WHITE HOUSE NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ASSOCIATION AWARDS $5,000 PROJECT GRANT (WASHINGTON, D.C. December, 9, 2002)
Nancy Pastor, a part-time photographer for
the Washington Times, has won the White House News Photographers’
Association $5,000 Project Grant for her story on the tobacco industry,
the WHNPA Education Committee announced Monday. The $5,000 grant will
assist Pastor in completing "Tobacco Road", an effort documenting
the changing lives of Maryland’s tobacco farmers. "A way of
life for some Maryland farmers is about to change forever," said
WHNPA Education Committee Chair Leighton Mark. "Nancy's proposal
to document that change struck a chord in all of us on the Education Committee.
We're looking forward to seeing Nancy's work."
Pastor was “thrilled” that her proposal was chosen. “I love my project and I’m happy that others feel that it is worthwhile, too. Although it is an end of an era for these farmers, there is still so much passion in they way they work and live. This grant validates all of my hard work and will allow me to continue documenting this story.”
Mark noted there were several other outstanding proposals considered by the Education Committee as well, but Pastor's won out. "Truthfully, I wish we could offer more grants," said Mark.
“This Project Grant is one example of
how the WHNPA gives something back to its members and promotes photojournalism,”
said WHNPA President Susan Walsh. “Our members are the best in the
business. Winning this grant says a great deal about the quality of Nancy’s
work. In addition to being a terrific photographer, Nancy is also a terrific
person,” said Walsh.
Pastor recently received her masters degree from New York University/International Center of Photography. Prior to working at the Washington Times, Pastor was an intern at the Hartford Courant and St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Before becoming a news photographer, Pastor worked as a fashion stylist for several commercial photography clients including Eddie Bauer, L.L. Bean, and Macy’s.