– Part One –

The 2025 Carolina Woman Photo Contest received scores of engaging entries during the past few months. We’ve been captivated by photographers who express their vision through picture-perfect images.

These dazzling submissions demonstrate that creative chops can flourish along with technical proficiency. The consequence? We’re invited to see through artists’ unique lenses.

Congrats to everyone who submitted work. The prize-winners are shown below, staff faves will appear next month, and crowd-pleasers will run in January.

– Debra Simon

Grand Prize
"Osprey Tent on James River"
By Joleen A. Stephan-Mease of Charlotte

First Prize
"OBX Dawn"
By Clarke Cochran of Indian Trail, N.C.

Second Prize
"Pink Dahlia"
By Annette Griffith of Pittsboro

Third Prize
"Spring Point Perspective"
By Lisa Van Fleet of Burlington

Fourth Prize
"Look Who Is Roaming Near Our Breakfast Site in Kenya"
By Jill Grosman of Cary

Fifth Prize
"In the Baaack Hills of Ireland"
By Kelli Short Borges of Phoenix, Ariz.

Sixth Prize
"Social Climber"
By Tina Morrison of Cary

Honorable Mention
"Tulip"
By Mikel Sanfilippo of Mebane

Coming next month: Staff Favorites