Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Gomez, Exchange Corporate Communication’s noncommissioned officer in charge, had only one shot to snap a perfect photo of a boxer. One shot turned out to be all he needed to win Best Photo Product in the Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards.
The Air Force Public Affairs Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards is a prestigious recognition program, highlighting Air Force public affairs professional for their work in photojournalism, videography and storytelling at the major command-level. The contest ran from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
Taken during his time as a public affairs officer at Dover Air Force Base, Gomez’s photo features Airman 1st Class Rikki Griffith performing a boxing routine. He used a long exposure and rear-sync flash technique to capture the movements made during the shot.
Gomez said he was surprised to have been nominated, but winning validated his skill as a photographer.
“I love taking photos, but I am far from being considered among the best,” Gomez said. “I was surprised more than anything.”
Gomez said one of his favorite subjects to photograph are the men and women he’s served with, particularly when they are outside of the uniform. It was the inspiration behind his photo.
“I love to photograph people’s personal interests,” Gomez said. “It humanizes the person behind the uniform. To be seen that way—it makes you vulnerable. I heard about a Phoenix Raven who was into boxing and I thought it would be cool to showcase that through the motions of her routines.” (A Phoenix Raven is a specially trained member of Security Forces who travels into austere environments to protect aircraft.)
It was a challenge to coordinate a time for the photoshoot, Gomez said.
“It was hard to get her scheduled because she had a lot of things going on at the time, but she was open to it,” Gomez said. “Ultimately, it came down to one attempt. We had an hour. We practiced the shot I wanted beforehand to make sure it’d work.”
Gomez said he was hesitant to submit the photo, but a mentor changed his mind.
“Originally, I was not going to submit the photo,” Gomez said. “I had doubts because I just didn’t consider this an award-winning photo. It wasn’t until I talked to one of my mentors, who asked why I wouldn’t, that I submitted it. He sent me the worksheet to enter the contest, and I sent it up to the Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs.”
Gomez said he doesn’t photograph as much anymore, but earning the recognition is a reminder of his skill.
“It’s good to know that I still got it,” Gomez said. “In those competitions, I expect it’s all going to be military photos, such as exercises or scenarios. There are some amazing photographers out there too, but I think this is a step towards possibly more recognition.”
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