2.26.09

ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 26, 2009)—Senior Ohio University photojournalism student Diego James Robles has been named the 2008 Student Photographer of the Year by the Ohio News Photographers Association.

“It feels really good to win,” said Robles, a Los Angeles native. “I was pleasantly surprised. I think people are inherently interesting, and I try to show that in my photographs.”

In order to be considered for the award, students were required to submit pictures of at least one sport, one news, one feature and one photo story. Robles submitted approximately 30 pictures including two photo stories.

“I think that taking photographs is extremely fulfilling, but it’s important to do things that are relevant and worthwhile to people that you’re around,” said Robles. “Newspaper and journalism is kind of a public service, so it’s important to take pictures that matter to the community.”

School of Visual Communication Director Terry Eiler said Robles is one of the program’s many out-of-state students who has come to Ohio University and really embedded themselves in the local community.

“It’s really exciting to see a young student come from California and learn to tell local stories and be recognized for community journalism,” Eiler said. “Diego is the current OUNPPA student chapter president. So he’s come here and gotten actively involved. He’s a solid addition to our undergraduate group.”

One of Robles photo stories was of the undefeated Logan High School football team. He spent a day following the team, from 6 a.m. to midnight, documenting their day at school and the football game and aftermath. For the other photo story, Robles followed a group of Mormon missionaries in the Plains, and showed what it’s like to be a missionary.

The 58th annual news photography contest was judged over the weekend at Kent State. This year marked the 10th year of the student portion of the competition.  

Robles is one of five Ohio University students to win the award since its founding in 1999. To view Robles’s winning photography, visit www.onpa.org.

- Kristen Rapin