CBC photojournalists nominated for national photography awards

Two CBC Vancouver photojournalistswere announced as finalists in the 13thannual National Pictures of the Year (NPOY) awards on Monday.

Ben Nelms received two nominations, including a nod for photojournalist of the year and one for spot news. Originally hailing from Edmonton, Nelmsbegan shooting with CBCin April.He has previously been nominated for multiple NPOYs, winning an award forphoto story of the year in 2012.

"Photojournalism is a vital piece to telling stories that audiences can connect with," Nelms said when asked for comment."I am grateful for the trust people have given me to let me tell their stories through photographs."

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Maggie MacPherson received a nomination in the 'Personality' category for her touching work profiling Stephen "Red" Robinson, a former Oppenheimer Park resident.

"It's a huge honour to be nominated alongside so many incredible photographers," said MacPherson, who hails from Vernon, B.C. andstarted with CBCin June.

Over 2,000 photographs along with 22 multimedia productions from across Canada were entered in this year's competition.

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The nominated photographs can be viewed online here.

They will also befeatured during the Capture Photography Festival held at the Pendulum Gallery inVancouver, British ColumbiafromMarch 23 toApril 24,as well as at the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival in the lobby of Brookfield Place Bay Adelaide Centre inToronto, Ont.,fromMay 11 toMay 30.

The award winnerswill beannounced during the 2019 NationalPictures of the Year Gala on April 25inMontreal, Quebec.