http://www.usanetwork.com/characterproject/

Other references by well respected portrait artists. Granted, this is more portraiture for commercial aesthetics, not necessarily "art".

The shot by Mary Ellen Mark has BOATLOADS more character "in my opinion" than the winner, yet it's incredibly simple - from the lighting to the lack of elegant posing. But keep in mind, what are probably the most important set of words in that last sentence are "in my opinion".

Really, it's all subjective, and a contest is decided by the subjective view of the judges. There is no math to this - no 2+2=4 way to decide what is "good" and what should "win".

I recognize some things like I mentioned before-  the lines leading you in to the boys - but I just don't get the comments about "masterful lighting" and "can clearly see the love for his boys" - they looked bored to tears, told to stand "here" so dad can take a shot when they'd rather be swimming.

Just because it won doesn't mean every pair of eyes will agree with why it won.
-Lew