James DeCamp has been a passionate competitor in the Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) Picture of the Year contest, showcasing his keen eye for storytelling through powerful imagery. With a career spanning decades, his entries have captured moments of raw emotion, striking composition, and technical excellence.
Whether documenting the human experience, covering major news events, or crafting compelling visual narratives, his submissions reflect his dedication to the craft. Over the years, his work for The Columbus Dispatch and many other publications has earned recognition and respect, standing out among Ohio’s top photojournalists. Each entry into the ONPA competition is a testament to his ability to freeze time and tell stories that resonate far beyond the frame.
News Picture Story:
A multiple-picture entry of a story, series or sequence of a spot or general news event.
Indian Lake Tornado: Tragedy, Destruction, and a Community’s Strength
Full story and images here: https://wp.me/p7sWoM-2Q3
Craig Hewitt, rear, and Butch Smith, Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team pray for Jodi Miller Thursday, March 21, 2024, a survivor of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Feature Picture story:
A multiple-picture entry of a story, series or sequence of a spot or general human interest subject.
Brigid’s Path: A Sanctuary of Healing for Newborns Affected by Addiction
Full story and images here: https://wp.me/p7sWoM-2Pw
Karen Laitzman, a mother who used Brigid’s Path services for herself and her child several years ago photographed Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Brigid’s Path newborn recovery center in Kettering, Ohio. Founded in 2014, Brigid’s Path provides care for infants exposed to addictive substances and their mothers.
Portrait Personality:
A picture of a person that reveals the essence of the subject’s character.
The New Albany Community Foundation presents Joshua Henry and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in concert Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
“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. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
“Adopted,” 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. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Sports Feature:
An unposed sports-related photo that celebrates the role athletics plays in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans.
Runners grab hydration at the first water stop of the 2024 Columbus Marathon photographed Sunday, October 20, 2024 in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Zachary Aston-Reese poses for a 3D photo during the Columbus Blue Jackets season opener ceremonies Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Pictorial:
A picture that uses the aesthetic qualities of the subject with emphasis on composition.
Looking over the new displays of art at The Gund Gallery Spring Collection opening photographed Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Gallery on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
A mother and daughter look at the hanging art display by Nancy Spero, Maypole: ÔTake No PrisonersÕ at the Gund Gallery Spring Collection opening photographed Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Gallery on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Looking over the new displays of art at The Gund Gallery Spring Collection opening photographed Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Gallery on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The 2024 Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival photographed Saturday, June 15, 2024 in downtown old Gahanna, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Photographed Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Gund Museum on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
General News:
A picture of a scheduled political, social or cultural event for which advance planning was possible. An assigned and/or scheduled news events. Example: demonstration, funerals, trials and promotional events.
Ohio Wesleyan University students and faculty celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors Saturday, March 30, 2024 on Frat Hill on the OWU campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The Inauguration of Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt vandenBerg photographed Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The Easton E3 Learning Lab photographed Monday, May 13, 2024 on the New Albany-Plain Local School District Campus in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The 2024 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure photographed Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The Buddy Up Day Camp photographed Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Wickertree Tennis and Fitness Club in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The Rose Run Fest Summer in Italy Paint Party held Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Rose Run Park in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Canine Companions North Central Region Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony photographed Friday, August 9, 2024 at their campus in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Kenyon College Freshman Move-in Day photographed Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Kenyon College Freshman Convocation and First Sing photographed Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
The New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration presented by the New Albany Chamber of Commerce photographed Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Market Square in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)
Features:
A found situation with strong human interest – a fresh view of an everyday scene.
Delta Airlines de-icing crews spray down a plane on the tarmac of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport early Friday morning January 19, 2024. Winter weather moved thru the Midwest snarling traffic with cancelations and delays. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) #JDeCampPhoto, #ColumbusAirport, #Delta, #FlyCMH, #614, #lifeincolumbus, #Columbus
The ONPA Picture of the Year contest has seen a noticeable decline in entries compared to 15 – 20 years ago. The highly competitive showcase of Ohio’s best photojournalism, the contest once featured a robust number of submissions, reflecting a thriving industry with many active photographers contributing compelling work.
Fifteen years ago, the competition was fierce, with photojournalists from newspapers, magazines, and freelance backgrounds vying for recognition. The sheer volume of entries made winning or placing a significant achievement. Today, however, the number of submissions has dwindled, reflecting broader changes in the industry—shrinking newsroom budgets, fewer staff photographer positions, and an overall shift in how visual journalism is produced and consumed.
Despite the decline in quantity, the quality of work remains extremely high, with dedicated photographers continuing to produce powerful images that capture the essence of news, sports, and human-interest stories. However, the contrast between then and now highlights the evolving landscape of photojournalism, where fewer professionals are left to document the world through a trained and experienced lens.
©James D. DeCamp (614) 367-6366
©James D. DeCamp (614) 367-6366
©James D. DeCamp/JamesDeCamp.com
©James D. DeCamp/JamesDeCamp.com