The Power of Family

This year, we asked readers a question: "When you think of 'family', what's the image you see?" The winning submissions, and the stories behind them, were all universal and remarkably moving.

Daddy’s Girl Grand prize

Christina Decamp

This is Sgt. John R. Christian and our five-day-old firstborn, whom he had to leave behind when she was six months old for his third deployment as an Army K-9 bomb dog handler. Despite his being gone for most of her first year and not reuniting with her until she was 18 months old, they are absolutely best friends, forever a daddy’s girl.

Katie Christian
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Big Brotherly Love

HONORABLE MENTION

Dorothy Pelletier

Colby’s and Blake’s teams had lost their games that day. Colby (left) was taking it hard, so Blake was reminding him of what he’d done well. Brothers may argue and fight at times, but when the chips are down, big brothers are always close by.

Dorothy Pelletier Taylors, South Carolina

Witnessing the Beginning

RUNNER-UP

Lauren Anzevino

I was hired to photograph the Charles family in Cranford, New Jersey, a few days after baby Niam was brought home. Just before I took this shot, Kieran, the older son, was jumping on the bed behind his parents, so I suggested he go hug his mom and dad. Within seconds, he leaped right between them and they each kissed him on a cheek as they held Niam in their arms. Just like that, their new family of four came together to express their utmost happiness in all its security and warmth.

Lauren Anzevino
Westfield, New Jersey

The Good Book

RUNNER-UP

Kevin Dao