Open Call for Photographers
Now in its fifth edition, we invite hobby, amateur, and professional photographers to submit their images for the 2026 Township of Russell Photo Expo!
Every person who submits will have at least one of their photographs printed and exhibited during the Autumn in The Country Arts Festival. An independent jury will review all submissions and select four winners whose photographs will be printed and displayed as outdoor public art along the New York Central Recreation Trail (901 Notre-Dame, Embrun). They will also receive a prize package designed to further their photographic development.
This year’s theme is “Cultivation”. How do we nurture the community around us? How do we put our energy into the positive things in our lives, developing them, studying them, and caring for them until they grow into something beautiful? How do we pass this knowledge on to future generations? We’re asking photographers to explore their surroundings, which may include sub-themes such as gardening, mentorship, community, or conservation.
The jury will decide winners in the following categories:
- Best Youth (ages 18 and under)
- Best Portrait
- Best Landscape
- Best Wildlife
Anyone from Canada can enter; however, all images must have been taken within the Township of Russell boundaries. A map of the Township boundaries can be found at www.russell.ca/maps.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Exhibition: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Submissions and participation are free. You may submit up to 5 photos.
Please note that images should be as high a resolution as possible. The preferred size is 6000 pixels on the long edge.
For questions, please email the Township of Russell Communications Department at comms@russell.ca.
Questions about the Photo Expo?
A virtual Info Session took place on July 24, 2025, to talk about the 2025 edition of the Photo Expo. You can view the video recording and see our frequently asked question (FAQ) section below to learn about the Photo Expo CARFAC fees, photo categories, the jurying process, and more.
FAQs on the Photo Expo
| What is the Russell Township Photo Expo? |
| The Photo Expo is a free open call to photographers to submit images taken with Russell Township limits. 4 Winners will be chosen by an independent jury, printed on panels, exhibited outdoors for up to 5 years, and be awarded the appropriate CARFAC fee. Honourable mentions will receive a small prize package. All submissions will be printed and exhibited during the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival. |
| Who can apply? |
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Anyone in Canada can apply. However, images must have been taken within Russell Township limits. Youth under 18 are encouraged to apply and have a special category. The application will need a parent’s guidance to submit. |
| Who organizes the Photo Expo, and who can I ask for questions? |
| The Photo Expo is co-organized by Russell Township Communications Department and volunteer Darren Pottie, who have years of experience in communications, photography, and art. You can direct all questions to comms@russell.ca. |
| Who decides the winning images? |
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Every year a unique independent jury is organized, typically consisting of three people from across Eastern Ontario. The selected jury are leaders in the arts community and include award-winning photographers, curators with a minimum of 5 years in their field, and industry professionals. The jury must have bilingual representation and should include at least one person who lives in Russell Township. |
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What can help my chances of being chosen? |
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The jury chooses the winning images based on artistic merit, image quality and how well the image relates to the yearly theme. They look for unique images that express personality and intent of the artist. Adding a sentence or two about why you took that photo in the ‘artist statement’ section will help provide context. |
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How can I make sure the images are the right size? |
| If you take an image with a DSLR camera, or with a newer generation cell phone, it will likely be the right size. If you’re not sure, load it onto a personal computer right click the image, and click ‘properties’. In the General section you’ll see the size, we’re hoping for at minimum 3MB or higher. If you’re not sure, send us an email and we can help. |
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How is the Photo Expo funded? |
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The Photo Expo is made possible thanks in a large part to grant funding provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. Russell Township contributes towards the remainder of any costs. Services in kind are provided by our community partners at Autumn in the Country, Russell Agricultural Society, and PhotoEd magazine. |
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What is a CARFAC fee? |
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CARFAC stands for Canadian Artists' Representation / Le Front des artistes canadiens. It's a non-profit organization that represents Canada's professional visual and media artists. A CARFAC Fee is widely recognized as the national standard for paying artists in Canada. The amount goes up each year and is based on years on years of field research. |
| What happens to my photos after I submit? |
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