Sometimes you need a reporter to write a thousand words. Other times, nothing captures the moment like the right photo.
The Idaho Statesman took home 68 awards on Saturday at the Idaho Press Club Awards, an annual competition that recognizes the best reporting from across the state.
Fifteen of those went to Darin Oswald and Sarah Miller, who make up the Statesman’s photo and video team.
The duo spent 2024 hauling heavy camera equipment up bleachers, across the Owyhees and through landfills.
They attended Treasure Valley community events to capture the heartbreak of a fallen deputy’s funeral, the elation of a Boise State victory and the tension of election night.
Below are this year’s winning photos and videos.
A full list of all the Statesman staff’s 2024 awards can be found here.
Feature Photography
Sarah Miller, first place, Miss Idaho Teen
The new Miss Idaho Teen Aly Feely, representing Tri-Counties, reacts to winning the pageant held at the Special Events Center at Boise State University. Feely attends the University of Idaho and is an Eagle High School graduate. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Darin Oswald, third place, Northern Lights Boise
A rare view of the northern lights appeared over Boise on May 10, 2024. The phenomenon was made possible by a large solar storm interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating glowing atmospheric gases—and a wonderful light show in the sky. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Feature Photography – Serious
Darin Oswald, second place, Idaho Abortion Law
Jillaine St. Michel holds her daughter while attending a rally at the Idaho Statehouse. Doctors found “insurmountable skeletal and organ issues” during her second pregnancy, and the legal issues resulting from strict Idaho abortion laws further complicated the hard decisions they faced. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
General News Photography
Darin Oswald, first place, Election Night
With his face painted by a election night results projected on a background screen, Ben Fulcher, son of U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, listens to his father thank Idaho Republicans for re-electing him into office. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Darin Oswald, second place, Landfill Reclamation
In the midst of the Treasure Valley’s population and construction boom, the Ada County Landfill is filling up much faster than expected. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Sports News Photography
Darin Oswald, first place, Yellow Card Two
Boise forward Confiance Ishimwe (9) reacts to his second yellow card after being called for a foul in the final minute of regulation in the 6A boys soccer District Three championship game. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Darin Oswald, second place, Superman Save
Ambrose junior Lincoln Mathis makes a diving save in the Archers’ 54-38 win over Nampa Christian in the 2A boys basketball state semifinals. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Hundreds of people gather for vigil in honor of Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy Tobin Bolter. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford hugs Star Police Chief and Ada County Sheriff’s Sergeant Zach Hessing as the two share comments with hundreds of people who gathered to honor Deputy Tobin Bolter at a vigil ceremony in Star. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
A two-hour long procession of law enforcement vehicles escorts the late Tobin Bolter, an Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty, on the way to a funeral held at the Ford Idaho Center. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Boise State Broncos dump a cooler of Gatorade on Coach Spencer Danielson as time runs out in the Mountain West championship game. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Boise State wide receiver Latrell Caples holds the trophy after Boise State’s win in the Mountain West championship game. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
People storm the field and try to knock over the goalpost after Boise State’s win in the Mountain West championship game against UNLV. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Morgan Wood and Ian Larsen dance together during VIP Prom at Potomac Manor Event Center. Mountain View High School Student Leadership hosted the event which was open to all West Ada School District students with special needs and their families. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Hayden Tillery spins on the floor dancing during VIP Prom. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
Eagle High School student Jacob Wills smiles as he dances during VIP Prom. Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com
News Portrait Photography
Darin Oswald, second place, Baseball Player of the Year
Middleton High’s Treyton Swygart was voted Idaho’s 2024 baseball player of the year by coaches throughout the state. Darin Oswald doswald@idahostatesman.com
Reporter Sally Krutzig covers local government, growth and breaking news for the Idaho Statesman. She previously covered the Idaho State Legislature for the Post Register.Support my work with a digital subscription
