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Jennings Mitchell's photograph "Serenity," which won Best in Show, captures a mystical view of a fog-shrouded landscape, displayed here during the 15th Annual Juried Photography Show at the Turnage Theater in Washington, North Carolina, April 25. (Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

Bronté Labbé, Visual Arts & Marketing Director for the Beaufort County Arts Council, delivers opening remarks at the 15th Annual Juried Photography Show awards ceremony at the Turnage Theater in Washington, North Carolina, April 25. (Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

Bronté Labbé, Visual Arts & Marketing Director for the Beaufort County Arts Council, engages with attendees during the reception of the 15th Annual Juried Photography Show at the Turnage Theater in Washington, North Carolina, April 25. (Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

(Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

(Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

Latrell Broughton (right), judge and design Master of Fine Arts student, discusses photographic techniques with an attendee at the 15th Annual Juried Photography Show reception at the Turnage Theater in Washington, North Carolina, April 25. (Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

The winning landscape entry, "Washington Harbor Sunrise" by Jay Getsinger, is prominently displayed on the left alongside other notable submissions at the 15th Annual Juried Photography Show at the Turnage Theater in Washington, North Carolina, April 25. (Ellen Brabo/For WDN)

The Beaufort County Arts Council held its 15th Annual Juried Photography Show awards and closing reception at the Turnage Theater on April 25. Judges Latrell Broughton and Charles Thrasher awarded top honors across several categories, highlighting the diverse talents of local photographers.

The results of the competition, which drew entries from 28 participants, are as follows:

– Film/Analog: “The History Reflected in the Past” by Jeremiah J. Barnes

– Documentary/People: “Hubie’s Flight Over Washington” by Jennings Mitchell

– Landscapes/Locations: “Washington Harbor Sunrise” by Jay Getsinger

– Nature/Wildlife: “Locked On” by Steve Spaanbroek

– Mixed Media/Alternative Process/Abstract: “The Dancers” by M.J. Peters

Special awards were also presented, including:

– The Lone Leaf Award for Excellence in the Photographic Medium: “Wishing They Were Fishing” by Steve Spaanbroek

– Best Work Depicting a Beaufort County Landmark or Iconic Location: “An Audience of One” by Joe Barta

– Washington Daily News Award for Best Work Depicting Photojournalism: “Hubie’s Flight Over Washington” by Jennings Mitchell

– Stewart’s Jewelry Store’s Best in Show Award: “Serenity” by Jennings Mitchell

During the ceremony, Broughton, a current design Master of Fine Arts student at the University of California, Davis, praised the entrants for their compelling narratives and technical proficiency. 

“This photo caught our attention from across the room,” said Broughton of Mitchell’s “Serenity,” which won Best in Show. “It gives off a mystic element and everything is properly exposed, providing another way of seeing the home we all live in and appreciate.”

Broughton also remarked on the storytelling aspect of the winning Film/Analog entry and the dynamic movement captured in “The Dancers,” noting that the documentation of the behind-the-scenes process set it apart.

The judges emphasized the importance of composition, content and print quality in the judging criteria. 

“The photo of ‘Washington Harbor Sunrise’ naturally leads your eyes along the image,” noted Broughton, highlighting the strengths of the Landscape category winner.

The exhibition, which has been a showcase for photographers to display their interpretations of various themes and subjects, closes to the public on April 28.

Broughton concluded the event with a call to all artists: “Ask yourself, what can I learn from other people’s craft to strengthen my own?” His remarks underscored a continuing commitment to artistic growth and excellence in the vibrant photography community of Beaufort County.

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