Photo of the Year Award

Photojournalist Tommy Metthe of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock was announced at the recent APA Convention as the winner of the 2023 Photo of the Year with his photo, “Memorial Day,” depicting Janice Sutton visiting the grave of her parents, Eddie and Shirley Hardy, after a Memorial Day service at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Eddie Hardy was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War.

Metthe said the following as the recipient of this award:

“It’s a great honor to receive the Photo of the Year award from the Arkansas Press Association.

“Much of my job as a photojournalist is not the actual time taking photos as much as it is talking and listening to people tell their story. We often meet people at either the highest or lowest points of their lives.

“While Mrs. Sutton wasn’t at the lowest point of her life on this day, visiting her parent’s grave on Memorial Day. It was still obviously an emotional time and brought back some memories. So, listening to her talk about her parents and her memories was nice to hear.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job

Continued from page 1 is getting to meet people who let me into their lives and hear their stories. It often gives more insight into their lives and allows to make a better and more compelling photo.

Memorial Day was no different; after the service many family members visit their loved ones. It’s always nice to hear the families’ stories of the loved ones and their service.”