A picture of perfection

The Heralds’ photo editor Christina Daly and freelance photographer Kathy Leistner each took first place in separate photography categories in the Press Club of Long Island Media Awards competition. The award presentation was held at the Woodbury Country Club on June 9.

One hundred and seventy-five of Long Island’s best journalists and photojournalists were on hand for the dinner. Judging the entries in more than 40 categories was conducted by the New Orleans Press Club and the Indiana Press Club, both chapters, as is the Press Club of Long Island, of the national Society of Professional Journalism.

“It was great to see our Photo Editor Christina Daly’s work and that of our freelancer Kathy Leistner’s, recognized for excellence,” said John O’Connell, the Heralds’ executive editor. “Both awards were well deserved.”

Daly’s photo, “Lunch Time,” won in the News/Feature Photography category. The image was of an egret with a fish in its mouth, and was taken in Oceanside. The photo ran as a “Framework,” a weekly feature on the editorial page in all of the Heralds that showcases interesting locations in the newpaper’s coverage area.

“This is the first award I have won for my photography and it feels terrific to win in an area that I have always loved and been so passionate about,” said Daly. “I started taking photos as a hobby, shooting pictures of owls, birds — nature and wildlife type shots — and so I was very happy and honored to win this award.”

Leistner, whose excellent sports action photos have been featured in the Herald for almost eight years, took home the top award in the sports category for her photo “Run for Your Life,” featuring a Lynbrook Owls football player during a championship game. (The team won.)

“This award means so much to me,” said Leistner. “I started taking sports photos when I was in high school, so high school football is my favorite event to shoot. The game combines my interests in both sports and science.”

“So often it is the photo that tells the story and adds that extra special touch to our award-winning, community journalism,” said the Heralds’ co-publisher Stuart Richner. “It’s great to see our photographers recognized for their excellent work in helping to illustrate the local flavor of our communities.”

Co-publisher Cliff Richner agreed. “Great photos bring the news to life. Both Christina and Kathy have great eyes, as well as great skill, and it shows in the many fine photos they shoot for us. I’m proud of them both.”

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