
Celebrating Creativity, Culture, and Community in Pamlico County


A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this year’s FOCUS:NC Photography Competition! Your creativity, talent, and passion made this event unforgettable. 💥
Our judges had quite the challenge this year—your submissions were so impressive,
it made their job delightfully difficult.
We’re already looking forward to what you’ll bring to the table next time: FOCUS:NC 2026!
🖼️ Winning images are now on display at Broad Strokes Gallery
through the end of the month.
View the Winners 👉 Full List
More photos coming up soon!
Check our FB for the latest!
Competition Rules

Submission Guidelines
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Photographs must be taken in North Carolina.
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Photographers can enter up to three (3) categories, submitting one (1) image per category, in either black and white or color. The categories include:
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Submissions must be original and personal works.
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Submitted images' maximum size is 11x14 and MUST BE FRAMED.
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They can be matted or unmatted and must be WIRED and READY TO HANG.
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Canvas framed is also acceptable as long as it does not exceed the maximum size.
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Framed images must have a label on the back (adhesive) including the photographer’s:
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First Name
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Last Name
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Image Title
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Category
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Photographers must consent to a Release statement that will allow for PAC advertising and/or media use
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Photographers must register for the event and provide their contact information: Name, Phone number, email address. This is for logistics and gallery space planning.
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Photographers do not need to be in person to win.
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The Pamlico Arts Council reserves the right to reject a submission(s).
Judging Rules
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Category Winner (Amateur & Professional Divisions) - judges will select one (1) winner for each category in each division. The winners will receive a ribbon and a $25 gift certificate or cash prize.
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Best of Show – judges will select the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners. The cash prizes are as follow: 1st - $150, 2nd - $100, 3rd - $50.
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People’s Choice – 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winner.
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The public and/or guests will vote for their favorite which can be any of the displayed images. Each will have one (1) vote to cast.
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Voting will happen on Sat, Oct 11th, once the exhibition open at 10a and will end at 230p. Winners will be announced afterwards.
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The cash prizes are as follow: 1st - $100, 2nd - $50, 3rd - $25
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