Shutterbugs submitted more than 100 compelling entrees to the annual Carolina Woman Photo Contest. Their images show the magic that happens when technical prowess and creative vision merge in the click of a camera.
The entrants' visual narratives often focused on the drama of nature. Picture-perfect glimpses of profound beauty were shot from a fresh point of view. These photographers used originality and excellence to illustrate the wonder of life on Earth.
This year, the contest was judged by acclaimed photojournalist John Tully. A frequent contributor to The New York Times and The Washington Post, Tully is passionate about telling stories that share a sense of place and the intimacy of communities.
A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a former student at the Danish School of Media and Journalism, Tully began his career as a newspaper staff photographer.
"I awarded those who were either spot on in approach or who brought something different to the table," Tully says, adding, "Congrats to everyone who submitted."
Do your photos capture the imagination, too? Consider entering the next Carolina Woman Photo Contest in September 2024.
– Debra Simon
Grand Prize
"Lavender Field"
Minnie C. Gallman, Pittsboro
First Prize
"Bee Happy"
Joleen A. Stephan-Mease, Charlotte
Second Prize
"Stick the Landing"
Clarke Cochran, Indian Trail, N.C.
Third Prize
"Looking Glass Falls"
Mike Dellerman, Durham
Fourth Prize
"Night Fog"
Lisa Van Fleet, Carrboro
Fifth Prize
"Deer Shadow"
Anne Anthony, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
"Alamance Farm"
Mikel Sanfilippo, Mebane
Staff Favorites
"Raindrops"
Eileen Cary, Raleigh
"Serenity"
Sally Gouw, Durham
"After the Rain"
Tina Morrison, Cary
"Colors of Norway"
Christine Shooter, Chapel Hill
"The Magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier"
Sudha Soora, Cary
Crowd-pleasers