Winter was born on December 24, 1974 in Elmira, New York and grew up in St. Thomas in the US virgin islands. He earned a bachelor degree from Columbia University in environmental science. In 2005 his photo essay on sexual abuse victims was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and was featured in a portfolio that earned him the National Journalism Award for Photojournalism that same year.
The collection of photos that won Winter his Pulitzer Prize in 2009 was his coverage of current president Barak Obamas' 2008 presidential race against John McCain. It was extremely hard to choose just 3 photos from his photo essay because they're all so beautiful and I feel really capture and embody the American spirit. He photographed not only Obama and his campaign but the people attending election events such as rallies and speeches.
Winters photos display not only the enlightening and warm hearted side of American politics and the election of our first African American president, but the rainy cold days and the deep emotional side. "I wanted to look for interesting moments during the campaign" said Winter. (source-digital journal interview)
The collection was taken all across the fifty states and features what I think is a well rounded and real life view to a presidential campaign.
This photo was taken during a rally Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. In this rally Obama addressed points about the war in Iraq and why he would be a good choice for president even through the rain. I really like how there is a short depth of field so just Obama is in focus but a slower shutter speed so that the rain is blurred out. I also like the position of the subject, how even though he's in the middle, he's looking off into a different direction. It gives the affect that there is an audience and he's speaking to someone. This photo is effective photojournalism because it tells a story through the image and that's what good photojournalism does.
This photo features Obama supporters crying and cheering on election night in Grant Park in Chicago when they knew Obama was going to win. I really like the short depth of field, how the main subject of the photo is in focus and the background people are blurry but you can still see the expressions on their faces. I also really like the blurred flags, it shows that people are cheering and jumping around and it's an exciting movement filled event. I think the tears and the facial expressions really tell a story about what's happening. The details like him Obama button and American flag really allow this photo to effective photojournalism.
This photo is secret service agents pulling at the hands of an Obama supporter giving him a hug at Legend's Field in Tampa, Florida. I really like the simplicity of the color palette in this photo. Obama, being the focal point in wearing a bright white shirt and everyone around him is wearing black or dark colors. I also think its interesting how there is a long depth of field. So instead of just taking another pretty picture of Obama, it really tells the story of people trying to hug him but being pulled away for safety. This long depth of field allows this photo to be effective photojournalism.
extra photos because I like them :)
Shadrick Johnson age 6, outside of the Columbia Convention Center in South Carolina before an Obama speech.
Obama after meeting with veterans in San Antonio, Texas.
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