Open Call for Photographers: 2026 Photo Expo

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.

To submit and for more information, visit www.russell.ca/PhotoExpo26.

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.