2025 STCF Call for Entries

The Somerville Toy Camera Fest’s 2025 celebration of toy camera and lo-fi photography will be juried by Mary Kocol!


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 film cameras with plastic lenses (or no lens) and lack of reliable exposure control.

Straight Polaroid-type images, or images made with cell phones, digital cameras, or film 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.

  • If it shoots film,* has a plastic lens (or no lens), and offers minimal exposure control (or none at all), it’s eligible. Still not sure? See our FAQ!

    * exceptions made for pinhole photos exposed directly on photo paper!

EXHIBITION DATES: September 6 – 27, 2025
LOCATIONS: NAVE Gallery, Washington Street Gallery, +?
JURIED BY: Mary Kocol

SUBMISSION DEADLINE  June 15, 2025
ARTISTS NOTIFIED BY  ~July 15, 2025
SELECTED WORK DUE AT GALLERY BY August 15, 2025

Download a flyer (PDF) to share!

Submission notes:

  • Our exhibitions are local, but this call is global!

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

  • We know framing & shipping costs are expensive, so in 2025 we’re offering artists options to submit unframed work. We hope this change means more artists are comfortable submitting photos for consideration.

  • You can use a non-gmail address for contact purposes, but you will need a google account to submit images (our submission system uses google forms, which requires a google account for uploads).

  • 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.

  • Framed work must arrive at the gallery wired across the back/ready 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 take 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 our Events page!