Rales (below) with his winning photograph (above).

TOP PHOTOG:
Lewiston foreman Rales captures best photo
in statewide contest

It’s an impressive line of trucks on scenic Idaho Highway 3, all curving and vanishing into the distance to some unknown destination or project. 

What could they be doing with all those trucks?

Viewers may question what ITD forces can’t handle with this kind of lineup.

Although no specific grading criteria was identified for the first Top Photog contest hosted by the Office of Communication this summer, in the final round these thoughts were expressed by the judges before selecting Lewiston foreman Nick Rales’ photo as the top shot in the state. The winning photo shows 12 trucks hauling approximately 140 tons of patching material.

Titled “Look at our Truckin’ Convoy,” Rales’ photo beat out 85 entries in his region before facing off with finalists from the other districts and headquarters.  

“Participating in the final judging was truly a privilege, as we had many outstanding photos to consider,” said Ramón Hobdey-Sanchez, a project manager with Governmental Affairs. “Each one carried its own unique characteristics and qualities, but when the group discussed trying to capture ‘ITD,’ this one truly stood out.”

All 319 entries told the ITD story in some fashion, often by featuring a job site or an incredible view just off the pavement. Several of them have already found their way onto social media sites, project websites and external publications for legislators to help ITD inform and engage with its stakeholders.

“Every photo that came in is a winner,” said Jessica Williams, manager of ITD’s Instagram and the public information specialist for District 4. “The power of a photo is invaluable in today’s society—it’s how we tell stories.”

Even though the contest is over, the photo submissions don’t have to end—in fact, our office would like to encourage everyone to continue taking those shots as we’ll find a way to use it for your benefit and the public’s benefit.

Also, it might not hurt interested employees to keep practicing…

To give feedback on the contest this year, please respond to this survey.

The Office of Communication would like to thank those in the Division of Motor Vehicles and Office of Highway Safety for their support for the contest.

Here are the other district winners and the best shot from Headquarters as well:

Headquarters Winner; "Backcountry Beauty" taken by Toby Griffin
Description: Tootsie performs inspection on majestic Middle Fork bridge of the Boise River.

District 5 Winner: "Night Light" taken by Greydon Wright
Description: Construction crews work throughout the night to set girders for the new Northgate Interchange bridge.

District 1 Winner: "Men at Work" taken by Chad Marang
Description: The Cedars crew durapatches sections of I-90 between Wallace and Mullan.

District 4 Winner: "Welcome to Idaho" taken by Carl Horn
Description: An alternative Idaho-shaped sign at the Idaho/Nevada border may reduce sticker vandalism on the state's welcome sign.

District 6 Winner: "The Lineup" taken by Brandon Thurber
Description: ITD crews preparing to lay asphalt for overlay patches on ID-31 at Pine Creek Pass.

District 3 Winner: "Morning Mist" taken by Todd Jackson
Description: Mist hangs low over the river along Idaho Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry.

Published 09-27-19