Times photographers honored

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The Washington Times photography staff has won 13 awards in "The Eyes of History 2005 Still Photography Contest," which is sponsored annually by the White House News Photographers' Association.

Liz O. Baylen garnered six awards, including "Political Photo of the Year" -- a straightforward portrait of Sen. John Kerry taken moments before President Bush arrived at the U.S. Capitol to take his second oath of office on Inauguration Day.

Titled "Acquiesce," the shot shows the Massachusetts Democrat grim but dignified among a group of officials waiting for Mr. Bush.

"Capitol Hill events are often very staged, and politicians can be very polished in how they present themselves. But when you catch a moment when they let their guard down, when their human side shows, when they exhale -- it's very exciting," Miss Baylen said.

In addition, she won second place in the "Inauguration 2005" category, third place in "Portrait/Personality" and three awards of excellence in the "On Capitol Hill" and "Domestic News" categories.

Michael Connor won first place in the "Campaign 2004" category for "Foreshadowing," which captured the fleeting exchange between a boy and Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean during a pancake breakfast in America's heartland.

As Mr. Dean prepared to drive home his message before the microphone, the lad yawned.

Mary F. Calvert won three awards in the contest, including second place in the "Political Picture Story" category for "Secret Weapon," a dramatically lighted portrait of first lady Laura Bush on the campaign trail.

Surrounded by Secret Service agents, Mrs. Bush was appearing solo for the first time on a grueling bus tour of New Hampshire.

Ms. Calvert also won third place in the "Feature" category and an award of excellence in the "Campaign 2004" category.

Nancy Pastor won second place for "Salute," a tribute in red, white and blue to the Liberty Belles, a girl singing trio in the 1940s tradition as they prepared to appear in a patriotic United Service Organizations show.

Other contest winners were J.M. Eddins Jr., who won an award of excellence in the "Portrait/Personality" category and Ross D. Franklin, who won an award of excellence in the "Sports Feature/Reaction" category.

The WHNPA was founded in 1921 by still- and motion-picture photographers who covered political newsmakers around the globe. Based in Washington, the association numbers more than 500 members affiliated with major newspapers, magazines, wire services and broadcast news organizations.

Winners of the annual contest were announced Sunday. Their work can be seen at the group's Web site, www.whnpa.org.