New campaigns, national recognition, speaking engagements, and global photography adventures ahead.

It’s only a few months into the year, and already 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons of my photography career as a travel photographer based in Toronto.

From sharing photography with audiences across Canada, to new commercial collaborations, to scouting remarkable locations around the world, the momentum behind the lens has been incredible.

My goal has always been simple: to travel the world photographing its most extraordinary places and stories. This year is already taking me further along that path.

Here’s a look at what’s been unfolding so far.

Sharing Photography with the Community

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is sharing what I’ve learned with other photographers.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of presenting my talk “Explorations in Photography: A Journey Through Urban Landscapes, Natural Wonders, and Fascinating Faces” in Kitchener, Ontario.

The event brought together four camera clubs simultaneously:

• Highland Glen Camera Club (Kitchener–Waterloo)
• GRIPS Camera Club (Kitchener–Waterloo)
• Brant Camera Club (Brantford)
• Photo Arts Club (Newmarket)

With over 80 photographers in attendance, the energy was amazing and the feedback afterward was incredibly encouraging and heartwarming.

Later this year I’ll also be speaking at the Oakville Camera Club on June 22nd.

Speaking at Canada’s Largest Photography Conference

In April I’ll be travelling to Saskatoon to speak at the Canadian Imaging Conference & Expo (CICE 2026), the largest annual photography conference in Canada.

There I’ll be presenting:

Travel Photography: Secrets to Award-Winning Photos

The talk explores the creative process, persistence, and real-world experiences behind some of my most celebrated travel images to hopefully inspire an audience of potential would-be travel photographers.

And you're invited! Register at www.canadianimaging.org and use CODE: Pott15 to save 15%

During the conference I’ll also be honoured to receive the Master of Photographic Arts (MPA) medal at the Gala Awards Ceremony.

National Recognition

I was recently thrilled to learn that all four images I submitted to the PPOC National Image Competition were accepted into the National Gallery collection this year.

For Canadian photographers, having work accepted at the national level is always meaningful, and I’m incredibly grateful to see these images recognized.

PPOC Nationals 2026

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Exploring the World Through Photography

Travel photography continues to be the heart of what I do.

This year includes several exciting scouting trips as I continue developing future photography workshops and adventure photo tours.

Upcoming destinations include:

Cappadocia & Istanbul, Turkey — May
Scouting locations for my new partnership with Cappadocia Photo Tours for a 2027 photography tour.
Cappadocia balloons at sunrise ~ courtesy of Cappadocia Photo Tours 

Los Angeles & San Diego — August
Exploring new coastal and urban photographic opportunities.

Banff National Park — October
Autumn in the Canadian Rockies is always spectacular.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Japan Autumn Photography Tour — November
One of my ultimate dream destinations in the world. I’ll be leading a small group of photographers through Japan during peak autumn colour, with more details and a live online tour briefing coming soon. See below for more info...

Mount Fuji, Japan ~ courtesy of Daniel Kordan

Interested in Photographing These Places With Me?

Many of the destinations I explore eventually become small group photography workshops and guided photo adventures.

These experiences are designed for photographers who want to go beyond simply visiting a location and instead learn how to truly photograph it. From scouting the best sites and compositions to understanding how to tell a visual story of a place, the goal is always to help photographers come away with images they're proud of.

One of the most exciting upcoming adventures is my Autumn Japan Photography Tour this November, where a small group of photographers will join me to photograph Japan during peak autumn colour.

To help photographers learn more about the experience, I’ll soon be announcing a special online presentation briefing for the tour.

During this live session I’ll be joined by world renowned travel photographer Andy Marty, connecting live from Dubai, where we’ll walk through the itinerary, share images of the incredible locations we’ll visit, and answer questions from everyone interested in joining us. 

Stay tuned for details of the briefing, and in the meantime, check out all the tour details here: 

Japan in red: autumn leaves photo tour, 19 – 27 November 2026

If travelling to remarkable locations with a small group of passionate photographers sounds exciting to you, I invite you to explore upcoming workshops and tours.

👉 https://deepotter.com/workshops

New destinations and workshops are announced throughout the year.

Commercial Collaborations

Alongside my travel and speaking work, I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with several remarkable brands this year through our media company Chrysalis.

Last September I photographed a product launch campaign for Umbra, featuring their beautifully designed Casita diffuser.

More recently Umbra invited us back to document their star-studded 45th Anniversary celebration, an evening filled with designers, industry leaders, and special guests celebrating the company’s legacy of innovative design.

We also collaborated with Nintendo Canada on a campaign promoting the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming system.

The project featured Saad Bin Zafar, Captain of the Canadian National Cricket Team and one of Nintendo Canada’s newest ambassadors as he prepared to compete in the ICC T20 World Cup in India.

Both Umbra and Nintendo have since returned with more exciting projects to come.

Later this month I’ll be returning to Ottawa (March 11–13) to photograph my fourth ladies’ fashion campaign in the past two years for The Outskirts.

And I’ve also been entrusted with a very special assignment photographing the Prime Minister at a private event, which I look forward to sharing more about when I’m able.

Nintendo Switch 2

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A New Brand Partnership

Another exciting development this year has been becoming a brand ambassador for Two Red Tabs, creators of an innovative modular camera bag system designed specifically for adventure photographers.

The system is incredibly well thought out for travel and expedition work, especially for those of us in need of neck, back and shoulder relief from our gear, and I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces on my upcoming shoots around the world.

A Year That’s Just Getting Started

With speaking engagements across Canada, national recognition, exciting commercial collaborations, and global photography adventures ahead, 2026 is already shaping up to be a remarkable year.

And we’re only just getting started.

Stay tuned here on the blog and through my Beyond the Frame newsletter as I share more images and stories from the road.

~ DEE

Speaking Engagements, Collaborations, and Workshops

For speaking engagements, tourism collaborations, or photo tour information:

https://deepotter.com/contact

See full details here

See full details here

Discover the Endangered Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park.

In the heart of Central Kalimantan, a unique and endangered species, Pongo pymaeus, thrives in its natural habitat—the orangutan. This remarkable primate is endemic to the island of Borneo, but its sanctuary is under threat as its precious habitat diminishes at an alarming pace. To safeguard the survival of these incredible creatures, orangutan rehabilitation centers have been established in the heart of the rainforest.

See full details here

Free Registration HERE: https://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/old-toronto-distillery-district/

We'll meet in the Distillery District at Balzac's Coffee, explore the iconic distillery architecture then head across the Esplanade and David Crombie Park to St. Lawrence Market. From there, we'll continue west to Berczy Park immediately followed by the historic Gooderham Building as the sun dips close to the horizon. While I can't predict the weather, I can predict that the sun will set on this day at 6:50 PM, and as we all know, the best shots happen during golden hour and blue hour, so weather-permitting, all we have to do is show up for epic photos! After having our fill of the Flatiron Building (Gooderham), we'll head west across Front Street back to the Distillery District in time for blue-hour photos of the enchanting Victorian-Era industrial landmarks, and finally meet up at the Mill Street Brewpub there at 21 Tank House Lane to have a drink, some food, get to know one another, share photos, and talk all things photography!

NOTE: The reservation at Mill Street Brewpub is under "POTTER" to be sure you're seated with the rest of the group when you arrive.

Please note, this will be a relaxed, fun gathering of photography enthusiasts—it's not a formal workshop or historical tour. That said, I’ll be happy to offer any assistance or advice while we enjoy capturing the landmarks of Old Toronto together.

Free Registration Here: https://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/old-toronto-distillery-district/

Not just a walk, this is a Cause!

The Worldwide Photo Walk® proudly supports The Springs Of Hope Kenya Orphanage, an organization that feeds, houses, educates, and empowers young orphans so that they can grow up to not just survive but succeed. We’re asking each person who participates to donate to help make a difference in these children’s lives. Every dollar counts. DONATE NOW!

But WAIT! There's more!

As photographers in general, we all possess technical skills in camera operation and photography techniques, proficiency in post-processing, and specialized knowledge in specific photography genres; in essence, the ability to embrace whichever forms of photography we choose. For instance, in my fewer than 3 years with the Professional Photographers of Canada, I've submitted portfolios for review by panels of Accreditation Judges to earn Accreditations in Pictorial/Scenic Photography, Architectural Photography, and Aerial Photography. But if you asked me in an elevator "What kind of photographer are you?", I've got the same answer every time: I am a fine art urban landscape travel photographer. This is a mouthful, I realize, but let me break it down...

"Dream River Lanterns of Hue" ~ Vietnam

Fine Art: I stress the "fine art" designation as I'm fundamentally an artist and enjoy editing my photos for wall art or other display purposes as opposed to editorial or journalistic "what you see is what you get" style. I'm not knocking any form of representational photography like these and respect those photographers highly, but for me, I like capturing places you may have seen before but in a way you haven't seen portrayed.

"Manhattan Twilight" ~ New York

"Louvre Before Dawn" ~ Paris

Urban Landscape: I live, love and work in Toronto, Ontario: the largest city in Canada. So, "urban" is everywhere here with an incredible mix of standing architecture from Victorian to Revolutionary Futuristic. If you've read my previous blog about the Gooderham Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto, you'll know how much I enjoy the juxtaposition of Old Toronto with New Toronto. Urban scenes have become a form of landscape photography for me where I can capture an eclectic skyline the same as I would a mountain range or a forest. Thus the "urban landscape" portion of my moniker.

"Sunset on Mu Cang Chai" ~ Vietnam

"Quebec City" ~ Canada

Travel Photographer: But even though Toronto is my muse, I would be extremely short-sighted not to venture out to the incredible cities, landscapes and cultures well beyond our tiny pocket of Canada. The rest of Canada is teeming with magnificent mountains, vistas, skylines and shores all waiting to be captured. Not to mention the photographic and experiential treasures well outside our borders. I can't help but want to share these distant magical places to inspire others to do the same. Don't we all actively seek "the finest locations" while travelling? I feel this is an important role photographers can play in capturing the best spots, from the best angles and in the best light, to showcase these places for the benefit of travellers looking for an exciting destination to visit, as well as the locals who need our support to maintain them. As travel photographers, we bridge the gap between "here" and "there"!

"Welcome the Day" ~ Toronto

And even though I've had the term "travel photographer" firmly in my job description for a few years now, I've finally submitted a portfolio of my travel photos to the PPOC Judges this year just before leaving for Antarctica in February, and I'm pleased to announce as of the live judging in Victoria, BC during the Canadian Imaging Conference, I'm officially Accredited in Travel Illustration with the images you see on this page. 

"Le Consulat" ~ Montmartre

So not only can I say I'm a "fine art urban landscape travel photographer", I'm now an Accredited fine art urban landscape travel photographer! :D

"Vietnam Joy Ride" ~ Hanoi

"Sunset in Paris" ~ France

Press Release 2024/04/05

The Professional Photographers of Canada is pleased to announce that:

Dee Potter,

has just earned an accreditation in Travel Illustration, at our most recent Accreditation judging.

Accreditation is the first elevation above the general membership level and is achieved by submitting samples of the applicant’s photography to a PPOC Board of Examiners. Accreditation demonstrates that the photographer is capable of delivering professional quality photography in a chosen category. In assessing Accreditation Submissions, the judges will consider the following criteria: Vision, Impact, Composition, and Technical Merit.

Along with other requirements for service, image, and education merits, a minimum of one Accreditation is required to qualify for a Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) and two Accreditations are needed for a Masters of Photographic Arts (MPA).

For more information, please contact:

PPOC Accreditation Chair

Jay Terry MPA

London, ON

519-619-3237

Email: accreditation@ppoc.ca

The Professional Photographers of Canada is a diversified group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. We welcome photographers of all genres to join our community of dedicated professionals.

Our Vision: To be Canada’s leader in developing and maintaining the highest level of photographic excellence.

Our Mission: To qualify and support photographers to become industry leaders and to inform the public of the value of hiring an Accredited Professional Photographer.

www.ppoc.ca

About "Sunrise on La Pan Tan": Ascending steep mountain roads on motorcycle taxis in the pre-dawn darkness, we reached the enchanting peaks of what locals call 'Raspberry Hill' in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam. Here, under the first light, we marvelled at the breathtaking terraced rice fields, especially captivating in late September when the rice ripens. Nestled in Han Chong village, La Pan Tan commune, these hills, whimsically named for their rounded terraces that might remind one of raspberries, attract tourists from around the world to the beauty of Mu Cang Chai. We were fortunate to enjoy the solitude until the sun climbed high, signalling it was time to pack up my gear.

Along with a trophy and digital ribbon recognizing this photo's Best-in-Class achievement, I also earned a spot in the PPOC National Image Loan Collection as well as this press release to commemorate this achievement:

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TORONTO PHOTOGRAPHER SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL EXHIBITION

April 7, 2024: Victoria British Columbia - The Professional Photographers of Canada is delighted to announce that Toronto photographer Dee Potter has had 4 images selected for its annual national Salon recognizing and celebrating the best of Canadian professional photography.

After an intensive judging process and review of hundreds of submissions from talented photographers nationwide, Dee has been awarded the prestigious title of Best in Class (Pictorial/Floral) for his outstanding photograph titled 'Sunrise on La Pan Tan'. It also was selected for inclusion in the Professional Photographers of Canada’s 2024 Loan Collection.

Receiving the Best in Class Award from Professional Photographers of Canada National Chair, Jennifer Gilbert in Victoria, BC

The Professional Photographers of Canada Image Competition aims to recognize and celebrate exceptional talent in the field of photography, providing a platform for photographers to showcase their creativity and vision. With submissions spanning various genres and themes, the competition highlights the diverse perspectives and artistic expressions of photographers from different cultures and backgrounds. The exhibition was revealed on April 7th, 2024, at Canadian Imaging, the annual conference of the PPOC held this year in Victoria, British Columbia.

The PPOC expresses gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges who dedicated their time and expertise to the meticulous evaluation of entries, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process. For more information about the PPOC Image Competition and upcoming events, visit www.ppoc.ca.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dee for a remarkable achievement," said Tina Weltz, MPA, SPA, Chair of the National Exhibition Committee. "We are immensely grateful to all participants who shared their creativity and passion with us, making this year's competition a resounding success. For those seeking to elevate their visual storytelling and make a lasting impression, professional photographers are not just an option – they're a necessity."

Note for Editors:

For more information please call Tanya Thompson, PPOC Executive Director: (519) 537-2555 or email her at: exec.director@ppoc.ca.

To arrange an interview with the photographer, please contact:

Dee Potter
Toronto, ON
(416) 451-3182
deepotterphotography@gmail.com

#PPOC #CICE2024 #landscapephotography #travelphotography #nikonNPS #ProfessionalPhotography #AwardWinningPhotography

As a landscape photographer living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, my ventures to majestic mountains in lake reflections and seaside-sunsets of awe-inspiring landscape photography happen only with periodically planned expeditions far from home.  So what do I do when travel isn't an option?... Urban photography!... then enter four of the best of them into the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) National Image Competition to see how they might fair amongst some of Canada's best photographers.

Toronto Blue Skyline eaned a Merit Award in the 2023 PPOC National Image Competition and a forever-home in the National Image Salon ~ @NikonCanada Z9 w/Z 70-200mm f/2.8 at 80mm, f/8, 0.6 sec, ISO 100, panorama

Toronto Blue Skyline (above) is one such local urban landscape panorama taken from Snake Island across the frozen Toronto Harbour. I'm proud to have it accepted by the PPOC Judges into the 2023 National Image Salon, and further honoured with a Merit Award. 

To clarify the significance of this recognition, according to the PPOC National Image Competition website: "One of the cornerstones of the Professional Photographers of Canada is the PPOC Annual Image Salon. This juried exhibition showcases the best of the best. Within this Salon Exhibition, you will find the most creative, the newest and most cutting edge, and the finest technically executed images produced by our members.

From those submitted images deemed worthy of inclusion in the final Salon Exhibition, those which stand above the rest are awarded scores of Merit, and the small number which are deemed to be truly exceptional images are awarded the prestigious score of Excellence." 

At first, I roamed Toronto during the lockdown periods of the COVID Pandemic to capture the iconic archecture of our amazing city as practice for when travel would open up again. But little did I realize how passionate I'd become for creating images of cityscapes I'd long-since taken for granted at home... and then journeyed to those I had only coveted from afar once travel restrictions were lifted.

Canadian Photographer in Paris

Louvre Before Dawn ~ Accepted into the 2023 National Image Salon as entered in the 2023 PPOC National Image Competition ~ @NikonCanada Z7 w/Z 24-70mm f/2.8 at 36mm, f/4, 1 .6sec, ISO 100

I'd waited years to photograph Paris and its myriad iconic architecture including the Louvre Museum near the top of my list. And what better time to self-assign this magnificent location than while celebrating the 20th Anniversary with my wife. 

For this first entry into the 2023 PPOC National Image Competition (above), I arose at 5 AM on the morning of our anniversary day, being very careful not to wake my wife. I quietly snuck out of our hotel room, rented an eBike across the street, and rode the empty streets of Paris to arrive at the Louvre a 5:20 AM. This was the first moment I'd ever seen the Museum in person, and this photo is the first I took. I loved how the postlamps lit the courtyard, and how the moon glowed translucently in the deep blue sky. Then I got to work and began scouting for the hero composition.

There was an expansive line of crowd-control railings blocking the width of the courtyard except for one that had been left open toward the pyramid. I'm not certain if it was left in this position for staff to enter, or if someone simply forgot to close it, but being well-intended, I couldn't see the harm in leaving my eBike at the railing and walking myself to the centre of the yard with my Nikon Z7 and a tripod to get the frame I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I was unappologetically approached by a security guard emerging from the pyramid and asked to promptly leave. I did my best to assure him I was only wanting a photo of the Museum at sunrise, but he either didn't understand, didn't care, or likely both. So, I politely excused myself and made my way back behind the railings to rethink my shot from there. And I'm so glad I did...

Sunrise at the Louvre eaned an Excellence Award in the 2023 PPOC National Image Competition ~ @NikonCanada Z7 w/Z 24-70mm f/2.8 at 35mm, f/16, 1 sec, ISO 100, 3-stop bracket x 14 frames

... the angle I saw from beyond the gate at this point was so much more, and demanded I take more than a photo. This scene called for a series of 14 bracketed frames, 7 across the top and 7 across the bottom, for a total of 42 images to capture all the rich detail of the Louvre at sunrise in this 385 megapixel panoramic frame. Fortunately, this photo was granted an Excellence Award by the Judges. And in case you're wondering, I was able to pack up at the Louvre in time to arrive back at the hotel just as my wife was waking up to enjoy the rest of our anniversary day together.

Mont Saint Michel

Sunrise at  Mont Saint Michel ~ Accepted into the 2023 Image Salon of the PPOC National Image Competition ~ @DJI Mavic3 Hasselblad  L2D-20c 24.0 mm f/2.8 at 12.29mm, ƒ/2.8, 1/20s, ISO 100

To elevate our anniversary trip even further, we took a couple of days away from Paris, rented a car, and drove 4 hours to the Normandy coast to stay at the legendary Mont Saint Michel. I'd seen photos, videos, and aerial cinematography of this incredible 1300-year-old pilgramage destination for years, and knew I couldn't leave France without seeing it for myself. It didn't disappoint. In fact, so many of my best images of France were captured in this one place. But with only four entries called for in the National Competition, I chose this as my favorite, and was honoured to have it Accepted into the 2023 National Image Salon by the PPOC judges. 

Toronto Photographer in Canmore, Alberta

With all four of these image entries accepted by the National Image Competition Judges into the 2023 PPOC Image Salon, "Sunrise at the Louvre" was further honoured as Best in Class finalist in the Pictorial category during the Gala Awards Presentation at the National Image Conference in Canmore, Alberta, and now featured in the PPOC Loan Collection as one of the top 40 images of 2023 queued for print in a special edition book. 

To learn more about the Professional Photographers of Canada visit www.ppoc.ca

To learn more about the PPOC National Image Salon: https://canadianimaging.org/about-ppoc-image-salon/

Built in 1891, the Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, was designed to fill the triangular lot where Front Street and Wellington Street cross in Toronto's St. Lawrence Market District. The five-storey building assumes a wedge-like shape which reportedly inspired the design of the Flatiron Building in New York built 11 years later in 1902.

Today, the Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto attracts tourists from all over the world. Its unique juxtaposition with the skyscraper cityscape as a backdrop highlights this building as a live glimpse into Toronto's history.

The beauty of the Flatiron is never more prominent than when it's lit up in the evening.

ABOVE: Face-to-face from the air with the Gooderham Building as night falls.