2025 VTF Moneta Sleet Jr. Photo Competition

Information Guide

Welcome to the 2025 VTF Moneta Sleet Jr. Photo Competition — a 24-hour immersive photojournalism challenge celebrating the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Moneta Sleet Jr. This competition honors the power of visual storytelling to document real people and real communities with dignity, depth, and purpose.

This competition is open to all registered convention attendees.

Photographers of all levels—from college students to seasoned professionals—will compete side by side, capturing a compelling photo story based on a theme that will be announced at the start of the competition Thursday August 7th at 11am in the VTF Suite. This guide is here to help you navigate the process, sharpen your reporting instincts, and elevate your storytelling.

You’ll have just 24 hours to find, photograph, and submit a powerful visual story. You may approach this as a photo essay, character profile, slice-of-life series, or visual documentary—but your final submission must revolve around the theme and tell a cohesive story.

https://forms.gle/z7U4tNtPfr8eU9yo9

Image Submission Form:

https://forms.gle/SCSVEjYXmU5Je8zf8

If you have any trouble submitting your images and captions through the google form link above please send your submission to vtfchair@gmail.com by the deadline.

Key Dates:

Competition Duration: 24 hours from the theme reveal (Last photo taken August 8th at 12 noon)
Submission Deadline: Friday August 8th at 4pm
Live Judging: Friday August 8th at 6pm in the VTF Suite

2025 Theme

Black Joy

Document moments that showcase Black joy as a powerful force in Cleveland.

How to Identify and Execute a Visual Story on a Deadline

Working on a tight deadline demands quick thinking, resourcefulness, and a sharp eye for human-centered storytelling. Here are tips to guide you:

1. Scan and Select Quickly

Research local events online. Hit the streets, stop by familiar gathering places—look for energy, emotion, or people engaged in meaningful activities.
Ask: “Can this setting reveal something larger about community, identity, or culture?”

2. Focus Your Story

Narrow your idea early. Pick one strong subject, location, or moment to follow through.

3. Talk to People

Start conversations. Build trust. Let your curiosity lead.
Ask questions like: "What brought you here today?" or "Why is this important to you?"

4. Gather Complete Info as You Shoot

Don’t wait to caption later. Get names, context, and quotes in real-time.

5. Edit with a Clear Narrative

Think: beginning, middle, end. What’s the arc?

Why Deadlines Matter

Last photo taken Friday August 8th at 12 noon
Submission Deadline: Friday August 8th at 4pm

This is photojournalism. Deadlines are everything.

Editors, publications, and audiences depend on timely reporting. Meeting your deadline is not just a contest requirement—it reflects your ability to work in the real world.

Late entries may be disqualified or receive reduced consideration. Plan backward. Aim to finish early. Save time to write strong captions.

AP-Style Captions: Tell the Story in Words Too

Every image must include a complete, accurate, and descriptive caption written in Associated Press (AP) style. A good caption answers who, what, when, where, and why, and ideally includes context or a quote to add depth.

Basic Caption Template:

[City], [State] — [Full name] [does what] [when] at/on/in [place] as part of [event or story context].

Example Captions:

1.
Cleveland, Ohio — Mya Jackson, 17, rehearses a praise dance routine with her church group at Greater New Hope Baptist Church on Saturday, July 19, 2025, ahead of their annual summer youth showcase. "Dancing is how I connect with my faith," she said.

2.
Cleveland, Ohio — Barbershop owner Leon Stokes trims a client’s hair on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Glenville neighborhood. Stokes has run the shop for 32 years and says it’s “always been more than just a place to get a cut—it’s a place to talk, to laugh, and to feel seen.”

3.
Cleveland, Ohio — Twin siblings Jordan and Jasmine Thomas sell lemonade and snacks outside their grandmother’s house on Saturday, July 19, 2025. “We’re saving up for a trip to the African American history museum,” Jordan said.

Caption Tips:

Always identify people with full names and ages if possible. Make sure to double check the spelling of names.
Ask for pro nouns (don’t assume he, she)
Don’t assume relationships—ask.
Add texture: include quotes or tell us why the moment matters.
Each caption should be unique—no copy-paste.

Build Trust Through Conversation

Good photojournalism requires more than just strong visuals—it requires human connection.

Talk to your subjects:

Ask their name, age, occupation, and where they’re from.
Ask about the moment you’re documenting: “What brought you here?” “How does this make you feel?” “Why is this important to you?”
Respect their time and space. Not everyone will want to talk or be photographed. That’s okay—move on respectfully.

This extra step gives your captions depth and your work authenticity. People want to be seen, not just looked at.

Prizes

The winner of the competition will receive a Sony camera.

There will also be prizes for other participants whose images place in the competition.

Have Questions? Reach Out!

This competition is about growth, community, and storytelling. Whether you’re a student or seasoned pro, we’re here to help.

Contact:

Email vtfchair@gmail.com with questions.

Jason Armond

VTF Scholarship Chair

910-795-3683

Lance Washington

VTF Chair

504-237-9764