Photographers 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 insight merge with the click of a camera.
This year, we’re again honored that 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.
Here’s his take on contemporary photography as well as this contest:
“Photography is so powerful because it’s a universal language,” says Tully.
“It not only presents an idea, a document, a thought from the photographer - through use of light and technique as well as emotions such as humor, joy and even sadness - but also invites viewers to come up with their own interpretations, their own takeaways.
“The photography that resonates most with me isn’t singular,” Tully notes.
“Many times, it leaves me asking questions, while other times it’s simple and clear in its communication and delivery. But what is a constant that elevates the work is the use of timing and light, technique in camera, and a sense of rawness in presentation.
“This rawness is under threat of AI and over-photoshopping instead of allowing reality, however grand or small, to just exist,” warns Tully.
“The entries in the 2024 Carolina Woman Photo Contest covered the breadth and beauty of what photography is capable of."
Congrats to everyone who submitted work this year. The prize-winners are shown below; staff favorites will appear next month.
– Debra Simon
Grand Prize
"Thirsty Chipmunk"
Clarke Cochran, Indian Trail, N.C.
First Prize
"Bleached in Blue"
Lisa Van Fleet, Mebane
Second Prize
"Dad's Rose"
Minnie Gallman, Pittsboro
Third Prize
"Following Rules"
Anne Anthony, Chapel Hill
Fourth Prize
"Great Egret Beauty"
Donald Brown, Charlotte
Honorable Mention
"Norway Lake"
Annette Griffith, Pittsboro
Staff Favorites
"Frosty Morning on the Plains"
Terry Ames, Pittsboro
"Ready for Takeoff"
Susan Bailey, Southern Pines, N.C.
"Let There Be Light"
Eileen Carey, Raleigh
"Pink Lotus"
Tina Morrison, Cary
"It. Is. Baloooooon!"
Mikel Sanfilippo, Mebane
"Magical Misty Morning"
Christine Shooter, Chapel Hill
"Red-bellied Woodpecker Amongst Blue Sapphires"
Joleen A. Stephan-Mease, Charlotte