Open Call for Photographers: 2025 Photo Expo
We invite hobby, amateur, and professional photographers to submit their images for the 2025 Township of Russell Photo Expo!
Read Press Release: $5,000 Grant from Ontario Arts Council for Photo Expo
Questions about the Photo Expo?
Missed our virtual Lunchtime Info Session on July 24, 2025? View the video recording and see our frequently asked question (FAQ) section below to learn about CARFAC fees, photo categories, the jurying process, and more.
FAQ 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 Communication Coordinator Kim Legault and volunteer Darren Pottie. Both 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. 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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Every person who enters will have at least one of their artworks printed and exhibited during the Autumn in The Country Arts Festival.
The 2025 Photo Expo invites photographers to submit their best work for a chance to be selected by an independent jury. Four winning photographs will be chosen to be printed and displayed as outdoor public art along the recreational trail near 901 Notre-Dame Street, in Embrun. This year, in addition to having their work displayed in a permanent outdoor exhibit, the four selected photographers will each receive CARFAC fees of $400 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Additionally, the 4 winners and select honorable mention artists will receive a subscription to PhotoEd Magazine. This initiative underscores our commitment to valuing and supporting the arts within our community.
This year’s theme is “Up Close and Personal.” We’re asking photographers to really take a closer look at their family, friends, neighbours, wildlife and landscape to capture never before seen images. We’re hoping to see real stories of their chosen subjects, intimate moments that speak to our connection with each other, and the raw vulnerability of the relationship between artist and subject. While macro photography is appreciated, we’re hoping artists expand the idea of closeness to include both physical and emotional qualities.
The jury will select winners for the following categories:
- Best Youth (18 years and under)
- Best Portrait
- Best Landscape
- Best Overall
All images must have been taken within Township of Russell boundaries, but the Photo Expo is open to residents and non-residents. A map of the Township boundaries can be found at www.russell.ca/maps.
Submission deadline: Monday August 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM
Exhibition: Saturday September 13, 2025.
It is FREE to participate in the Photo Expo. You can submit up to 5 photos.
Please note images should be as high of resolution as possible. The preferred size would be 6000 pixels on the long edge. If you’re not sure, submit your images anyway and if there is an issue, the committee will contact you.
The Photo Expo is a partnership between the Russell Agricultural Society and the Township of Russell and is made possible with the support of the SPAO Centre, and 8 80 Cities.
For questions, please email the Township of Russell Communications Department at comms@russell.ca.