On March 28th, the Southampton Cultural Center came alive as artists, collectors, and photography lovers gathered for the Double Take: A Juried Photography Exhibit reception and awards presentation. And while the show may now be closed, the energy from that afternoon is still very much lingering.

Presented by Long Island Photo Gallery in collaboration with Photo Art Pavilion, Double Take invited viewers to slow down and see the world a little differently—through the lens of reflection photography.

And it delivered.

Featuring over 30 artists, the exhibit was filled with moments that made you pause—water reflections that felt like paintings, glass distortions that played with perception, and scenes that revealed entirely new stories when viewed from just the right angle. It was the kind of show where you didn’t just walk through… you stopped, leaned in, and looked twice (sometimes three times).

Click on the images to enlarge the view. 

But what truly made the day special wasn’t just the work on the walls—it was the people in the room.

There’s something powerful about standing next to a piece of art and hearing the artist talk about it in their own words. Throughout the afternoon, conversations flowed easily. Artists shared their inspiration, visitors asked thoughtful questions, and connections were made in that effortless, authentic way that only happens when creativity brings people together.

At the heart of it all was our juror, Nicole Esposito, who did an incredible job shaping the exhibition. Narrowing down hundreds of submissions to just over 30 works is no small task—and her selections struck a beautiful balance of technical skill, creativity, and emotional impact.

The awards presentation was a true highlight:

• 1st Place: A Casual Downpour by Tom Fox
• 2nd Place: Zebra Chaos by Janis Hurley
• 3rd Place: King Tide on Dune Road by Nick McGuire
• Honorable Mention: Golden Trees by Marie E De Tullio
• Honorable Mention: After the Rainbow Bridge by Jeffrey Hughes

Each of these pieces stood out not just for their beauty, but for how thoughtfully they explored the idea of reflection—turning everyday moments into something unexpected and memorable.

Nicole also shared a selection of her own work during the reception, giving guests the chance to experience her perspective beyond the jury process. Her images—ranging from travel to local scenes—sparked even more conversation and inspiration throughout the gallery.

And let’s not forget… the weather held, the light poured in, and the space felt just right. It was one of those Long Island afternoons where everything seems to align.

As the day wrapped up, there was a shared feeling in the room: gratitude. For the artists who trusted us with their work. For the guests who came out to support the arts. And for the opportunity to create a space where photography isn’t just seen—but experienced, discussed, and remembered.

While Double Take has officially come to a close, it’s moments like these that continue to define what the Long Island art community is all about—connection, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art of seeing.

We are incredibly grateful to Kirsten Lonnie, Executive Director of the Southampton Cultural Center, for inviting Long Island Photo Gallery to present this dynamic exhibition in such a beautiful and welcoming space.

Opportunities like this are truly meaningful to us. The continued support of the Southampton Cultural Center—and all that they do to champion the arts on Long Island—makes it possible for us to bring this annual in-person exhibition to life. It’s something we deeply value and never take for granted.

We’re already looking ahead with excitement and plan to do it all again in 2027… stay tuned!

Joanne Henig and Jessica Lempin
The Co-Founders of Long Island Photo Gallery and Photo Art Pavilion.