Blade photo editor Michael Key took first place in SPJ’s DC contest this week. (Washington Blade photo by Blake Bergen)

Washington Blade photo editor Michael Key won first place honors in the D.C. Society of Professional Journalists Dateline Awards this week in the category of photojournalism.

Key’s entry was titled “Five Years in the LGBT Movement.” Judges described Key’s work as an, “impressive collection of photos documenting the LGBT movement.”

Three other Blade staffers were recognized as finalists in the competition: Blade arts editor Joey DiGuglielmo in the category of Arts Criticism; and Blade reporter Michael Lavers and editor Kevin Naff in the Commentary category.

“We’re proud of our team,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “These latest honors reflect the Blade’s long commitment to quality, community service-oriented journalism.”