Winners of our annual photo competition

 

By Anna Thompson and Cyndi Harris

 

Photographers with the top entries in Carolina Woman's annual competition didn't take snapshots - they created art.

In just the click of a camera, the champions managed to warm the heart, tickle the funny bone and, best of all, tell great stories.

Winners are:
- Pam Byars of Raleigh, First Prize
- Sudha Soora of Cary, Second Prize
- Allyssa Nicole Balbero of Raleigh, Third Prize

Honorable mentions are: Stephanie L. Girard of Chapel Hill, Sally Gouw of Durham, Jill L. Grosman of Cary, Kathi Haynes of Raleigh, Maddi Holland of Holly Springs, Kristen Hutchinson of Chapel Hill, Marilyn Osborne of Youngsville and April Leanne Simon of Durham.

 

As a bonus, we're showing the staff favorites, too. Thanks to all our readers who submitted entries!

 

 

First Prize:
"From a Clown's Point of View"
by Pam Byars of Raleigh

Prize: 18K White Gold Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings from Jenny Garrett McLaurin Goldsmith, a $500 value

 

 

Second Prize:
"Organ Spectra"
By Sudha Soora of Cary

Prize: $100 Gift certificate to New Horizons Trading Company

 

 

Third Prize:
"A Walk on the Beach"
By Allyssa Nicole Balbero of Raleigh

Prize: Circuit Trainer by Finis, a $100 value

 

 

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

"Shine"
By April Leanne Simon of Durham

 

"Camel and His Coke"
By Jill L. Grosman of Cary

 

"A Bride's Reflections"
By Stephanie L. Girard of Chapel Hill

 

"Who Are You Looking At?"
By Marilyn Osborne of Youngsville

 

"Ready, Set, Jump!"
By Kathi Haynes of Raleigh

 

"Home Sweet Home"
By Sally Gouw of Durham

 

"American Summer"
By Kristen Hutchinson of Chapel Hill

 

"Winter's End"
By Maddi Holland of Holly Springs

 

 

Staff Favorites! (in no particular order):

"Canoes on Lake Susan"
By Mary Scott Manning of Kinston, N.C.

 

"Squirrel & Blood Orange"
By Marie Coveney of Chapel Hill

 

"The Blue Dress"
By Kristen Hutchinson of Chapel Hill