I LOVE THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Today I got to catch the last day of the exhibit
Pictures Of The Year International at the
Annenberg Space For Photography in Century City. 
The photographs represent images from the year 2008.

The Pictures of the Year International (POYi) is the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism competition in the world.  For 65 years it was held at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. 
They moved the competition to the Annenberg Space here in LA and the photographs have been on display since July 11th and the exhibit ended today.  I am grateful that I got the opportunity to see it.

Two pictures stood out in all of the photographs I saw today.

 Callie Shell
Aurora for TIME
"nap"

Michelle Obama naps on her husband's shoulder during a trip across New Hampshire.

The first was a candid shot of President and Mrs Obama traveling in New Hampshire on the campaign trail.  Mrs Obama is resting her head on the President's neck and shoulder and she is napping.  He is reading the paper while supporting her.  To see them them in this intimate setting shows me what I already know about these two, that they're relationship is loving and supportive. 
It touched me deeply. 

Gleb Garanich
Reuters
"georgia"

 

Georgian Zaza Rasmadze holds the body of his brother Zviadi, killed in a Russian bombardment in Gori, 80 km (50 miles) from the Georgian capital Tbilisi. 9 August 2008.

Such a powerful image.
The grief leaps off the picture and grabs you. 
It instantly affected me.  And it haunts me this evening.

To see all of this years winners click here to go to the POYi winners site.

This amazing space is free to the public and parking is $1 with validation.
Their next exhibit is about sports and opens on NOV 14th and runs through early spring.