2023 STCF Call for Entries

The Call has Closed!

The Somerville Toy Camera Festival’s 10th annual celebration of toy camera and lo-fi photography will be juried by Ann Jastrab


Celebrate the flaws, the quirks, the accidental genius that lousy lenses can create! Images of any subject matter, made with a “toy” camera (or any low-tech camera with no or very limited exposure control, such as pinhole, Holga, Diana/Diana clones, Brownie, Ansco, disposable cameras) are eligible. Key criteria are plastic lenses and lack of reliable exposure control. Straight Polaroid-type images, or images made with cell phones or cameras with full automatic or manual exposure control (such as the Lomo LC series) will not be considered. It should go without saying, but we’ll say it: AI-generated images are not eligible.

New for 2023: Images made with extremely primitive digital devices, such as the Gameboy camera (1998-2002), may be eligible; please contact us to ask about specific digital devices prior to submitting.

EXHIBITION DATES: September 7 – October 7, 2023
LOCATIONS: NAVE Gallery, Brickbottom Gallery, Washington Street Gallery
JURIED BY: Ann Jastrab 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE  June 27, 2023
ARTISTS NOTIFIED BY  ~July 24, 2023
SELECTED WORK DUE AT GALLERY BY August 30, 2023

Submission notes:

  • Submit up to five (5) images for one entry fee of $25 US.

  • Artists whose work is selected will receive complete info on drop-off/shipping when they’re notified of the juror’s decision. Gallery placement will be decided by the organizing committee.

  • Accepted pieces must be delivered to the Festival framed & wired for hanging. See our framing tips…

  • Artists shipping work to the Festival must include a pre-paid shipping label for return of their work, or make other arrangements for return or donation of their work at the end of the exhibitions. More details will be provided to artists whose work is selected (also available here…).

  • Our non-profit galleries will receive a 30% commission on any pieces sold. Artists are encouraged to price selected work accordingly.


For complete info on opening receptions and other Festival events & programming as it’s finalized, join our mailing list, or check back here on our Events page!