SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre

Home
Canada
Ottawa, ON
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre

SPAO is a not-for-profit photographic arts centre dedicated to supporting and advancing photographic expression.

SPAO is a leading Canadian Photographic Arts Centre, housing the only two-year photographic arts diploma in Canada, numerous evening and weekend part-time classes, a unique 6 month artist residency and the only critical and independent gallery in the region dedicated to lens-based art. We are an independent, charitable, not-for-profit photographic visual arts institution and a registered private c

areer college. Our mandate is to provide an intensive and collaborative learning experience and to enrich the photographic and visual arts culture of Ottawa and beyond. SPAO’s activities include classes and workshops, community collaborations as well as exhibitions and outreach. We aim to offer our community the knowledge, resources, and environment necessary for the advancement of photographic artistry, visual literacy, and personal vision. Our objective is to advance the school’s motto: Vision, Content, Craft.

08/26/2026

Learn how to better utilize the camera you ALWAYS have with you!⁠
⁠
This iPhone Photography Workshop will teach you the theory of taking photographs with your phone, how to make basic corrections to colour and composition, and help you get the most out of the modern technology at your fingertips.⁠
⁠
Register now to secure your spot!

🔗 https://spao.ca/iphone-photography

📸 detail by Michael Tardioli

08/25/2026

Looking for a venue?

The SPAO Centre boasts a spacious multifunctional studio and the Ottawa region's only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to lens-based art.

A modern space with cement floors + white walls, the SPAO Centre is perfect for private film screenings, small receptions, engagement parties, VIP cocktail or dinner parties, and a variety of other events that suit the contemporary studio.

Learn more at spao.ca/facility.

08/24/2026

Ready for the next step?

Digital Photography II: Beyond the Basics encourages students to treat every assignment like a project, with the ultimate intention of publicly presenting and sharing their work with their classmates.

This course is perfect for those looking to explore their own photographic style, moving beyond basic camera mechanics, to a more holistic, artistic approach to image making.
⁠
Register now to secure your spot!

🔗 https://spao.ca/digital-photo-ii-f26

📸 detail by Ava Margueritte

08/21/2026

The 2026 Cohort is currently full - but the waitlist is open!

The Photographic Arts + Production College Diploma Program is a two-year, hands-on program combining analogue and digital photography with photographic theory, experimentation, and professional arts practice. With small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and access to professional studio, darkroom, and digital facilities, students are encouraged to develop their own creative vision.

The 2026 program is full, but applications are being accepted for the 2026 and 2027 waitlists.

Joining a waitlist gives you the opportunity to be considered if a spot becomes available, or be considered for early acceptance for 2027!

Learn more + book a FREE portfolio review at spao.ca/diploma.

📸 by SPAO alum Danni Elsie

08/19/2026

Today is World Photography Day 📸

As one of Canada’s foremost photographic arts centres, we offer a unique two-year college diploma program, fun recreational classes, and an artist residency. The SPAO Centre is also home to the only critical and independent gallery in the region dedicated to lens-based art.

Thank you to each and every one of our community members for your support over the years.

Happy !

Image by Judy Dupont

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Ann Ellis and Victoria Laube for making it to the Critical Mass 2026 Top 200!

08/12/2026

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT ⭐️

Dion Prints presents Warriors and Their Keepers, a two-part exhibition exploring the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease and their caregivers. Through portraiture, still life, testimonies, and journal entries, the work honours resilience, sacrifice, and community while fostering awareness, empathy, and advocacy for those impacted by sickle cell disease.

ON VIEW:⁠
August 27 - October 13
Atrium Art Gallery | 101 Centrepointe Dr
⁠
RECEPTION:⁠
Thursday, August 27
5:30PM - 7:30PM

08/11/2026

Dust off the Speedlite, find your instruction manual, and bring a few batteries for a hands-on flash exploration!
⁠
The goal of Speedlite I: On-Camera Flash is to demystify the Speedlite and bring out its full potential as a remarkable lighting tool. Using simple tools and techniques, photographers will learn how to apply just the right quantity and quality of light to a scene, to achieve a natural look in their flash images.
⁠
Register now to secure your spot! 🔗 Part-Time Calendar link in bio.⁠
⁠
📸 detail by SPAO alum Michael Kuby

08/07/2026

Join us for the closing reception of Colophon as well as an artist talk by Paul Elter!

Colophon, presented by SPAO in partnership with Contact Photo Book Lab, foregrounds the resurgence of print culture and a renewed commitment to the artist multiple, self-distribution, and grassroots circulation.⁠

As part of the evening, Paul Elter will celebrate the release of his new photobook, Silver Tongued, with an artist talk exploring the making of the book, his wet plate collodion practice, his travels, and the mobile darkroom that informs his work. Copies of Silver Tongued will be available for purchase.

COLOPHON ON VIEW:⁠
May 30 - September 13⁠
⁠
RECEPTION:⁠
Friday, September 11⁠
5:00PM - 7:00PM⁠

PAUL ELTER ARTIST TALK:
Starts 6PM

📸 by Rob Little

08/06/2026

Got a minute? Leaving a quick Google review helps the SPAO community thrive! Your feedback builds trust with new students and visitors, making it easier for more photography lovers to find our classes, exhibitions, and gallery.

Leave a Google review of SPAO today 🔗 https://g.page/r/CVzl_E4Yt62CEBM/review

📸 by SPAO alum Judy Dupont

Address

77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S3K7

Telephone

+1 613-562-3824

Website

http://www.spao.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Ottawa?