Axel’s spotlights contest winner Justin Highet’s images through Nov. 22
October 23, 2025 | By Whitney Aldrich
Untitled by Justin Highet
When Justin Highet moved to Vermont in 2016, photography was something he fit in “when there was time.” This fall, it takes the spotlight.
After winning First Prize in Axel’s 2025 Photography Shoot Out, Highet now steps forward for his first solo exhibition at Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop — a collection that celebrates his wide-ranging love for the craft itself.
Highet’s path to photography wasn’t traditional. Originally from Massachusetts, he built a career in residential construction before transitioning to renewable energy in 2012, working for SolarCity and Tesla installing solar and home battery systems. Today, he serves as a safety manager for SunCommon.
But behind the hard hat, a creative eye was always at work.
“My love of photography started when I was a kid,” he recalls. “It was snapping photos of friends and family with disposable cameras. Then I bought a digital point-and-shoot, and that opened everything up—hiking adventures, concerts, just life as it happened.”
That sense of everyday wonder still drives his work. After his camera gear was stolen shortly after moving to Vermont, Highet nearly set photography aside. But he said that entering Axel’s community photo competitions helped rekindle that passion.
Untitled by Justin Highet
“I joined the Shoot Out just to see what would happen,” he said with a grin. “I didn’t win the first time, but I met people who inspired me to try harder.”
His perseverance paid off the following year, when his image titled “Platform 5 1/2” captured top honors, announced in February.
Now his solo exhibition at Axel’s (Oct. 22-Nov. 22) reflects what he describes as “a love of photography in general.” Its images are a mix of minimalistic fine art, landscapes, and nature studies.
“I struggle to focus on one niche,” he admits. “This show is about exploring that, sharing different sides of what I love, and getting feedback from people who love photography, too.”
Beyond the images, Highet’s story speaks to the community that helped bring him back behind the lens. “Since moving to Vermont, I’ve seen how much people here support each other,” he said. “Events like the Shoot Out keep local artists visible. It’s important—we all need those chances to be seen.”
Asked what he hopes viewers take away from his photographs, Highet doesn’t hesitate to answer: “I want people to feel what I felt while taking them—the smell of the ocean, the sound of the trees, that sense of being alive in a place.”
Since moving to Vermont, Highet has embraced the state’s creative, close-knit spirit. “It’s one large community,” he said. “You really see how important it is to support local artists and small businesses — to show up, say kind words, and buy something made by hand. It all matters.”
For Highet, this show is both a celebration and a learning opportunity — a chance to gather feedback, meet like-minded people, and see where the next chapter leads. “My dream is to travel the world with my camera someday,” he admits. “But for now, sharing my work here, in this community, feels like the right place to start.”
Justin Highet’s solo photography exhibition will be on view at Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop from Oct. 22 through Nov. 22.
A public artist reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Axel’s, located at 10 Stowe Street in Waterbury. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to this free event.
With the exception of special events, Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop is open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Untitled by Justin Highet
Whitney Aldrich is the owner of Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop.