Axel’s to exhibit local photographer’s work, Sept. 25-Oct. 10

September 18, 2026  |  By Lisa Scagliotti

Black and white photography by George Jackman of Stowe will be on view at Axel's Art and Custom  Framing from Sept. 25 through Oct. 10. Courtesy photo

Local amateur photographer George Jackman hit the jackpot earlier this year, when his black-and-white photos took both first place and the people’s choice prizes in the final annual Shootout photo contest at Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop.

The store has since changed hands, with new owner Liz Walsh fulfilling the Shootout contest promise to exhibit the winner’s work in a solo show.

Jackman entered the last contest having already claimed second prize the year before. This year’s entries were top choices among both the contest judges and community members who voted for their favorite images.

Jackman, who lives in Stowe, calls himself an “opportunistic photographer.”

Whitney Aldrich of Axel's Gallery presents ribbons to 2026 Shoot Out photo contest First Prize and People's Choice Award winner George Jackman of Stowe. Courtesy photo

“I don’t usually go looking for a scene to photograph, but rather wait for a scene to find me, and in so doing seek to capture intimate views of the world around us,” he explains in the exhibit opening announcement.

For this show, he says he’s chosen a sampling of images from two of his most recent project themes, “Rock On” and “The Simple Majesty of Rural Architecture.”

The former seeks out scenes of rocks and rock formations; the latter hones in on old barns and other timeless structures “that stand as reminders of our agrarian past, both here at home or far afield -- icons of the rural landscape whether still in use or long abandoned (often it is hard to tell).”

While he’s been making photographs for much of his life, Jackman said he’s only in the past decade been drawn to black-and-white. He said the medium’s true appeal is  “simplicity and purity of focus on light, shape, texture and tone without the ‘distraction’ of color.”

Removing (most) natural color from a scene reveals its drama, subtlety and emotion, he said, noting that he sometimes will keep “an occasional splash of color [that] cries out to be included.” While viewing the world in color, Jackman said, he imagines it in a monochrome palette instead.

Jackman’s work goes on exhibit at Axel’s Art and Custom Framing starting Friday, Sept. 25. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to this free event. Located at 10 Stowe St., Axel’s is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.