A maximum of 12 images compiled in a picture story or essay that reflects the human experience. Be sure to submit images sequenced as you would publish them.
[smartslider3 slider=”3″]
First Place: Joseph Ciembroniewicz
Batman of San Jose is a student in Rochester, N.Y. during his free time he does outreach work, bringing resources to unhoused individuals, while dressed as Batman. He began this practice in his home city, San Jose, Calif.
Batman of San Jose prepares his suit and utility belt for a day of outreach in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 12, 2023. BOSJ designed and built the suit himself. It is purpose built, and features a utility belt that includes a medical kit and narcan, as well as armor that he claims can stop a stabbing.Batman of San Jose checks his first aid kit, something he always has with him when he’s doing outreach, before departing on Nov. 12, 2023, in Rochester, N.Y.Batman of San Jose rides into Rochester, N.Y. with Vidit Katyal, a San Jose local and University of Rochester alum that saw one of Batman of San Jose’s TikToks and volunteered to drive him for the day on Nov. 12, 2023. BOSJ does not have a car in Rochester, so he is reliant on volunteers and Uber.Batman of San Jose stands in line at Walmart to buy socks to distribute on Nov. 12, 2023, in Rochester, N.Y. Socks are one of the most sought after items amongst the individuals BOSJ serves. At this Walmart, they were in a locked case.Batman of San Jose hands a water bottle and tangerines to Frank Smith as Smith waits for the bus at Rialto st. and North Clinton ave. in Rochester, N.Y. on Oct. 22, 2023.“T” records Batman of San Jose on North Clinton Ave, during a day of outreach on Oct. 22, 2023, in Rochester, N.Y.Batman of San Jose hands a pair of socks to Jasmine, an unhoused woman, as he does outreach on Nov. 12, 2023 in Rochester, N.Y.Kelly, an unhoused woman, leads Batman of San Jose to other individuals in need on Nov. 12, 2023, in Rochester, N.Y.Batman of San Jose approaches a man who is overdosing on North Clinton ave, Rochester, N.Y. on Oct. 22, 2023. BOSJ initially decided not to administer Narcan, a decision later called “kind of shortsighted,” stating “I should’ve just administered Narcan immediately.” Moments later members with the outreach group ‘Hope Dealers,’ arrived and asked BOSJ whether they should give Narcan. He told them yes. After two doses, the man revived.Batman of San Jose lies on his bed in Rochester N.Y. and scrolls through comments on a TikTok of his that recently went viral. BOSJ has gathered thousands of followers on the app and has received hundreds of interaction in a very short period of time. He states, “Social media’s exhausting. Like I hate that it’s so useful. It’s annoying.”A prototype of the mask sits in front of his sewing machine on Batman of San Jose’s desk at his home in Monroe County, N.Y. on Oct. 22, 2023.
Second Place: Kara Gildea
Kira Acosta: Growing Up With Dad
Kira Acosta, 9, has been raised by her two older sisters and single father, Roberto, 62, in Sharon Springs, N.Y., after her mother committed suicide when she was six months old. Since her sisters left home a few years ago, Kira has become Roberto’s main focus leading the two to develop a close relationship.
“Are you ready for me to chase you now?” Roberto asks his daughter, Kira, after she finishes lacing up her new shoes in their kitchen on Nov. 16, 2023. Before she can respond, he starts chasing her in order to test the sizing. He has already returned three pairs of shoes this week. Despite Roberto’s efforts, Kira refuses to wear the new shoes to school the next day. “I’m happy I let you choose a song” yells Roberto as EDM pop blares from his truck’s radio while he runs errands with Kira in Sharon Springs, N.Y. “Wait for the drop,” echoes his Kira, who has been begging for the “old man music” to be turned off. “I just let her put whatever she wants in the cart, that way at least I know she’s going to eat what I buy,” says Roberto while grocery shopping with Kira at Hannaford Supermarket in Esperance N.Y., on Nov. 25, 2023. Kira receives most of her meals at school, but is constantly requesting snacks from her dad at home.Handwritten notes and drawings by Kira adorn their refrigerator. Drawings etched by Kira over the years embellish other walls in the apartment. “Sometimes I would just go crazy and scribble,” Kira reminisces. “I can’t cover them up now, it’s like a scrapbook… I know it made her happy in the moment,” remarks her father.Roberto sits beside Kira as she does her homework. “I can’t help her much, but I need to be with her so she doesn’t get distracted or fall asleep, I learn stuff too,” says Roberto who grew up with school being his last priority. “He lets me use his calculator sometimes or we google it,” reports Kira.“Even if her eyes are closed, I know she’s hearing me. I want her to travel and see the world through the books,” says Roberto. Books read by Roberto to Kira each night adorn her bedside table in their apartment on Dec. 9, 2023. “I don’t remember much, I think I just fall asleep,” admits Kira who sometimes just needs to have her father close to her to sleep, “I think he’s the one who likes reading.”Kira watches videos on her father’s phone while in her bed. “I decided I couldn’t sleep in the big bed anymore without Deanna (Kira’s mom) so I gave it to Kira a few years ago, now she thinks she can make the rules around here,” says Roberto.
Kira applies mascara in the bathroom of their apartment. “Put it on light and natural, that’s the way to do it,” advises Roberto from another room. Kira, who learned makeup techniques from her older sister, challenges him, asking, “how do you know that’s the way to do it?”
Kira plays with the laundry hamper as her father attempts to prepare their clothes for the laundry. “Go collect your dirty clothes from the bathroom please,” Roberto asks Kira. “$10 bet there are none and I know there aren’t any, so I’m not going,” replies Kira, as Roberto continues to untangle clumps of clothes. Kira eventually retrieves some socks. Kira challenges her dad to a game of chess on December 10, 2023. “I picked up the game along the way growing up so I wanted to teach her,” says Roberto. “She asks to play all the time.” Roberto shares a moment with Kira after she finishes her homework. “Do you love me?” Roberto asks Kira. “I already worry about the day she leaves me even though I want her to go out and do whatever she wants to do. I just hope she doesn’t forget about me.” Kira admits the idea of moving far away from her dad scares her.
Third Place: Quinn Freidenburg
On August 8th, 2023, a deadly wildfire swept through the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, killing over 100 people, and destroying countless homes. Even months after the tragic fire, thousands of people are still displaced and struggling to get by. Since the fire, resource hubs have popped up around the island to try and help those in need. Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub serves hundreds of people daily with the hopes that people will soon be back on their feet and able to provide for their families again.
Customers line up outside the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. before opening on Jan. 12, 2024. Since the deadly wildfire that swept through Lahaina Town on Island of Maui on , thousands of people have relayed on donation based hubs like Napili Noho for their food, water, and other supplies.
Canned food sits on the shelves of the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 5, 2024. Since the deadly Lahaina Wildfire, thousands of people have been unable to return to work and would not be able to support themselves if it weren’t for the hubs around Maui.
Customers check out at the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 12, 2024. In the interest of helping as many affected people as possible, Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub limits each family to one basket of goods every day.
Customers search through used clothing bins at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan 13, 2024. While Napili Noho primarily provides people with food, the hub also gives out clothing, toiletries, and other vital items to those who lost their homes in the fire.
Volunteers move produce dropped off by Hungry Heroes of Hawaii (HHH) at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. HHH supplies many of the hubs around the island with fresh produce.
Volunteers move produce into a refrigerated shipping container at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. Napili Noho specifically focuses their efforts on trying other provide people with fresh produce, and thus need large amounts of refrigerated storage space to support the hundreds of people that come daily for food. The container is powered by a donated Tesla battery system that charges with solar panels that are mounted to the roof of the hub.
Grace Langdon marks the date on fresh produce delivered to the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 08, 2024. Marking the dates that the food is donated ensures that none spoils and goes to waste.
Volunteers stand outside the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 09, 2024 after a heavy rainstorm that broke the roof over the hubs office area. The hub, located in a public park, is not only volunteer run, but it was also volunteer built. When something breaks, the volunteers pull together what they can to keep the hub open and running.
Grace Langdon (left) and Poppy (right) talk before opening the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. After spending so much time working together at the hub, many of the volunteers have become close friends.
Volunteers restock the shelves at the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 11, 2024. To keep the shelves full, most days the shelves need to be restocked multiple times throughout the day.
Honorable Mention: Josh Boland
The Rochester Institute of Technology Men’s Ice Hockey team advanced to the NCAA tournament becoming one of the top programs in the country in 2024. RIT was set to face Boston University in the Sioux Falls regional in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March, 28, 2024. This collection of images was gathered during the trip from the beginning to end of the tigers trip to the tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Caleb Moretz loosens his skate laces in the locker room at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 26, 2024. The RIT Tigers travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey Equipment Manger Steven Henchen(left) and Student Team Manager Oscar Nguyen close the bus doors at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 26, 2024. The RIT Tigers travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Tanner Andrew waxes his hockey stick in the locker room at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Ahead of the tigers game vs Boston University on the first round of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Student Team Manager Oscar Nguyen places the NCAA patch on the game jerseys at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Ahead of the tigers game vs Boston University on the first round of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey players sit ringside ahead of their game vs Boston University in the NCAA tournament at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s starting lineup are introduced during the NCAA tournament first round game versus Boston University at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Gianfranco Cassaro(10) shoots the puck during RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Gianfranco Cassaro(10) celebrates after scoring a goal during RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Boston University leads 4-2.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey embrace at the completion of the RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. RIT lost 6-3 ending their season.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Daniel Chenard(left), Cody Laskosky(middle) and Luke Lush board the plane at Sioux Falls Regional Airport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 29, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Ryan Nicholson(far left) and Aiden Hansen-Bukata are greeted by fans at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 29, 2024. The RIT Tigers return from their trip to the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Kevin Scott(left) and Tyler Fukakusa unpack their bags in the locker room at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 29, 2024. The RIT Tigers return from Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament. Tyler Fukakusa holds a slip of paper with name plates from the locker room at the tournament.
Last Updated: April 25, 2024 by joshmeltzer
2024 Photo Story
A maximum of 12 images compiled in a picture story or essay that reflects the human experience. Be sure to submit images sequenced as you would publish them.
[smartslider3 slider=”3″]
First Place: Joseph Ciembroniewicz
Batman of San Jose is a student in Rochester, N.Y. during his free time he does outreach work, bringing resources to unhoused individuals, while dressed as Batman. He began this practice in his home city, San Jose, Calif.
Second Place: Kara Gildea
Kira Acosta: Growing Up With Dad
Kira Acosta, 9, has been raised by her two older sisters and single father, Roberto, 62, in Sharon Springs, N.Y., after her mother committed suicide when she was six months old. Since her sisters left home a few years ago, Kira has become Roberto’s main focus leading the two to develop a close relationship.
“I’m happy I let you choose a song” yells Roberto as EDM pop blares from his truck’s radio while he runs errands with Kira in Sharon Springs, N.Y. “Wait for the drop,” echoes his Kira, who has been begging for the “old man music” to be turned off.
“I just let her put whatever she wants in the cart, that way at least I know she’s going to eat what I buy,” says Roberto while grocery shopping with Kira at Hannaford Supermarket in Esperance N.Y., on Nov. 25, 2023. Kira receives most of her meals at school, but is constantly requesting snacks from her dad at home.
Kira applies mascara in the bathroom of their apartment. “Put it on light and natural, that’s the way to do it,” advises Roberto from another room. Kira, who learned makeup techniques from her older sister, challenges him, asking, “how do you know that’s the way to do it?”
Kira plays with the laundry hamper as her father attempts to prepare their clothes for the laundry. “Go collect your dirty clothes from the bathroom please,” Roberto asks Kira. “$10 bet there are none and I know there aren’t any, so I’m not going,” replies Kira, as Roberto continues to untangle clumps of clothes. Kira eventually retrieves some socks.
Kira challenges her dad to a game of chess on December 10, 2023. “I picked up the game along the way growing up so I wanted to teach her,” says Roberto. “She asks to play all the time.”
Roberto shares a moment with Kira after she finishes her homework. “Do you love me?” Roberto asks Kira. “I already worry about the day she leaves me even though I want her to go out and do whatever she wants to do. I just hope she doesn’t forget about me.” Kira admits the idea of moving far away from her dad scares her.
Third Place: Quinn Freidenburg
On August 8th, 2023, a deadly wildfire swept through the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, killing over 100 people, and destroying countless homes. Even months after the tragic fire, thousands of people are still displaced and struggling to get by. Since the fire, resource hubs have popped up around the island to try and help those in need. Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub serves hundreds of people daily with the hopes that people will soon be back on their feet and able to provide for their families again.
Customers line up outside the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. before opening on Jan. 12, 2024. Since the deadly wildfire that swept through Lahaina Town on Island of Maui on , thousands of people have relayed on donation based hubs like Napili Noho for their food, water, and other supplies.
Canned food sits on the shelves of the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 5, 2024. Since the deadly Lahaina Wildfire, thousands of people have been unable to return to work and would not be able to support themselves if it weren’t for the hubs around Maui.
Customers check out at the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 12, 2024. In the interest of helping as many affected people as possible, Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub limits each family to one basket of goods every day.
Customers search through used clothing bins at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan 13, 2024. While Napili Noho primarily provides people with food, the hub also gives out clothing, toiletries, and other vital items to those who lost their homes in the fire.
Volunteers move produce dropped off by Hungry Heroes of Hawaii (HHH) at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. HHH supplies many of the hubs around the island with fresh produce.
Volunteers move produce into a refrigerated shipping container at Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. Napili Noho specifically focuses their efforts on trying other provide people with fresh produce, and thus need large amounts of refrigerated storage space to support the hundreds of people that come daily for food. The container is powered by a donated Tesla battery system that charges with solar panels that are mounted to the roof of the hub.
Grace Langdon marks the date on fresh produce delivered to the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 08, 2024. Marking the dates that the food is donated ensures that none spoils and goes to waste.
Volunteers stand outside the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 09, 2024 after a heavy rainstorm that broke the roof over the hubs office area. The hub, located in a public park, is not only volunteer run, but it was also volunteer built. When something breaks, the volunteers pull together what they can to keep the hub open and running.
Grace Langdon (left) and Poppy (right) talk before opening the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, HI on Jan. 6, 2024. After spending so much time working together at the hub, many of the volunteers have become close friends.
Volunteers restock the shelves at the Napili Noho Emergency Resource Hub in Lahaina, H.I. on Jan. 11, 2024. To keep the shelves full, most days the shelves need to be restocked multiple times throughout the day.
Honorable Mention: Josh Boland
The Rochester Institute of Technology Men’s Ice Hockey team advanced to the NCAA tournament becoming one of the top programs in the country in 2024. RIT was set to face Boston University in the Sioux Falls regional in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March, 28, 2024. This collection of images was gathered during the trip from the beginning to end of the tigers trip to the tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Caleb Moretz loosens his skate laces in the locker room at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 26, 2024. The RIT Tigers travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey Equipment Manger Steven Henchen(left) and Student Team Manager Oscar Nguyen close the bus doors at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 26, 2024. The RIT Tigers travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Tanner Andrew waxes his hockey stick in the locker room at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Ahead of the tigers game vs Boston University on the first round of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Student Team Manager Oscar Nguyen places the NCAA patch on the game jerseys at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Ahead of the tigers game vs Boston University on the first round of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey players sit ringside ahead of their game vs Boston University in the NCAA tournament at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s starting lineup are introduced during the NCAA tournament first round game versus Boston University at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Gianfranco Cassaro(10) shoots the puck during RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Gianfranco Cassaro(10) celebrates after scoring a goal during RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. Boston University leads 4-2.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey embrace at the completion of the RIT vs Boston University NCAA tournament game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 28, 2024. RIT lost 6-3 ending their season.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Daniel Chenard(left), Cody Laskosky(middle) and Luke Lush board the plane at Sioux Falls Regional Airport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 29, 2024.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Ryan Nicholson(far left) and Aiden Hansen-Bukata are greeted by fans at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 29, 2024. The RIT Tigers return from their trip to the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament.
RIT Men’s Ice Hockey’s Kevin Scott(left) and Tyler Fukakusa unpack their bags in the locker room at the Gene Polisseni Center in Henrietta, N.Y on March 29, 2024. The RIT Tigers return from Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Hockey tournament. Tyler Fukakusa holds a slip of paper with name plates from the locker room at the tournament.
Category: 2024 What We Do, What We Do Tags: Joseph Ciembroniewicz, josh boland, Kara Gildea, Quinn Freidenburg