DeCamp Honored in ONPA POY Contest

Columbus Photojournalist James D. DeCamp Honored in 74th Annual Ohio News Photographers Association Pictures of the Year Contest

Columbus, Ohio – Renowned photojournalist James D. DeCamp has been recognized with two Honorable Mentions in the prestigious 74th annual Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) Pictures of the Year (POY) contest, held on March 16, 2025. The ONPA POY competition, one of the premier showcases of excellence in photojournalism, celebrates the most compelling work from Ohio-based photographers, videographers, and visual editors, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of industry professionals.

Award-Winning Work

DeCamp’s first honored image, “Adopted,” is a poignant portrait of Em, 16, as she sits contemplatively over a cup of coffee in her Chester, Vermont home. Recently adopted into a ‘Forever Family’ after enduring years of instability in the foster care system, Em’s journey to a permanent home came with the support of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, an initiative of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. DeCamp captured this powerful moment while on assignment for the Foundation in Vermont, bringing to life a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of adoption.  DeCamp has been working with the agency as their principal photographer for more than 9 years.

The second honored photograph, “The Doctor,” showcases John Haughwout, owner of Free Flow Plumbing and self-proclaimed “Drain Doctor”, as he prepares for a meticulous operation – on an American Standard Edgemere toilet. Taken on September 26, 2024, in Solon, Ohio, for Plumber Magazine, the portrait infuses humor and creativity into an otherwise ordinary subject, demonstrating DeCamp’s mastery of lighting techniques and character-driven storytelling.

A Legacy of Photojournalism Excellence

The ONPA POY competition, judged on March 16, 2024, attracted 21 visual journalists from across Ohio, submitting 328 entries spanning news, features, sports, and portrait photography. The judging panel, composed of esteemed photographers and editors, evaluated submissions based on journalistic integrity, storytelling, and visual impact, while also offering feedback to encourage professional growth.

Established in 1951, the Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) has been a cornerstone of photojournalism education and advocacy for over seven decades. A nonprofit organization, ONPA fosters a vibrant community for professional and student photographers alike, offering monthly clip contests, the Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship, and an annual convention featuring educational seminars and networking opportunities.

About James D. DeCamp

James D. DeCamp is a seasoned photojournalist, commercial photographer, and visual storyteller, whose work spans editorial, corporate, portrait, and event photography. With a career dedicated to capturing compelling narratives, DeCamp has built a reputation for delivering technically masterful and emotionally resonant imagery. His portfolio includes assignments for major news outlets, commercial clients, and nonprofit organizations, consistently pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

His passion for the craft extends beyond his own lens – DeCamp is deeply involved in mentoring aspiring photographers and staying ahead of emerging visual media trends. Whether working on high-profile commercial shoots or intimate personal projects, his approach remains rooted in precision, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For more information on James DeCamp Photography, visit JamesDeCamp.com.

For more about the Ohio News Photographers Association, visit ONPA.org.