SPARK: Opportunities for Photographers Ages 16 - 20

SPARK: Opportunities for Photographers Ages 16 - 20

Young photographers in Ottawa and Gatineau have the chance to showcase their creativity and compete for prizes through the SPARK Photo Competition, presented by SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre and Fujifilm Print Life. Youth aged 16 - 20 are invited to submit three original digital photographs by October 19, 2026, with entries judged on creativity, storytelling, and technical skill.

The first-place winner will receive a full two-year bursary to SPAO's College Diploma Program. The runner-up, as well as the people's choice, will receive one year of tuition. In addition to these awards, all three finalists will also be featured in SPAO's annual publication and on social media. They will also have their work displayed in a public art exhibition. More details can be found at sapo.ca/spark.

SPAO’s Photographic Arts and Production College Diploma Program offers hands-on training in analogue and digital photography, enriched by photographic theory and history. With small class sizes and the region’s best-equipped darkroom, students receive personalized learning while exploring both contemporary and historic techniques. Graduates launch their artistic careers in a special exhibition at the SPAO Centre Gallery.

For youths interested in further developing their photography skills before submitting to the contest, or just eager to strengthen their technical skills and artistic vision, SPAO will be offering a SPARK Photography Workshop in August. This Workshop will be an intensive one-week (August 10 - 14) program consisting of indoor and outdoor shooting, group critiques, photo theory lessons and more. This opportunity is perfect for young creatives looking to level up their technical and artistic photographic skills with professionals in the field to help guide them. To learn more and register, visit spao.ca/spark-workshops.