Some of the best Arizona Daily Star photos of 2019
Each day is a new day in the news business. It's a chance to start fresh and see things in a new way. The photographers at the Arizona Daily Star approach each day the same way. Sometimes a great photo happens in the first 10 minutes of the day. Sometimes it happens at the end of an agonizing four-hour football game. One thing is for certain: Star photojournalists are always vigilant. Life is fleeting and so are great photographs.
These images were selected by photo editor Rick Wiley, based on technical quality, composition, light and just plain, old gut reaction.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
The spires of St. Augustine Cathedral stand before the snowy and cloudy slopes of the Santa Catalinas during a winter storm, Tucson, Ariz., December 27, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats guard Justin Coleman (12) flips a pass as California Golden Bears guard Paris Austin (3) bites on the shot fake during the second half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of California Golden Bears men's college basketball game, Jan. 12, 2019, in Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona rolled Cal for an 87-65 win.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Eddie McKechnie, playing the role of an Old Pueblo cowboy, gets the receiving end of a whiskey bottle from John Dillinger during a reenactment at the 2019 Dillinger Days, Jan. 19, 2019, in downtown Tucson, Ariz. The two-day event at the Hotel Congress marks the 85th anniversary John Dillinger, known as Public Enemy No.1, and his gang were captured through efforts of the Tucson Fire and Police departments.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Catalina Foothills' Katelyn Kelch, left, and Caitlyn Maher celebrate as the Falcons come back to tie the game at 1-1 in overtime against Salpointe in the 4A state championship match at Mountain View High School, Wednesday, February 16, 2019, Marana, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A man takes a photo of the desert landscape near Sentinel Peak covered in snow on February 22, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz. .
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Approximately 90 people plank in unison to celebrate Ruth Bader Ginsburg's birthday at Old Main on the University of Arizona campus on March 15, 2019. The 86 year old U.S. Supreme Court Justice has a fitness routine and planks are part of it. Participants received a free button, cupcakes and took their photo with a cardboard cutout of the justice.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Traffic on 6th street speeds by the Goddess of Agave mural on the old Tucson Warehouse & Transfer Co., and the current home of Benjamin Supply, at 7th Ave., Friday, March 22, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Spectators fix their sights skyward to document during the 2019 Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona air show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, March 23, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona State's Abby Andersen (54) winds up in the last of the day's light in the second inning against Arizona at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, March 30, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona forward Cate Reese (25), left, gets fouled from behind Wyoming guard Clara Tapia (22) while trying to score on a fast break in the first quarter of their round of eight game of the WNIT at McKale center, Sunday, March 31, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona guard Aari McDonald (2) yells for a timeout as Northwestern players converge on her in a scramble for a loose ball in the championship game of the WNIT at McKale Center, Saturday, April 6, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Isabel Bustamante, left, and Sheila Bustamante become emotional as they talk about their loved one, Arturo Moreno Bustamante, during a press conference hosted by Homicide Survivors at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library on April 09, 2019. Arturo was found in his neighborhood at S. 6th Ave. and W. Nebraska St. with gunshot trauma on December 29, 2018. His case remains unsolved. Homicide Survivors holds an Unsolved Case Press Conference during National Crime Victim's Rights Week.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Salpointe Catholic High School's Annie Kosinski takes a run in the pole vault during the 2019 Southern Arizona High School Track and Field Championships at Mountain View High School, 3901 W. Linda Vista Blvd., April 20, 2019, in Marana, Ariz. Athletes from 32 schools around Southern Arizona competed for medals.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Steven Ernsky, a student teacher who just finished up his term in the classroom and expects to graduate in a few days, tried to get passing motorists to honk as 200 teachers, librarians, aides and specialists gathered for a rally along Congress Street and Granada Avenue to remember the anniversary of last year's #RedForEd protests, Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Tucson, Ariz. Striking teachers walked out of classrooms last year in an attempt to get legislators and Gov. Doug Ducey to agree to a 20% increase in teacher pay and a $1 billion infusion into education funding. Ducey responded with a plan to increase salaries by 20% by the 2020 school year. #RedForEd began with a statewide movement and strike in West Virginia won a 5% raise.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Terry Leonard spins while dancing to 99 Red Balloons being played to rally the the 200 or so a gathered along Congress and Granada to remember the anniversary of last year's RedForEd protests, Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Mountain View's Tayler Garner (12) strides in safely to third as the ball hits the mitt of Ironwood Ridge's Haidyn Warner (27) during the fourth inning of the No. 7 Mountain View vs. No. 3 Ironwood Ridge second-round high school 5A state softball playoff game at Amphitheater High School, 125 W. Yavapai Road, May 4, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Ironwood Ridge advanced with a 7-3 win.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
The pack hits the water jump on the first lap of the women's 3000-meter steeplechase during the 2019 Pac-12 Track and Field Championships at Roy P. Drachman Stadium, May 11, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Competition concludes tomorrow.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona's Dejah Mulipola (8) catcher can't get to a pop-up that skittered down the backstop net during the Wildcats game against Auburn in the NCAA regionals at Hillenbrand Stadium, Sunday, May 19, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A container of Arizona softballs on the field as the Wildcats take fielding drills before first pitch against Auburn in the championship of the NCAA regionals at Hillenbrand Stadium, Sunday, May 19, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Supervisor Jeff Aronhalt checks the quality of the print as the press runs an issue of the daily paper at the Arizona Daily Star, Tuesday, May 15, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arturo Gil-Samniego, left, and his sister Yasmin watch from the bed topper of the family truck as the fireworks burst in the sky over the parking lot of AVA Amphitheater, Wednesday, July 3, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Art teacher, Kayla Dunn (left) helps a Guatemalan child tape her drawing to the art room wall at Benedictine Monastery on July 12, 2019. The Ward 6 Tucson City Council Office will have an art exhibit featuring the drawings made by migrant children that have stayed at the Monastery in recent months.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) falls backward as he shoots during the second half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona prevailed in an 84-81 overtime victory.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Lighting strikes straddle the ridge of the Rincon Mountains, part of a small monsoon storm cell rolling in from the east, Sunday, July 14, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Aaron Bustamante spritzs down Ritchie Lopez while giving the youngster his haircut at Hermosa Barber Shop, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Owner Aaron Bustamante gives Nick Asta a haircut at Hermosa Barber Shop, the last remaining business on the southeast corner of Grant and Campbell, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Tucson, Ariz. Aaron's dad, Hector, started working there in 1966, Aaron joined him in 2005 and ended up taking over on Hector's death in 2015.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Owner Aaron Bustamante, left, and the shop's other barber Bill Ney, chat a bit between customers at Hermosa Barber Shop, Thursday, June 27, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Ritchie Lopez and Anthony Enriquez dive into the lollipop can, next to the old red wooden booster seat that has been used in the Hermosa Barber Shop for decades, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Aaron Bustamante cleans up before locking up and heading home after a day of cutting hair at his Hermosa Barber Shop, Thursday, May 1, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Aaron Bustamante lines up the clippers while fine tunning Esteban Sanchez's hair cut at Hermosa Barber Shop, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
The menu is simple and straightforward at Hermosa Barber Shop, Thursday, March 28, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Hector Bustamante's station, including chair, booster and cape, remain in place at Hermosa Barber Shop, Thursday, March 28, 2019, Tucson, Ariz. Hector, Aaron's father, worked and owned the business until his death in 2015, and Aaron keeps the station pretty much as it was when his dad was still there cutting hair.
Best staff photos of 2019: Hermosa Barber Shop
Aaron Bustamante heads home after a long day of cutting hair at his Hermosa Barber Shop, the last business remaining open on the southeast corner of Campbell and Grant, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Fire Department personnel get a woman out of a car pinned to the culvert by monsoon runoff in the wash running between the lanes of Wilson St. at Glenn, Tucson, Ariz., July 31, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona forward Dominique McBryde (20), left, and forward Sam Thomas (14) grab handfuls of confetti after the 2019 WNIT championship game.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A lightning bolt hits the ground just south of storm chaser Lori Grace Bailey as she gets photos of a monsoon front sweeping past Three Points, Ariz., July 30, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Storm chaser Lori Grace Bailey jumps for joy after successfully capturing an image of a lightning bolt crashing to earth from a monsoon storm just south of Three Points, Ariz., July 30, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
In a monsoon haze, the sun sets behind a ridge just west of Greasewood near Starr Pass, Tucson, Ariz., August 8, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Les Cardenas, 6, clings to his mom, Erin Caid, on his first day of kindergarten at Sunrise Drive Elementary School, 5301 E Sunrise Drive, on August 8, 2019. Thursday was the first day of school for the Catalina Foothills School District.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) soars in for a breakaway jam after a steal during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona prevailed in an 84-81 overtime victory.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona Police officers Andrew Valenzuela, left, and Ben Bordner flank Brittany Taylor, playing the reporting party, after hearing "shots" fired during an active shooter drill outside Old Main, Tucson, Ariz., August 14, 2019. The UAPD and the Critical Response Team staged the training scenario, reenacting the scene over several hours for different groups of officers, using volunteer actors for victims, gunmen and hostages.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
After making a speech to the school board, Carol Brochin leads others out of the public hearing for Tucson Unified School District's new Family Life Curriculum at Cholla High School, 2001 W Starr Pass Blvd., on August 22, 2019. About 100 people walked out of the meeting in protest because of the way members of the LGBTQ community were talked about during the prior meeting.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Regina Romero, democratic mayoral candidate for Tucson, celebrates after seeing initial polling results at her election party at the American Eat Company on 1439 S 4th Ave. Tuesday night, Aug. 27, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Washington guard Matisse Thybulle (4) throws down a dunk after an Arizona turnover near the basket in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Arena, Thursday, February 7, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Sahuaro's student section tosses talcum powder in the air to celebrate the kick-off against arch-rival Sabino at Sahuaro High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 6, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Sabino drum major Vivian Ho directs the Sabercat marching band in their pre-game performance just before the kick-off at Sahuaro High School, Tucson, Ariz., September 6, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona's Tee Tee Starks (10) gets bent over backwards by California's Kristine Anigwe (31) in the fight for a rebound in their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Friday, January 11, 2019, Tucson, Ariz. Starks ended up leaving the game after cracking her head on the play.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A pack of youngsters try to get their hands on a ball tossed into the stands just before first pitch between Hermosillo and Obregon for the nightcap of Day 3 of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta at Kino Sports Complex on Oct. 5, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A snowboarder glides down a slope at Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon on February 26, 2019 near Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Joy Kay, resident at The Fountains at La Cholla, uses a virtual reality device to ride a roller coster similar to the one she grew up with during a virtual reality program, "EngageVR", at The Fountains at La Cholla 2001 W. Rudasill Rd., Tucson, Ariz. on October 1st, 2019. Through "EngageVR", seniors are immersed in subjects such as art, science, travel, museums and national parks. "EngageVR" is a virtual reality program used for entertainment as well as engagement.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey runs the football stands at Sunnyside High School to sweat off weight as she nears the end of a two-day fast on Oct. 8, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez stands in front of a red light during treatment at U.S. Cryotherapy- Tucson on Oct. 4, 2019. The treatment assists with recovery.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
James Armstrong Sr. wraps his arm around Audrey Jimenez as the walk by a pair of wrestling shoes hanging on the wall while warming up during wrestling practice at Sunnyside High School on Oct. 8, 2019. The shoes belonged to Armstrong's son Josiah "JoJo", a Sierra Middle School student and wrestler who passed away in the spring due to liver failure.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez tosses Angel Serrano over her shoulder while grappling prior to wrestling practice at Sunnyside High School Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez (center) chats with James Armstrong Sr. and her coach Mark Bravo during wrestling practice at Sunnyside High School on Oct. 8, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez does squats during a morning training at JET Sports Training on Oct. 15, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez's eyelashes and hair freeze as she moves about inside the -150 degree cryotherapy chamber at US Cryotherapy - Tucson on Oct. 15, 2019. The treatment helps her body recover faster from workouts.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez grapples with a fellow wreslter at Sunnyside during practice at Sunnyside High School on Oct. 8, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
Audrey Jimenez and her father Billy have lunch at Whole Foods following a cryotherapy session on Oct. 15, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star: Audrey Jimenez
A U.S. Cryotherapy - Tucson employee applies cool air to Audrey Jimenez's joint to help with recovery during treatment on Oct. 4, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Surrounded by yellow, Arizona Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23) finds a way to pass the ball out of the crowd against California in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 21, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A wildfire burns in the Santa Catalinas as fire and police vehicles head up Catalina Highway on Oct. 27, 2019.
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Bijan Robinson, right, and head coach Dennis Bene took Salpointe Catholic High School to the Open Division semifinals in 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene gathers his Lancers before they head back to the field for the second half against Vista Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
A person dressed as Pennywise from It used the escalators while attending Tucson Comic Con at the Tucson Convention Center, on Nov. 2, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Laurie Kuzdal provides some needed support for her son Aaron as he and the Pueblo High School Road Warriors bike club close in on 17 hours pedaling to the record for the Indoor El Tour De Tucson record, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 13, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Dr. Scott Warren celebrsates his verdict outside the Federal Courthouse in Tucson following Warren's trial where he was found not guilty, on Nov. 20, 2019. Warren was arrested in January, 2018 for giving “food, water, clean clothes and beds” to two undocumented men in Ajo, Arizona. He was initially charged with two counts of felony harboring and one count of felony conspiracy.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats forward Zeke Nnaji (22) dunks the ball during Arizona's 104-67 win over Long Beach State in the Wooden Legacy Tournament in McKale Center on November 24th, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona basketball coach Sean Miller at the Roy Drachman Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, 5901 S. Santa Clara, on Nov. 25, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
The Arizona Wildcats celebrate a basket during the second half of a game against the UC Riverside Highlanders at the McKale Center, on Nov. 29, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Cedric Peterson (18) tears up following the team's loss against the Arizona State Sun Devils during a game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 30, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Alexandra Sherard, on her uncle Daniel Garcia's shoulder, watches the artificial snow fall near the giraffe barn on preview night for Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo Tucson, Ariz., Dec. 4, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona head coach Sean Miller thinks his team should have gotten possession on a tipped shot against Nebraska-Omaha in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., Dec. 11, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Sir Ozzy Bear McWigglepants, a 4-month old Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier and poodle mix, gives his owner Jill Pilling a kiss during a photoshoot in Vail, Ariz. on December 11th, 2019. Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier and poodle mix is also known as a Snorkie-poo,
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Nick Gruna eats a meal with Tom Nickel and his therapy dogs Toby, Peppy and Tommy during a Christmas meal at the Gospel Rescue Mission's Center of Opportunity at 4550 S. Palo Verde Road, on Dec. 18, 2019.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Nico Mannion shot just 39.2% for the season but is viewed as a highly probable first-round draft pick.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Jeff Aronhalt. Press Supervisor. 41 years with the Arizona Daily Star. May 9, 2019. For the first time since the Star's founding in 1877, the massive press that prints the newspaper each day was slienced in May. Print operations were transfered to Phoenix. A dedicated staff lost their jobs.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Joanna Jacobs. Packaging: Forklift Driver. Thirty years with the Arizona Daily Star. May 9, 2019. For the first time since the Star's founding in 1877, the massive press that prints the newspaper each day was slienced in May. Print operations were transfered to Phoenix. A dedicated staff lost their jobs.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Roger Rinehart. Press Operator. Thirty-six years with the Arizona Daily Star. May 9, 2019. For the first time since the Star's founding in 1877, the massive press that prints the newspaper each day was slienced in May. Print operations were transfered to Phoenix. A dedicated staff lost their jobs.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Kevin McCaffrey. Pressman. Thirteen years with the Arizona Daily Star. May 9, 2019. For the first time since the Star's founding in 1877, the massive press that prints the newspaper each day was slienced in May. Print operations were transfered to Phoenix. A dedicated staff lost their jobs.
Best staff photos of 2019, Arizona Daily Star
Matthew Botello, 6, raises his pumpkin above his head as he announces he has found a winner while visiting the Marana Pumpkin Patch with his family on Oct. 24, 2019.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor