If you’re a photographer, then something is happening in Russell that might interest you. It’s the 2023 Russell Township Photography Expo.

As photography contests go, this one is a little different. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur, a serious hobbyist, or if you make your living from photography, you are welcome to submit images. In fact, anyone from Canada is welcome to participate, the only caveat being that all images must have been taken within the Township of Russell boundaries, and if you’re not sure what they are, you can find out at www.russell.ca/maps.

Here is something else that is a little different: it’s all free. That’s right, you can submit up to five (5) images and it won’t cost you a thing.

Another thing that is unusual is that everyone that enters will have at least one of their images printed and exhibited during the Russell Art at Night event on Sat., Sept. 16. You’ll also receive a gift certificate from the SPAO Photographic Art Centre in Ottawa.

Four images will be selected by an independent jury and will be printed and displayed as outdoor art in the township. The four categories are best youth submission (under 18), best portrait, best landscape, and best overall.

The theme for this competition is “Stillness”, which is explained as follows on the Expo information page:

“As the Police Village of Russell turns 125, we want to consider places, moments and emotions that can be gone again in a flash, moments we find when we slow down, and moments that bring you right back to the memories of once was. Let yourself be captivated by the simple and by the quiet. Find wonder in the ordinary and appreciate what has remained the same.”

That’s it, that’s all you get, now let your imagination run wild and go create! One thing to remember for a competition like this is that the camera will probably be the least important part of the equation, at least initially. You, and the way you think and the way you see the world will be what makes the difference. Once you have an image in your mind, then you can work on how to recreate it. Believe me, visualizing it is the hardest part. The rest is just the technical aspect.

I’ve been spending some time in Russell lately, covering various events, and I’m amazed at how the community has grown. I lived in Russell for a couple years back in the mid-80s, just when it was starting to attract attention from people who worked in Ottawa but wanted a quieter lifestyle when they returned home at the end of the day. I already have a few spots in mind for my images.

So, what will your images be? Will they be people in specific situations, will it be local architecture, or maybe it will involve a special spot on the banks of the Castor River. It’s all up to you. Take your time, make it special. Imagine how you will feel when you see, for the first time, your image displayed as large as life in a public location in the township.

For more information you can visit the Township web page (Russell.ca) where you will find a link to contact the Communications Department if you have questions and another link you can use to make your submission.

Good luck!