A maximum of 12 images that showcase the photographer’s vision or unique perspective. These images can be planned, posed, or otherwise set up. Any post-production and/or digital manipulation must be disclosed in the image’s captions. Must be grounded in the documentary tradition, this project showcases a body of work that offers visual commentary on an issue or idea.
First Place: Hannah Murphy
Through Her Eyes – Life is layered when it is seen through the eyes of a sister, both beside you and far away. This series follows the bond between Madi and Alicia Gentes, two sisters experiencing college together at Rochester Institute of Technology. It reveals the world through their shared and separate perspectives, showing how traces of one another remain in a photo, a piece of jewelry, or a stuffed animal from childhood. Through light, gesture, and atmosphere, it examines the balance of independence and love that defines their relationship. Rooted in the loss of my own sister when I was young, this piece gave me a glimpse of a connection I never had and celebrates the way love quietly persists both when we are together and when we are apart.
A detail image of the eyes of Madi (left) and Alicia (right) Gentes at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 21, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y. A digital scan of Madi Gentes writing about her relationship with her sister Alicia, accompanied by an old photograph of them in their childhood.Madi Gentes poses for a portrait on her bed in her college dorm room while holding her stuffed rabbit at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 20, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y. Alicia has a white stuffed rabbit to match Madi’s that they bought together.A detail image of Madi Gentes’ desk and decorations in her college dorm room at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 20, 2025 in Rochester, N.Y.Madi (left) and Alicia (right) Gentes do homework together in Artesano’s Bakery and Cafe in Monroe Hall at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 27, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y. Although Alicia is two years older than Madi, they are both majoring in graphic design.A detail image showing several Polaroid photos of Madi and Alicia Gentes together, taken over several years, that Alicia keeps in her apartment at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 20, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y.A digital scan of Alicia Gentes writing about her relationship with her sister Madi, accompanied by an old photograph of them at Alicia’s college orientation at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.A detail image of Alicia Gentes’ wall decorations in her college apartment at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 20, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y.Alicia Gentes poses for a portrait on her bed in her college apartment while holding her stuffed rabbit at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 20, 2025 in Rochester, N.Y.Madi and Alicia both pose for a portrait in Artesano’s Bakery and Cafe in Monroe Hall at Rochester Institute of Technology on Apr. 27, 2025 in Rochester, N.Y. Despite their busy schedules and the chaos of daily life, Madi and Alicia sit together at Artesano’s at the table by the window every single day.
Posted: April 29, 2026 by Hannah Murphy
2026 Interpretive Project First Place
A maximum of 12 images that showcase the photographer’s vision or unique perspective. These images can be planned, posed, or otherwise set up. Any post-production and/or digital manipulation must be disclosed in the image’s captions. Must be grounded in the documentary tradition, this project showcases a body of work that offers visual commentary on an issue or idea.
First Place: Hannah Murphy
Through Her Eyes – Life is layered when it is seen through the eyes of a sister, both beside you and far away. This series follows the bond between Madi and Alicia Gentes, two sisters experiencing college together at Rochester Institute of Technology. It reveals the world through their shared and separate perspectives, showing how traces of one another remain in a photo, a piece of jewelry, or a stuffed animal from childhood. Through light, gesture, and atmosphere, it examines the balance of independence and love that defines their relationship. Rooted in the loss of my own sister when I was young, this piece gave me a glimpse of a connection I never had and celebrates the way love quietly persists both when we are together and when we are apart.
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