Collecting accolades

Central Michigan University senior photojournalism student Josie Norris has been taking pictures since she was 12 years old. Once she discovered exactly what photojournalism was, she knew that was the career she wanted to pursue.

“I really enjoy photographing unposed moments,” Norris said.

Nominated by CMU photojournalism professor Kent Miller, Norris entered the photojournalism category of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program last fall. The competition, which allows only two students to submit work per school, has categories for writing, photojournalism, radio, television and multimedia. Norris submitted eight news and feature photos she took in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and San Antonio, Texas.

Competing against 127 entries from across the nation, Norris was awarded third place, which earned a $1,500 scholarship for both her and to CMU. She now will compete against nine other semifinalists.

Along with encouragement from Miller, Norris found support from CMU alum Jake May, Sean Proctor and Andrew Whitaker. She recognizes the importance in searching out mentors for your passions.

Submissions for the semifinals of the competition are due by April 19, which gives Norris only a few short months to select which photos to submit and perhaps to take and edit new images.

“We’re able to submit photos taken this semester, which is a big inspiration to keep working,” Norris said.