Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
The CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award recognizes Canadian professional photojournalists for powerful climate photography that highlights the causes, impacts, and mitigation of climate change. Winners receive $5,000 and are featured at the CJF Awards ceremony in Toronto. Submissions of up to three images per photographer from 2025 are due by January 23, 2026.
Celebrating Impactful Climate Photography by Canadian Photojournalists
Award Overview
The CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award honors photography that captures the urgency and human impact of climate change. Through compelling visual storytelling, photographers help the public understand both the causes of climate change and efforts to address its consequences.
The award promotes photography that is:
-
Provocative and inspirational
-
Informative about climate issues
-
Centered on affected communities and mitigation efforts
Prize and Recognition
-
Cash prize: $5,000
-
Presentation: CJF Awards ceremony in Toronto, June 2026
-
Visibility: Opportunity for national recognition and professional exposure
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
-
Canadian professional photojournalists
-
Full-time staff of Canadian news organizations
-
Freelancers whose work has been published by Canadian news outlets
Submission Limits
-
One submission per photographer
-
Up to three images per submission
Submission Requirements
-
Photographs must focus on:
-
Climate crisis causes
-
Real-world impacts on people and communities
-
Efforts to reverse or mitigate climate change
-
-
Images must have been taken between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025
-
Include a written description of the images (max 250 words)
-
Include a CV or resume of the photographer
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Submission Process
-
Select up to three relevant images captured in 2025
-
Prepare a written description (≤ 250 words) explaining the images
-
Compile a CV or resume demonstrating professional experience
-
Submit all materials before the deadline
Deadline
-
January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are judged based on:
-
Visual impact: Ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion
-
Relevance: Focus on climate change and related human impacts
-
Storytelling: Cohesive narrative across the submitted images
-
Creativity and originality: Unique perspective and presentation
Why This Award Matters
The award:
-
Highlights the importance of climate journalism through photography
-
Raises awareness of the human and environmental consequences of climate change
-
Provides a platform for Canadian photographers to influence public understanding
Common Tips for Applicants
-
Ensure images tell a cohesive story together
-
Focus on people, communities, and visible effects of climate change
-
Keep descriptions concise and informative
-
Verify that images were taken within the eligible 2025 timeframe
-
Include clear credentials in the CV/resume
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is eligible for the award?
-
Canadian professional photojournalists, including full-time and freelance, published by Canadian news outlets.
Q2: How many images can I submit?
-
Up to three images per photographer.
Q3: What is the deadline for submissions?
-
January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Q4: Can the photos be published previously?
-
Yes, they must have been captured and published within 2025.
Q5: Is there a word limit for the image description?
-
Yes, maximum 250 words.
Q6: What is the prize?
-
Cash prize of $5,000 and recognition at the CJF Awards ceremony.
Q7: Can groups or teams submit images?
-
No. Submissions are limited to individual photographers.
Conclusion
The CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award provides Canadian photojournalists a platform to showcase their work on climate change, raising public awareness while rewarding creativity, storytelling, and journalistic excellence. By emphasizing the real-world impacts of climate change and solutions, the award encourages meaningful and impactful visual journalism.
For more information, visit CJF.
