Washington’s political culture and history, having secured her first Congressional ID during her first semester. “In my experience, I’ve developed strong relationships with other members of the press,” she notes. She is a freelancer in Washington, having just finished an internship with The Hill, covering daily congressional affairs in and around Capitol Hill.
Allison’s journey into political photojournalism has also seen her work with the U.S. Senate as an official photography intern, where she gained insights into photographing the legislative system from the inside. Her images have been framed and displayed in all Capitol office buildings and published in various national and local news outlets. “I create images with historical value and a sense of humanity among a crowd of photographers,” Allison shares, describing her approach to her work.
She is also deeply involved in the Women Photojournalists of Washington (WPOW), serving in a leadership role as a university liaison. “WPOW has made breaking into this industry possible for me,” Allison says, emphasizing the organization’s importance in her career. She plans to continue volunteering with WPOW to support other women in the industry and promote a supportive community.
After graduation, Allison aims to pursue a career as a staff photographer for a D.C. news outlet and possibly work for the White House Photo Office. “I thrive under the challenge of attending everyday events and finding a frame that provides a broader perspective,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to connecting audiences to the human impact of decisions made in Washington.
BAILEY STOVER is a multimedia journalist at the University of Missouri. She has a double major in journalism and Spanish and a minor in public health and sociology. As a visual storyteller, Bailey believes in ethical, honest and accurate journalism, emphasizing the connections that bind people together. She says, “Above all else, you have to care,” a quote that guides her approach to storytelling.
Bailey’s journey into journalism began in high school. “The first divergence in my path happened when I quit the band to become a staff writer for my school’s newspaper,” she recalls. What started as an exploration into writing soon expanded to include photography and videography. This adaptability would later lead her to focus on visual journalism, a choice that pushed her outside her comfort zone but ultimately shaped her career.
One of Bailey’s most challenging projects was a multimedia piece for The Columbia Missourian focusing on naloxone’s role in harm reduction during the opioid epidemic. “It was the most difficult story I’ve ever had to find sources for—and it almost fell apart more times than I can count,” she says. The project required her to balance multiple narratives and ensure the dignity of each source. This experience reaffirmed her commitment to visual storytelling and taught her the importance of perseverance and collaboration in journalism.
In addition to her work with The Columbia Missourian, Bailey is currently honing her multimedia and audio production skills through an internship with KBIA, an NPR-member station in her town. She is developing a series of stories on joy, belonging and found family for LGBTQ+ Missourians, with plans to highlight their role in community-building and counter trauma-centric coverage in news media. Reflecting on her growth, Bailey notes, “I know with absolute certainty that wherever life takes me post-graduation, I [will] strive to continue telling meaningful visual narratives that center marginalized groups’ voices and lived experiences.”
Bailey’s passion extends to long-term projects focusing on social justice issues, emphasizing intersectional identity and the LGBTQ+ community. Her current photo story, ‘I’m just Jay,’ explores the life of a 17-year-old transgender boy navigating relationships and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Missouri. “I aim to continue sharing Jay’s story as he turns 18, receives top surgery, and goes to college,” she says. Through these narratives, Bailey strives to inspire empathy, encourage necessary conversations about power and privilege, and challenge the negativity bias that often permeates journalism.
OWEN ZILIAK studied photojournalism, political science, and religious studies student at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He became a journalist to learn about and share the varied experiences and perspectives of people in the United States and worldwide. He says, “I strive to find the intersection of beauty and context to tell stories that are simultaneously informational and visually appealing.” After graduation in May 2024, he will join the visuals staff of the Arizona Republic as a Pulliam Fellow.
Owen has had a varied career, interning at the Chicago Sun-Times and Sioux City Journal and working as a staff photographer and photo editor at the Columbia Missourian. However, one of his proudest achievements was being accepted to photograph at the 75th Missouri Photo Workshop. Owen reflects, “Getting in is tough, and as an undergraduate student, my chances were slim.” Despite initial setbacks, he was waitlisted and eventually secured a spot, where he photographed a story about Karson Copas, a five-year-old girl with severe disabilities. The experience taught him about perseverance and the power of visual storytelling.
Owen’s leadership skills were tested as lead editor for Friday Night Sights, the Columbia Missourian’s visuals-only high school football coverage. He organized a team of editors and photographers each week to cover local games. “By the end of the season, we had 31 different photographers get bylines in the Missourian,” he recalls. This role gave Owen valuable experience managing a team and guiding new photojournalists through constructive feedback and support. Owen shared, “Of the 31 photographers that got bylines, many were freshmen and sophomores getting their first chance to work in a fast-paced, professional newsroom. That is one element of it I am especially proud of.”
Looking ahead, Owen wants to become a daily staff photojournalist at a newspaper in the Midwest or South. He says, “I have tried both the intense daily work as well as documentary project work, and I have learned that I prefer the daily work.” He is particularly drawn to special needs stories, which hold personal significance. Owen aims to create a body of work that accurately depicts a place and its people, striving for photography that will stand the test of time and be viewed as a historical record.
LEILA SAIDANE attends the University of Texas at Austin, where she is pursuing a dual major in Radio-TV-Film and Journalism and a minor in Arabic. Last spring, she covered the Texas Legislative session as a photo fellow for The Texas Tribune. Describing her time at the Tribune, Leila said, “I could not only cover the policymakers and bureaucrats but the people of Texas who are impacted by such policies.” During her fellowship, she covered a variety of assignments, from protests against Texas’ border patrol policy to press conferences on the CROWN Act for non-discrimination. She also had the chance to document the experiences of transgender student activists like Topher Malone, capturing their activism and moments of daily life.
After completing her fellowship at the Tribune, Leila returned to The Daily Texan, the student newspaper at UT Austin, where she took on the role of photo editor. Reflecting on this transition, Leila said, “It was more valuable to bring my experience back to our student body while I finish my degree.” In her new role, she implemented innovative organizational systems and led workshops to help develop the skills of new photographers. Under her leadership, The Daily Texan’s photo team covered many events, including protests, local news stories, and community-focused projects.
Leila’s work extends beyond the university, covering issues that matter to local and national audiences. “I feel a deep sense of duty to my Arab community and fellow Texans to show the advocacy of a now even more targeted population,” Leila said, referring to her recent coverage of pro-Palestinian protests and related civil rights events in Austin. Her commitment to journalism is evident in her advocacy for covering sensitive topics and her ability to engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues and mentors. Through her studies and work in various newsrooms, Leila aims to become a well-rounded journalist who documents stories that matter to diverse communities.
AKASH PAMARTHY, a documentary photographer based in Ohio, is pursuing his MFA at Ohio University. His work revolves around exploring equality and humanity through the lens of culture, immigration, and identity. A graduate of George Washington University with a master’s degree in New Media Photojournalism, Akash has delved deep into visual storytelling.
“Experiencing life in its raw form and all the beautiful people I meet and photograph in my journey is why I love my job. There is always a small piece of myself I leave working with them and great things about life I learn and pick from the wonderful humans which shapes me into a better person every day,” says Akash.
His journey in photojournalism began with internships at Detroit Free Press and contributions to the America Reimagined Project by Boyd’s Station. Akash has captured stories published on notable platforms such as NPR, Detroit Free Press, and CNN.
Akash’s dedication to his craft was recognized when he received the Ohio News Photographers Association 2022 Chuck Scott Student Photographer of the Year award and the Chris Hondros Scholarship at Ohio University. He also participated in the XXXIII Eddie Adams Workshop class.
Akash’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond photography. His multimedia documentary project delves into the lives of two homeless men in Washington, D.C., shedding light on their struggles amidst a housing crisis.
“My work aims to inform by capturing the essence of human experience, offering glimpses into lives that may otherwise remain unseen,” Akash remarks. Through his projects like “Sikh Ohio” and “American Desi,” he aims to amplify the voices of the Indian community and foster cultural awareness.
EVIE LINANTUD, from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), began her journey in photography with a passion for capturing motion. She describes this as a central theme in her work.
Evie’s leadership roles as the yearbook photo editor and photo club president during her middle and high school years allowed her to hone her craft and share her knowledge with others. Reflecting on her experiences, Evie remarks, “Teaching the kids taught me more about patience and compassion.” Her dedication to mentoring others continued into her professional endeavors, including her role as a photography instructor at Camp Ballibay. Through teaching film photography to children aged 6-17, Evie found fulfillment in nurturing their creativity and passion for art. She recalls the joy of witnessing her students’ excitement as they developed their photographs, an experience she cherishes as one of her greatest.
At RIT Athletic Communications, Evie further refined her skills while sharing her expertise with new photographers. Her commitment to efficiency and meeting deadlines is evident in her approach to workflow optimization. She explains, “I now use these things in all of my projects to make my workflow as efficient as possible.”
One of Evie’s notable accomplishments is her 2022 photo story featuring Julia Petry, a female kicker for Batavia High School’s varsity football team. Through this project, Evie aimed to shed light on the struggles and courage of women in male-dominated fields. Her dedication to accurately portraying Petry’s story exemplifies her commitment to respectful and authentic storytelling.
In her career aspirations, Evie desires to explore community, family, and identity themes, particularly in sports photography. She is passionate about highlighting underrepresented individuals, specifically women in sports, to address disparities in media coverage. Evie believes in the power of photojournalism to effect positive change and aims to make a meaningful impact through her work.
Throughout her education at RIT, Evie has embraced creative experimentation as a storytelling tool. Her innovative approach to photography reflects her commitment to making a positive impact and amplifying marginalized voices. Evie’s journey as a photographer is characterized by her unwavering dedication to authenticity, empathy, and social responsibility.
DOMINIC DI PALERMON, from Western Kentucky University, maintained a high GPA as he learned his craft, earning him a place on the President’s list for five out of six semesters. Dominic values his relationships with his professors, acknowledging their mentorship as a significant factor in his personal and professional development. Reflecting on this, he notes, “The benefits of such have impacted me beyond the classroom and have directly supported my professional growth.”
In addition to his academic achievements, Dominic has made significant strides in his professional career. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Elgin Community College Observer and currently holds the position of Photo Editor at WKU’s College Heights Herald. Dominic’s dedication to photojournalism has earned him recognition, including awards from the Illinois Community College Association and The College Media Association. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Dominic remarks, “My photojournalism work has earned awards from the Illinois Community College Association, including first placements in the following categories: news, feature, and sports photos.”
Dominic’s experience extends beyond the classroom and campus publications. He has completed internships with the Shaw Local News Network and Community Fellowship Church, which have paved the way for freelance opportunities in photojournalism. Dominic’s commitment to his craft and professional development has been recognized through prestigious awards such as the Charles Mason Ralph Fellowship, which will see him working for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch during the summer months. As he continues to hone his photography skills through freelancing, Dominic remains dedicated to furthering his education and making meaningful contributions to journalism.
TESS CROWLEY is a May 2024 graduate of the University of Michigan who majored in Communication and Media and a minor in Spanish, Language, Literature, and Culture. Tess has been deeply involved with The Michigan Daily, the university’s student newspaper, throughout her college career, while maintaining Honors student standing. Her dedication to journalism extends beyond campus, as she has freelanced for organizations such as MLive and The Detroit Tigers. Tess’s commitment to community engagement is evident through her internship experiences, including teaching photography to Detroit high schoolers at Coaching Detroit Forward’s photography summer camp, which resulted in their work being published in a magazine.
Reflecting on her journey as a photojournalist, Tess remarks, “During my time as a photojournalist thus far, I’ve learned a diverse range of storytelling skills from talented photographers.” Her leadership roles, including Managing Photo Editor at The Michigan Daily and visuals intern at The Virginian-Pilot, have equipped her with valuable skills in managing deadlines, problem-solving, and mentoring fellow photographers. Tess’s academic pursuits complement her practical experience, with coursework in journalism, visual culture, media psychology, and socially engaged prison photography.
Driven by her passion for community-based learning and socially engaged photography, Tess aspires to continue working within communities and sharing her love for photography. She emphasizes the importance of trust-building with subjects, evident in her coverage of sensitive events such as the former University of Michigan football players’ protest and nurse and graduate employee strikes. Tess’s commitment to uplifting young photojournalists is evident through her efforts to facilitate collaborations, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives both within and beyond The Michigan Daily.
Tess’s dedication to documenting important issues extends to climate change and its impact on communities, particularly those situated along bodies of water. Through her photography, she seeks to preserve the collective memory of communities and serve as evidence in the battle against global warming. Tess’s leadership and contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the first-place award for Best Photographer from the Michigan Press Association’s college newspaper awards. Her impactful storytelling and dedication to community journalism highlight her potential to make a lasting impact in photojournalism.
BRETT PHELPS studies at Western Kentucky University (WKU), pursuing a major in Visual Journalism and photography while in the Mahurin Honors College. He maintains a 4.0 GPA, consistently earning placement on the President’s List each semester, and is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Reflecting on his experiences, Brett remarked, “Last year, I was privileged to participate with other college students nationwide in a year-long Civic Leaders Fellowship that met monthly in Washington, D.C., or California.”
Currently serving as the Web Visuals Editor for WKU’s student magazine, the Talisman, Brett has significantly expanded the magazine’s visual team. He says, “I work diligently to support each staff photographer’s growth and widen the magazine’s reach beyond the confines of the campus and into the larger community.” Additionally, as a Gear Specialist for WKU’s School of Media, he guides fellow students in selecting appropriate camera gear for assignments.
Brett’s dedication to his craft extends beyond campus. He has completed internships at Nelson County Schools as a Creative Media Specialist and at The Chautauquan Daily in Chautauqua, New York. Looking ahead, he anticipates a photojournalism internship at the IndyStar in Indianapolis, Indiana. Regarding his professional aspirations, Brett expressed, “Upon graduating from Western Kentucky University, I would like to work for a mid-size publication where I can continue to grow as a staff photographer, helping to tell the stories of the community.”
With well-developed storytelling skills in multiple mediums, Brett aims to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts and eventually teach at the collegiate level. He emphasizes, “My ultimate career goal is to capture the celebration of life, share the remarkable stories of the community around me, and visually preserve history for years to come.”
SYDNEY NAUMAN graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2024. Reflecting on her journey as a student photojournalist, she remarked, “After graduating from community college during the COVID-19 pandemic, I arrived at the University of Maryland with no experience in shooting and editing my video, broadcast reporting, or even operating a camera.” This determination to immerse herself in her field has significantly shaped her journey as a photojournalist. “Instead of being discouraged by the amount of training I needed to catch up on, I was determined to catch up and learn everything I could about the photojournalism industry.” Sydney continued, “To do this, I immersed myself in my classes and clubs and built connections with teachers who would later become my mentors.”
Sydney’s introduction to photojournalism occurred in a news videography class, where she learned the intricacies of shooting, sequencing, and editing video into natural sound packages. “Creating natural sound packages initially drew me into photojournalism because I loved the challenge of trying to tell stories without narration,” she explained. This experience honed her interviewing skills and deepened her connections with interviewees.
An essential moment in her student photojournalist career was working with former CNN photojournalist Bethany Swain to document the “Stand with Israel” rally. “The ability to capture such powerful moments of solidarity and support was overwhelming for me as a young photojournalist,” Sydney recalled. This opportunity underscored the importance of photojournalists in documenting history.
She also co-founded the Video Club at the University of Maryland, collaborating with her former professor Alanna Delfino-Kopania. “Before Video Club, there was no space for students to continue working on these skills,” Sydney explains. The club provides a platform for students to develop and refine their photojournalism skills beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to her growth as a photojournalist and leader.