Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest (Nov. 15 deadline). Your submissions are a testament to the beauty that can be found in even the most unexpected corners of our state. The judges chose from among 400 photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Photo of the Month” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week.” Our Facebook page routinely showcases reader pictures, including those you can post there yourself.
—The editors
After hiking the Rough Ridge trail off of the parkway in the dark, I set up my camera, then waited for dawn. I shot six vertical images and stitched them together to create this panoramic image. Then I hurried back to Boone to teach my photography class at Appalachian State University. — Brian Bookwalter, Boone, Blue Ridge Energy
When I kayak/birdwatch I am in the water before sunrise to welcome the day. No sunrise has ever disappointed; this was the quiet before Hermine’s weather. — Christine Stoughton-Root, Merritt, Tideland EMC
Morning in Happy Valley — David Pucci, Lenoir, Blue Ridge Energy
My son Braden went paddleboarding on the Albemarle Sound in October. — Denise Holmes, Moyock, Albemarle EMC
Our grandson Carson enjoys his GiGi’s 1957 Farmall tractor while checking out the farm. — Janice Dyson, Sanford, Central EMC
My grandson Jackson swings on a rope on the Uwharrie River in Montgomery County. — Ella Thompson, Troy, Randolph EMC
I started my day with the morning fog and the nearby light pollution from a small town. The sun began to rise and the night’s sky ended. — Glenn Poplin, Maxton, Lumbee River EMC
I took this boy fishing for his senior pictures on a cold Sunday morning in November at Jordan Lake. — Janet Jackson, Sanford, Central EMC
I was driving through the mountains one day in Cataloochee, stopped to admire the scenery, and saw this massive elk looking back at me. It was surreal and thrilling. — Jennifer Allen, Waynesville, Haywood EMC
Sailboat under the Sunset Beach bridge on a foggy morning in November at the Intracoastal Waterway. — Jim Wilson, Monroe, Brunswick EMC
Taken at the International Folk Festival in Fayetteville. — Alice S. Lewis, Autryville, South River EMC
diamonds in the trees On a snowy winter’s day trip to Max Patch bald in Haywood County, we came upon this beautiful “Carolina Blue” sky. The rime frost glistened like “diamonds” in the trees. — Linda R. Ferguson, Clyde, Haywood EMC
Rides at the Lenoir Fairgrounds. — Margaret Pritchard, Hudson, Blue Ridge Energy
Shane (5) and Keira (3) enjoy a freshly raked leaf pile, courtesy of mom’s hard work. — Marilin Dunsmore, Raeford, Lumbee River EMC
A popular hiking trail, ablaze with fall color, parallels a picturesque pasture opposite Flat Top Manor at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. — Patricia Joynes, Boone, Blue Ridge Energy
Our grandson, Caleb, loves playing in the puddles after a rain shower. It’s great to let him experience these things and get a little dirty. — Robin McCollum, Wadesboro, Pee Dee Electric
At sunrise (the golden hour) in Lockwood Folly, Brunswick County. This gentleman was repairing a net on a shrimp boat with the largest needle I have ever seen. — Robin Tice-Haines, Jamestown, Brunswick EMC
This April evening outside Saint Margaret’s Episcopal church in Waxhaw brought the beauty of the changing sky, along with the unspoken word of sharing what we learn on the inside of church with those outside of its walls. — Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church Parish Administrator, Waxhaw, Union Power
The person holding that flashlight is actually me. I set up my camera on a tripod at one of the outlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway and stood still for 20 seconds for this shot. — Sameer Potdar, Morrisville
“This is my friend Kristen’s horse, Heza. He is such a gentle giant. So beautiful and majestic.” — Shaina Jordan, Ash, Brunswick EMC
Getting a honey bee into the frame was easy. Standing still while the bees buzzed around me — not so much. — Steve Barnes, Jackson, Roanoke Electric
Orphaned as a kitten, Bella is sweet, smart, lovely, caring, and playful. She is a lucky cat and the best cat that I have ever had! — Tiffany Kupner, Glade Valley, Blue Ridge Energy
On Hwy 45 north of Edenton, I pass this beautiful barn each morning. The light constantly changes, but on this day it was exceptional. — Tom Brennan, Edenton, Albemarle EMC
A young doe started making visits to my grandmother’s house. One early morning, “Sugar” arrived for her favorite breakfast—sweet potatoes! — Zannah (Jason) Tyndall, Clinton, South River EMC
I drive past this horse every day going to and from work. Seems like there’s some flirting going on. — Bryce Hoover, Indian Trail, Union Power
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