Category: Features
First Place: Malinda Ruit
Second Place: Brittainy Newman
Third Place: Joseph Ressler
Honorable Mention: William J. Ingalls
Category: Sports Features
First Place: Jackie Molloy
Second Place: Tom Brenner
Third Place: Meg Oliphant
Honorable Mention: Tom Brenner
Honorable Mention: Joseph Ressler
Category: Sports Action
First Place: Michael Owens
Second Place: Bryan Bennett
Third Place: Meg Oliphant
Honorable Mention: Kaitlyn Dolan
Honorable Mention: Jenn March
Honorable Mention: Meg Oliphant
Category: News
First Place: Tom Brenner
Second Place: Bryan Bennett
Third Place: Meg Oliphant
Honorable Mention: Bryan Bennett
Honorable Mention: Tom Brenner
Category: Portraiture/ Illustration
First Place: Maridelis Morales
Second Place: Meg Oliphant
Third Place: Tom Brenner
Honorable Mention: Brittainy Newman
Honorable Mention: Brittainy Newman
Honorable Mention: Brittainy Newman
Category: Multimedia
First Place: Nina Peskanov
http://www.ninapeskanovphotography.com/born-again-2/
Second Place: Audrey Horn
https://justaroundthecorner.atavist.com/roc
Third Place: Kim Bubello
Honorable Mention: Colleen Cambier, “Working the Wire”
Honorable Mention: Colleen Cambier, “It Had to be Done”
Honorable Mention: Jordan Roth, “Finding A New Normal”
Category: Photo Story
(Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male.) Tyler Rinallo rests his head on Jess Rinallo’s shoulder in the waiting room at Trillium Health on Aug. 12, 2015 before his doctorÕs appointment where they are going to teach him how to self-inject himself with testosterone for the first time. Even though Jess was unsupportive of Tyler’s decision to transition from female to male in the beginning, she now has become his biggest support system throughout his journey.
Tyler Rinallo fixes his hair before his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on April 9, 2015. For years Tyler wouldnÕt leave the house till his hair looked perfect since it was the one thing about his appearance he could control.
Jessica Haines tips Notorious L.E.Z. (Tyler Rinallo) during his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub in Rochester, N.Y. on April 9, 2015. Tyler has enjoyed performing in drag for the past 11 years-even before his gender transition from female to male. Performing on stage as man, was one of the first times that Tyler realized that he felt more comfortable performing as a man than he did as a woman.
Tyler Rinallo twirls his finance, Jess Munnings around him as the couple spends the afternoon together on June 11, 2015. The couple has been under a lot of stress lately due to their busy schedules and their relationship adjusting due to Tyler’s decision transition.
Tyler Rinallo rests on a bridge at his favorite hiking spot on June 22, 2015 in West Irondequoit, N.Y. Tyler described this location as his peaceful place where he can just be himself.
Jess and Tyler Rinallo standing at the alter during their wedding ceremony officiated by their dear friend, Zak Stahlecker on June 28, 2015. Two days earlier, the US Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states-just in time for the Rinallo wedding. Since Tyler was still legally a woman, this was very exciting news for the couple.
Tyler shows his new muscles to Dr. Bill Schaefer and Jess at his doctors appointment on May 13, 2015. Jess doesnÕt smile at this because she has concerns and wants to speak with Dr. Schafer about adjusting TylerÕs anxiety medications. Tyler and JessÕ relationship became very tense once Tyler started hormone replacement therapy, there was a lot of anger coming from Tyler, ÒLike beet red, like hulk anger, to the point where I just shut down and would stand there and let it happen and then go about my business,Ó explained Jess.
Tyler Rinallo puts on his chest binder in his room after taking a shower on Oct. 29, 2015. Tyler wears a binder everyday which often causes irritation and rib soreness for him. Tyler has a Gofundme page called ÔTransforming TylerÕ to raise money to get mastectomy as soon as he has the funds.
Jess Rinallo watches as Tyler Rinallo applies his fake facial hair for his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on June 11, 2015. Jess always makes sure Tyler looks good before he leaves because she knows heÕs very insecure about himself. Even though Tyler has been on hormones for a few months he still feels like people look at him differently.
Tyler heads downstairs after getting ready for his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on April 9, 2015. Tyler gets ready at home for most of his performances because the dressing room at Tilt is very small and usually filled wall to wall with Drag Queen attire.
Tyler Rinallo in the Tilt Nightclub dressing room with two drag queens before his performance on April 9, 2015. Most of the drag kings and queens perform twice a night interacting with the crowd while lip-syncing and dancing to music, ÒWhen I first started performing I was a very shy person and by performing on stage it has allowed me to break out of my shell,Ó said Tyler.
Jess Rinallo and Tyler Rinallo lay together before bed on Nov. 19, 2015. The couple often doesn’t get to sleep together because they have different work schedules so most of the time Tyler is just getting home as Jess leaves for work in the morning so when they do they always cherish the time with each other and their animals.
First Place: Jackie Molloy, “Transforming Love”
(Camp Abilities – Camp Abilities is an overnight camp for visually impaired youth ages 9-17. The camp, which is hosted at the Maryland School for the Blind, teaches children sports and teamwork through a series of specially modified games utilizing their sense of touch and hearing to accomplish goals.) Trevor Finn, 12, hits a Bleep Baseball, a modified softball which projects sound to outfielders once the ball is hit by the batter. All players wear goggles to create an even handicap amongst all players, forcing them to rely on their hearing skills.
Lisa Lin walks the track at the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Md.
Shawn Abraham hangs onto the fence while waiting to bat during a game of beep baseball at Camp Abilities, hosted at the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 at Baltimore, Md.
Camp Abilities attendees play goal ball, a Paralympic sport designed for the visually impaired. Bells inside the balls help orient the players, indicating the direction of the on-coming ball.
Chris Parrish Jr.,left, of the Clarksville Scouts troop 737 looks downrange as Taylor Runion, 10, center, is taught by camp instructor Matt Mescall, right, how to use a bow and arrow during an archery shooting activity at Camp Abilities, hosted by the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 Baltimore, Md.
Amaurie Davidson, (cq) 13 looks up at a street lamp while waiting to cross the road at the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Md.
Tori Rice, 15, takes a break from playing Goalball. Goalball is a Paralympic sport designed for the visually impaired. Bells inside the balls help orient the players, indicating the direction of the on-coming ball.
Amaurie Davidson, (cq) 13, holds onto a bed sheet while playing tug of war at Camp Abilities, hosted at the Maryland School for the Blind
Taylor Runion, 10, left, and Amaurie Davidson, (cq) 13, hold on to each other’s shoulders while learning how to perform Judo moves at Camp Abilities, hosted at the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Md.
Jason Ryan, right, lays on the ground after losing a game of tug-of-war inside the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 at Camp Abilities in Baltimore, Md.
Attendees walk across campus to attend a bonfire at Camp Abilities, hosted by the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Md.
Attendees learn how to roast marsh mellows over a bonfire at Camp Abilities, hosted by the Maryland School for the Blind on June 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Md.
Honorable Mention: Tom Brenner, “Camp Abilities”
(Adopted Love – Chaney Roko, 36, is a single mother of two adopted children. Mary, 11, and her sister Kiera, 5, both have Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a rare neuromuscular disease that bends the bodyÕs joints at birth. The disease prevents the girls from speaking, walking, breathing and eating on their own. The only way to correct these issues is through serial casting, which forces the disrupted bone structure back into a normal state. Growing up, ChaneyÕs family adopted a young girl who was also diagnosed with AMC. To take care of her two daughters, Chaney quit her job in order to be a full-time mother.) Chaney Roko, left, puts a cast on her daughter, Mary’s leg inside their family room on October 19, 2014 in East Rochester, N.Y.
Mary, left, lays on the floor next to her sister, Keira, right, while watching a movie in the family room on October 19, 2014 in East Rochester, N.Y.
Chaney Roko waits for the school bus with her daughter, Keira, outside of her home on Lincoln Street on September 10, 2015 in East Rochester, N.Y. For the first time, Kiera will be attending a special needs school without the supervision of her mother.
Chaney has an emotional moment after watching her daughter, Kiera go to school. For the first time, Kiera will be attending a special needs school without the supervision of her mother.
Chaney Roko, center, holds baseballs in the hands of her daughters Keira, left, and Mary, right, during a modified baseball game for handicapped children at the Webster Community Center on May 16, 2015 in Webster, N.Y. To keep her kids active, Chaney enrolls her daughters in various sports around the area year round.
Chaney, left. kisses her daughter Kiera, right, during a physical therapy session at C.P. Aquatics on August 31, 2015 in Rochester, N.Y. Keira, 6, learns how to walk using special body braces.
Keira Roko, center, lays on a mat as Chaney, left, and Physical Therapist Karen Tarp put on her back brace inside C.T. Aquatics on August 31, 2015 in Rochester, N.Y.
Mary Roko, center, is held upright by her mother, Chaney, while being prepared for spinal surgery inside Strong Memorial Hospital on Sept. 14, 2015 in Rochester, N.Y. Mary, 11, has a severe case of Scoliosis. The surgical procedure will reduce the curve in her back from 80% to 40%.
Chaney Roko sits inside the waiting room inside the Strong Memorial Hospital as her daughter Mary has scoliosis surgery. The surgery time was over seven hours.
Chaney Roko sleeps over her sedated adopted daughter, Mary Roko, 9, inside the Intensive Care Unit of the Strong Memorial Hospital on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015 in Rochester, N.Y. Mary, who suffers from scoliosis was given morphine after having back surgery that would correct her spine.
Honorable Mention: Tom Brenner, “Adopted Love”
Category: Picture Editing Portfolio
First Place: Kristen McNicholas
http://www.kristenmcnicholas.com/
Honorable Mention: Mev McMahon
Category: Portfolio
The First Congregational Church holds a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the Kalamazoo mass shooting victims on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Jason Dalton is accused of shooting eight people, killing six of them, in a random shooting spree in Kalamazoo.
A fireman gives a thumbs up after putting out a garage fire at 6196 Twilight Ave. Monday, March 21, 2016 in Comstock, Mich. No injures were reported from the fire.
Daniella Reyna, second year Business student at Rochester Institute of Technology, participates in her first keg stand in a parking lot before a hockey game between Bowling Green and RIT at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. on Oct. 17, 2015.
Anthony Avery (34), of Western Michigan, holds the ball by the tip of his fingers during a basketball game against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 in University Arena in Kalamazoo, Mich. Western Michigan defeated Eastern Michigan 94-86.
Megan Potyczka, right, and others help push a car up N. Kendall Ave. Tuesday, March 1, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. A winter snowstorm caused delays in Kalamazoo.
Bernie Sanders walks through the crowd to the stage during a rally at Wings Event Center Monday, March 7, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Over 3000 attended the rally.
The Fairport Packers C team celebrate after defeating the East Rochester Bombers 13-12 in a football game at Don Quinn Field Sept. 27, 2015. East Rochester, N.Y.
Rufus “Weston” Hall was photographed in Web Auditorium at Rochester Institute of Technology on Nov. 3, 2015 in Henrietta, N.Y. Rufus, who’s stage name is Weston, is an up and coming rapper from Rochester, N.Y. who is influenced by his own struggle. “I was raised by my grandmother, my parents were always absent from my life. Once my brother passed away from leukemia when he was eight, my mother moved down to Florida and we lost touch,” Hall said. “It pushes me to work hard and to keep going and to make my brother and sisters proud.”
(My Boy – 1 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron Doughty goes through Paul Doughty’s dresser, finding heroin wrappers, needles, and q-tips on Nov. 17, 2015 in Bridgeport, N.Y. “I am not ashamed of my son, he just had a disease,” said Ron. Paul died of a heroin overdose on Nov. 12, 2015.
(My Boy – 2 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron’s girlfriend, Doreen Bishop, comforts Ron before leaving for Paul’s funeral on Nov. 17, 2015.
(My Boy – 3 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) A picture of Mary Duck, Paul’s mother, and Paul rest on Paul’s bed. Paul was also inhaling nitrous oxide out of balloons after filling them up from a nitrous oxide tank in his closet.
(My Boy – 4 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) “I know alcohol is not the answer to all of this, but it takes some of the edge off,” said Ron.
(My Boy – 5 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron speaks with family and friends at Paul’s funeral.
(My Boy – 6 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron reacts after seeing his son Paul in the casket for the first time.
(My Boy – 7 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Dee Doughty kneels next to her grandson Paul Doughty as her son Ron Doughty comforts her at Schepp & Son Family Funeral Home in Minoa, N.Y. on Nov. 17. 2015. “I always wondered how Paul would take losing his grandparents, but I never thought they would be saying bye to him,” said Ron.
(My Boy – 8 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Mary Duck, Paul’s mom, kisses her sons ashes as her husband Jeffrey Duck comforts her at Paul’s burial on Nov. 21, 2015.
(My Boy – 9 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron Doughty speaks with Christine Beattie, a one on one and support group counselor at Hope for Bereaved in Syracuse, N.Y. on Dec. 10, 2015. Christine lost her son to suicide over 30 years ago. “It helps speaking with someone who has experienced the loss of a child,” said Ron.
(My Boy – 10 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron hugs Doreen’s dog Moose at Doreen’s house in Jamesville, N.Y. on Nov. 13, 2015. “The dogs have been very therapeutic for me,” said Ron. “They know something is wrong.”
(My Boy – 11 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron rides his four-wheeler through the woods while hunting in Virgil, N.Y. Being in the woods relieves some of Ron’s anxiety. Hunting is a big part of Ron’s life but he has only been hunting once this season. Ron and Paul occasionally went hunting together.
(My Boy – 12 – Like many parents, Ron Doughty loved his son more than anything. They argued like every other father and son but that never stopped Ron from supporting Paul throughout life. Paul moved to his father’s house after living with his mother until he was 12 years old. Sixteen years later, Paul Doughty overdosed on heroin and died on Nov. 12, 2015, at age 28. Ron found Paul in his bed that morning and his whole world changed. “It was me and my boy against the world,” said Ron. “I don’t know how to go on.”) Ron cries on the edge of Paul’s bed on Dec. 14, 2015 in Bridgeport, N.Y. Tonight is the first night Ron will stay at his house since Paul died.
Gitner Family Award: Bryan Bennett
(From L-R) Maddie Holmes, Chrissy Hops, Schuyler Westfall, Robin Rider, and Camryn Burrel of Victor High School’s varsity cheerleading team celebrate after winning best in their division on Feb. 13, 2016 at a competition held at Pittsford-Mendon High School. The team also won best overall performance of the day.
Walker Church lays in the mud pit at the 20th annual Mud Tug at Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta, N.Y on Sept. 19, 2015. The event is held yearly for students and alumni to participate in games of tug of war and other mud-related activities.
Steven Wright and Chloe Davis dance together to live jazz music at the 10th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor’s Island on Aug.15, 2015.
Husband and wife, Anthony Holds and Savannah Wise dance on the main stage to live music at the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Aug. 15, 2015 on Governor’s Island. Savannah, a broadway dancer, danced with such confidence and poise as her husband tried to keep up with her.
“Tyger” (Last name withheld) one of the Bondage – Not Just With Rope Workshop instructors laughs while wrapped in duct tape and bubble wrap at the Rochester Erotic Arts Festival in Rochester, N.Y. on April 10, 2015.
A member of the Calypso Tumblers jumps over a group of six people chosen from the audience on the Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles, California on Jan. 8, 2016. The group performed a variety of dance moves and stunts, engaging with the audience and allowing them to participate.
Seven year old, Chase Fekete points up at the monsters on his wall while laying in bed on Feb. 15, 2016. Almost every time he’s in bed, whether it’s before he goes to sleep or just while reading in the afternoon he points to the monsters because he wants you to say goodnight to them. Chase has Mowat Wilson Syndrome and has been non-verbal all of his life so he communicates by pointing to objects and people.
Summary:Aquinas Institute’s varsity cheerleading squad competes in their spring season, showing how a high school team interacts under the pressure of a competitive sport. Ellie Wall practices her scorpion in the practice area at the competition on Jan. 30, 2016 at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. Each team had a few minutes to warm up, practice stunts and flips before going on stage before the judges.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo rests his head on Jess Rinallo’s shoulder in the waiting room at Trillium Health on Aug. 12, 2015 before his doctor’s appointment where they are going to teach him how to self-inject himself with testosterone for the first time. Even though Jess was unsupportive of Tyler’s decision to transition from female to male in the beginning, she now has become his biggest support system throughout his journey.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo fixes his hair before his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on April 9, 2015. For years Tyler wouldn’t leave the house till his hair looked perfect since it was the one thing about his appearance he could control.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Jessica Haines tips Notorious L.E.Z. (Tyler Rinallo) during his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub in Rochester, N.Y. on April 9, 2015. Tyler has enjoyed performing in drag for the past 11 years-even before his gender transition from female to male. Performing on stage as man, was one of the first times that Tyler realized that he felt more comfortable performing as a man than he did as a woman.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo twirls his finance, Jess Munnings around him as the couple spends the afternoon together on June 11, 2015. The couple has been under a lot of stress lately due to their busy schedules and their relationship adjusting due to Tyler’s decision transition.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo rests on a bridge at his favorite hiking spot on June 22, 2015 in West Irondequoit, N.Y. Tyler described this location as his peaceful place where he can just be himself.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Jess and Tyler Rinallo standing at the alter during their wedding ceremony officiated by their dear friend, Zak Stahlecker on June 28, 2015. Two days earlier, the US Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states-just in time for the Rinallo wedding. Since Tyler was still legally a woman, this was very exciting news for the couple.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler shows his new muscles to Dr. Bill Schaefer and Jess at his doctors appointment on May 13, 2015. Jess doesn’t smile at this because she has concerns and wants to speak with Dr. Schafer about adjusting Tyler’s anxiety medications. Tyler and Jess’ relationship became very tense once Tyler started hormone replacement therapy, there was a lot of anger coming from Tyler, “Like beet red, like hulk anger, to the point where I just shut down and would stand there and let it happen and then go about my business,” explained Jess.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo puts on his chest binder in his room after taking a shower on Oct. 29, 2015. Tyler wears a binder everyday which often causes irritation and rib soreness for him. Tyler has a Gofundme page called ‘Transforming Tyler’ to raise money to get mastectomy as soon as he has the funds.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Jess Rinallo watches as Tyler Rinallo applies his fake facial hair for his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on June 11, 2015. Jess always makes sure Tyler looks good before he leaves because she knows he’s very insecure about himself. Even though Tyler has been on hormones for a few months he still feels like people look at him differently.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler heads downstairs after getting ready for his drag performance at Tilt Nightclub on April 9, 2015. Tyler gets ready at home for most of his performances because the dressing room at Tilt is very small and usually filled wall to wall with Drag Queen attire.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Tyler Rinallo in the Tilt Nightclub dressing room with two drag queens before his performance on April 9, 2015. Most of the drag kings and queens perform twice a night interacting with the crowd while lip-syncing and dancing to music, “When I first started performing I was a very shy person and by performing on stage it has allowed me to break out of my shell,” said Tyler.
Summary: Newlyweds, Tyler and Jessica Rinallo, experience many of the same challenges other couples face as they adjust to married life together. In addition to the simple changes, their lives are transforming in more complex ways as Tyler transitions from being a female to a male. Jess Rinallo and Tyler Rinallo lay together before bed on Nov. 19, 2015. The couple often doesn’t get to sleep together because they have different work schedules so most of the time Tyler is just getting home as Jess leaves for work in the morning so when they do they always cherish the time with each other and their animals.
Nikon Portfolio Award: Jackie Molloy
RIT National Press Photographers Association 