The 74th Annual ONPA Convention was a marked by poignant and poetic presentations by Madeleine Hordinski and Craig Ruttle as they showed beautiful bodies of work showcasing the power of independent photojournalism.
Both keynote speakers delivered highly informative accounts about navigating the complexities of finding stories, pitching them to editors – both known and unknown, and working to get reimbursed for that work. Maddie also discussed the rigors of her teaching duties balances against a regimented schedule of self-care and the duties of her freelance career where nothing is guaranteed.
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Marshall Gorby, left, chats with Doug Nicodemus during the 74th Annual ONPA Convention at the Spring Hollow Lodge, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Westerville, OH. Gorby recently announced his retirement from the Dayton Daily News. ©Andrew Dolph Photography, ONPA
We began the classically dreary spring day in Ohio nestled in the woods at Spring Hollow Lodge in Westerville, where a light drizzle lended a certain coziness to the meeting space. A light breakfast was enjoyed by about 25 people before settling in to celebrate this years’ still and multimedia contest winners.
Maddie’s presentation came next, in which she showcased a handful of poetic essays and commissions, highlighting how the preference for using medium format cameras and films while on assignment allows her to slow down, opening the door for the viewer to linger longer with the people and places she documents.
A must, she said, for those wishing to pursue a successful freelance career is to apply for and attend Missouri Photo Workshop (MPW), Eddie Adams Workshop (EAW), as well as participating in the coveted annual New York Times Portfolio Review.
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Madeleine Hordinski gives delivers her presentation during the 74th Annual ONPA Convention at the Spring Hollow Lodge, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Westerville, OH. Madeleine is an independent photojournalist based in Cincinnati. Pictured at right in the background is Craig Ruttle. © Andrew Dolph Photography, ONPA
During the question and answer session, her explanations of the nuance of conversation with editors illuminated how photographers can indeed get all their expenses reimbursed if the right questions are asked before agreeing to the assignment. She noted that it also helps to target editors for pitches based upon those editors’ specific interests; ie: what have they edited in the past, and does that work align with her interests and subject matter of the pitch?
Maddie currently enjoys grant funding through the Ohio Arts Council, helping to extend her work.
We then enjoyed a lengthy social hour connecting, sharing stories, and catching up before lunch and addressing Board of Trustees business.
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Craig Ruttle, independent photojournalist, talks with Sam Greene, staff photographer at the Cincinnati Enquirer (off camera), during a break at the 74th Annual ONPA Convention at the Spring Hollow Lodge, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Westerville, OH. Craig was one of two keynote speakers for this years’ conference along with Madeleine Hordinski. ©Andrew Dolph Photography, ONPA
Up next was Craig Ruttle, who presented his take on working independently out of New York after spending the first half of his career as a staff photographer at multiple small publications as well as the Cincinnati Enquirer. He spoke about the challenges of identifying potential stories, at times getting lukewarm responses from agency editors, and instead forging ahead on spec because of the strong commitment to doing work he knows matters – eventually having it pay off in the long run through licensing.
“It used to be that ninety percent of photographers were staffers and maybe ten percent were freelance. Now it’s the other way around.”
Craig has been represented by Redux, and is currently with Sipa. He is currently in the process of relocating to Buffalo, NY, and looks forward to learning about his new community as well as future projects.
Left: Craig Ruttle, independent photojournalist based out of New York, talks with Pearl Spurlock, a student at Ohio University, during the 74th Annual ONPA Convention at the Spring Hollow Lodge, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Westerville, OH. Craig was one of two keynote speakers for this years’ convention. Peal won this year’s Best of Show Award in the 74th Annual Still Picture Contest for her photograph of a midwife examining an expectant mother during childbirth at home. Middle: Students Pearl Spurlock, left, Benjamin Pennington, and Loriene Perera, were in attendance. Right: Akash Pamarthy, an Ohio University student, talks about his work with Jeremy Wadsworth, Chief Photographer at the Toledo Blade. ©Andrew Dolph Photography, ONPA
To conclude the 74th convention, students spent about two hours with Maddie, Craig, and Jeremy Wadsworth, Chief Photographer at the Toledo Blade, for casual portfolio reviews and cogent discussion about past and current projects.
Thank you to our keynote speakers, the Spring Hollow Lodge, and our corporate sponsor this year, ThinkTank Photo, which graciously provided the gifts of camera bags to major award winners.
What’s on tap for the 75th?
Discussions have begun about the initial planning for our big celebration. We are targeting June of 2026, for the big event to take place somewhere in the Columbus area. Please stay tuned for an official save the date announcement.
Additionally, announcements will also be forthcoming about the next contest.
Finally, this is an election year for positions on the Board of Trustees. A call for nominations will be made soon, and ballots will be cast again electronically. Swearing in will take place in-person at the 2026 bash.
Questions? Comments? Please email me: onpaprez@gmail.com