Winners in Axel’s annual Shoot Out photography contest were recently announced and the 2025 second-place finisher took both First Prize and the People’s Choice Award.
Stowe photographer George Jackman’s photo of a Cape Cod seascape was the double-winning entry, Aldrich said, the first time both the judges and gallery patrons coalesced around a favorite image.
Second Prize went to Charley Atwood of Barre. His winning entry was the first he had ever submitted to a competition, Aldrich noted.
The annual contest invites both amateur and professional photographers to share their favorite images that best illustrate a theme chosen by the previous contest winner. The recent Shoot Out sought out photographs that demonstrated the theme, “It’s the Little Things,” chosen by Justin Highet of Enosburg, the contest’s 2025 first-prize winner.
The winners receive gift certificates for framing by the gallery and camera equipment. In addition to choosing the next year’s contest theme, the first-prize winner is also invited to present their photography in a solo show at Axel’s Gallery later in the year, giving them a chance to introduce their work to the community.
Aldrich said that the ownership change at the gallery will still accommodate the Shoot Out exhibition this year. “The new Axel’s owner has agreed to provide space for the first-prize winner to exhibit their photography this fall,” Aldrich said. “It will not be the whole gallery, but it is exposure, which is exactly what we’re trying to do with Axel’s.”
Located at 10 Stowe St. in Waterbury, Axel’s regular hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. More information is online at AxelsGallery.com.
