2012 Feature Picture Story
First Place: April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Military retiree Richard Ramsey fulfilled a lifelong desire to become a woman, Renee, at age 77, but kept attending veterans' events as a man to avoid upsetting friends for a long time. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Initally, Renee Ramsey was afraid to dress as a woman in her working-class New Jersey community, and only wore dresses at home. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
At Lady Ellen's La Femme Finishing School, Renee got lessons in hair, makeup, and walking like a woman. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee winces as Lady Ellen puts earrings on her. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Lady Ellen teaches Renee how to move in a feminine manner. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee eyes bras at a swap meet with other transgenders and cross-dressing males. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee began to grow weary of dressing like a man at so many veterans' events. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
For the first year after her sex change, Renee delighted in wearing short skirts and youthful clothing. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee underwent several surgeries to feminize her face, including the facelift here. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee gets a post-op check after her facelift to look more like a woman. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Renee is in pain after getting breast implants. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
First Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
After her implants, Renee was glad she could no longer fit into many of her uniforms, because she was tired of dressing like a man. BETWEEN GENDERS
April Saul / Philadelphia Inquirer
Second Place: Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In today's community of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, one in five suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression. Brian Scott Ostrom is one of them..Welcome Home, The Story of Scott Ostrom
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott counts the stitches in his wrist a few days after he attempted suicide. He said he believes every combat vet struggling with PTSD has a suicide plan.
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott is comforted by a friend during an argument with his girlfriend. Scott said she took his medication, " I'm not going to get over this panic attack.?
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
After punching a hole in his door, Scott panics. "My PTSD comes from long exposure to combat trauma," Scott said. "I think it comes from the fact that I survived."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott looks over his military service records and weeps after being told his apartment application had been turned down because of an assault charge on his background check.
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott watches an evening storm roll in outside his apartment. "I'm just feeling guilty about the things I did. I was a brutal killer, and I rejoiced in it."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott tries to leave during a fight with his girlfriend. "I dated this girl for almost two years... It was the closest thing that got me back to the levels of stress I had in combat."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott drinks a beer outside the VFW Post in Longmont, Colo. Scott recalled his worst day in Iraq, "I lost a friend that I never had."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott lays on the floor with his dog, Jibby. He was exhausted and said, "Everybody says, 'With time, with time it will all go away.' So I'm waiting."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott stands tensely in the kitchen. Scott said his PTSD was becoming unmanageable, "I don't know what I want. I need someone to tell me what to do."
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott says he is concerned about his health. Down 45 pounds from his normal weight -- Scott says his appetite and stress are directly related.
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Second Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Scott waits for an antipsychotic medication at the VA Medical Center. Two months later Scott was accepted into a PTSD residential program at the Center.
Craig Walker / The Denver Post
Third Place: Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
A wave of violence has made Honduras among the most dangerous places on Earth, with a homicide rate roughly 20 times that of the U.S. rate, according to a 2011 United Nations report. ..In this March 11, 2012 photo, the bodies of Lesbia Altamirano and Wilmer Orbera lie on the floor of a pool hall after being attacked by unidentified masked assailants in Choloma on the outskirts of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 8, 2012 photo, a police officer lifts weights made with concrete at a police station in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 8, 2012 photo, police inspect people's ID's at a pool hall as they patrol in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 9, 2012 photo, the body of public transport driver Wilmer Barahona sits inside a van, held upright by a seat belt after he was shot dead in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 9, 2012 photo, police stand next to the body of their fellow officer Denis Bonilla dead after he was shot to death in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 11, 2012 photo, a woman who was injured during a shooting at a pool hall is carried into the Catalino Rivas Public Hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 10, 2012 photo, a man who said he was injured when attacked with a machete during an attempted robbery sits at the Catalino Rivas public hospital emergency room in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 10, 2012 photo, a woman walks in a park that overlooks San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 8, 2012 photo, a police officer inspects tattoos on a Mara Salvatrucha gang member Jose Alexander Carranza after his arrest in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 8, 2012 photo, a detainee peers through the jail bars at a police station in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 9, 2012 photo, the relatives of a murdered public transport driver grieve at the crime scene where he was shot dead in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Third Place - 2012 Feature Picture Story
In this March 9, 2012 photo, the mother of Jose Euceda shows a photograph of her son, who was he says was killed by a police officer, inside his home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. "Honduras: Violent City"
Esteban Felix / Associated Press
Honorable Mention: Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Though India is famous for its brutally hot summers, temperatures fall sharply for a few weeks in December and January. Poor people, particularly those living on the streets, are the worst hit. ..Indian men gather around the body of a homeless man who was identified as Chotu, 32, after he died from exposure, according to authorities, on a walkway on a cold morning in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
An Indian ragpicker walks along the railway tracks in thick fog in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Indian rickshaw drivers warm themselves around a bonfire on a cold morning in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Indian men bathe on a water pipe above a sewage drain on a cold and foggy morning in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
An Indian man brushes his teeth with a neem stick on a street on a foggy morning in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Indian men wait for free tea and food handouts from a local charity on a cold morning in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
An elderly woman smokes while wrapped in a quilt on a cold morning near the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Stray dogs walk in front of the Red Fort as it is shrouded in dense morning fog, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Goats walks past the body of a homeless man who was identified as Chotu, 32, after he died from exposure, according to authorities, on a walkway on a cold morning in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Homeless Indian youths warm themselves on a fire in the street on a cold and foggy morning in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
A homeless Indian man sits with one shoe off as he warms himself on a small fire in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
A homeless Indian man is oblivious as the cloth he is wrapped in is accidentally lit on fire after using his own sandals as kindling on a cold morning in New Delhi, India, Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. "Cold in Dehli"
Kevin Frayer / Associated Press
Honorable Mention: Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
"Daddy's Girl".Summary- Manteno High School wrestling coach Cory Blanchette, 37, was out jogging on a dark country road before sunrise on Nov. 1, 2011, when he was hit and killed instantly by a passing car. His dark clothing made it impossible for the driver to see him in time, and the iPod he was listening to apparently prevented him from hearing the vehicle's approach..Blanchette left behind a wife and four children under the age of 8..His oldest daughter, Addison, described by her mother. Alisa. as a "daddy's girl" has struggled to come to grips with the loss of her father..Caption- Before going to a reading night at her Manteno school, Addison Blanchette, 5, stands alone on the barren patio where her father Cory used to barbeque.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
As her mother Alisa plays with her youngest child Kendall, 2, Addison Blanchette throws a temper tantrum under a living room table.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
As a slide show of images of Cory Blanchette with his young children is projected on a screen, Cory's brother Craig introduces the four Blanchette children- Luke, Addison, Brooke and Kendall to an overflow crowd at a benefit for the Manteno family in nearby Peotone, Illinois..
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
On what would have been her father's 38th birthday, Addison Blanchette watches a balloon launch before the start of the Inaugural Cory Blanchette Memorial 5K.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Addison Blanchette holds her hand over her heart as "The Star-Spangled Banner" is sung before the start of the Inaugural Cory Blanchette Memorial 5K.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Addison Blanchette and her younger sister Brooke runs the bases after a Chicago Cubs' game at Wrigley Field. .Addison's brother Luke threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Major League Baseball game.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
During a session of aggressive play, Luke Blanchette whacks his sister Addison with a plastic light saber in the family's home in Manteno, illinois.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
During her 6th birthday at a park across the street from her house in Manteno, Illinois, Addison Blanchette spends a moment away from her family and friends and rides a merry go round by herself..
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Addison Blanchette hugs her mother Alisa during a quiet moment as Addison's 6th birthday party at a park across the street from her house in Manteno, IL on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. .
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Addison Blanchette, 5, lays on her brother Luke's bed, while struggling to fall asleep at the family home in Mendota, IL on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
After quickly packing their suitcases after being surprised with the news that their mother Alisa was going to take them to Disney World for Halloween, Addison, Brooke and Kendall react to the news that they won't be leaving for three more weeks.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
On the one year anniversary of the untimely death of her father Cory, Addison Blanchette, 7, of Manteno stays behind outside her family's hotel room at Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, after being told by her mother that she had to walk to the family car. Moments later, she would catch up with them and go to a princess breakfast at Epcot.. .Alisa Blanchette drove her four children down to Florida for the week because she didn't want to spend the anniversary of her husband's death, in their hometown of Manteno.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention: Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
WHAT REMAINS Bruce Mock's life changed forever when his beloved wife Aann was diagnosed with cancer. After she died, he had to contend with what remains after a loved one passes - grief, loneliness and memories - while trying to carry on living a life full of love; a life that he knew his wife wanted him to continue...THIS IMAGE: After a long day at the hospital, with many exhausting treatments, Aann is completely fatigued and collapses onto Bruce, crying. ltqmb .."What remains 1"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Shortly after Aann's death at the hospital, Bruce is embraced by two of her friends. ltqmb "What Remains 2"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce asleep in the bed he used to share with Aann. Now her dog Horton regularly joins him, both for naps in the day and sleeping at night. ltqmb "What Remains 3"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce finishes up his dinner of pork ribs. Aann was vegetarian, and did much of the cooking. Bruce has began to enjoy making meals, especially with different meats slow-cooked in his crock pot. ltqmb "What Remains 4"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce attempts to take off his sweatshirt, but becomes tangled up. He had both of his knees replaced in less than a year, and negative reactions to some medications caused issues - including confusion and lack of coordination - in his recovery. ltqmb "What Remains 5"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce takes a moment to compose himself before the family scatters Aann's ashes in the waters near Wrightsville Beach, NC. More than a year after her death, the family got together to fulfill Aann's wishes in setting free her remains. ltqmb "What Remains 6"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Water droplets shine on Bruces back as he leads his Grandsons and nephews from a pool, where he swam and played with them. "What remains 7" ltqmb
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce smiles while watching his nephew play with his great-nephew the day after Christmas. It was the first time the extended family did not gather and celebrate the Holiday at Aann and Bruce's house. ltqmb "What Remains 8"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance
Honorable Mention - 2012 Feature Picture Story
Bruce lets out a laugh after feeling his pregnant niece's baby kick. Family is a very important support system for bruce, and they gather often to spend time together. ltqmb "What Remains 9"
Logan Mock-Bunting / Freelance