Suzy and Rob Take the Plunge into Their First BPE Exhibition 

Stepping into the world of photographic exhibitions is a milestone for any photographer. For Suzy and Rob, that moment has officially arrived as they enter their very first exhibition under the banner of the British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) - Bristol Salon. 

What is BPE? 

The British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) is a long-established organisation that oversees a network of independently run photographic exhibitions across the UK. Each exhibition operates under strict standards and judging criteria, ensuring a high level of quality and consistency. Photographers submit their work to be assessed by experienced selectors, with accepted images earning valuable points toward BPE distinctions. 

You can learn more about the organisation and its exhibitions on the official BPE website: https://www.thebpe.org.uk/ 

Suzy and Rob are specifically working towards their BPE 1 award — the first level of BPE distinction. To achieve BPE 1, a photographer must accumulate 25 acceptance points from BPE-recognised exhibitions. It’s a challenging but rewarding goal, marking a significant step in a photographer’s exhibiting journey. 

What Made Them Decide to Enter? 

Taking the plunge into their first exhibition wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Both Suzy and Rob are currently working towards their Distinction within the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) Awards for Photographic Merit (APM). 

The BPE and PAGB pathways are closely linked. It’s often said that if images perform well at BPE exhibitions, they may also be of a standard suitable for PAGB distinctions. Entering a BPE exhibition therefore felt like a natural and strategic step — a way to test their work against national standards while building confidence and experience. 

The Results Are In 

Their debut certainly made an impact. 

Rob achieved six accepted images — an impressive result for a first-time entrant. Even more exciting, he received a prestigious Silver award from the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (FIAP), an internationally recognised photographic body, for his Chaffinch Fight. Image. 

Suzy enjoyed equally strong success, with seven images accepted. She also received two awards: 

• The Sue Sibley Selector’s Award for Stonechat with Cricket 


• An Honourable Mention for Mating Chalkhill Blues 

These results place them both firmly on the path toward achieving their BPE 1 distinction. With 25 points required, their first exhibition has already provided a significant boost toward that target. 

Watch This Space 

For a first attempt, their achievements demonstrate not only technical ability but also the courage to step outside their comfort zone and submit work for national scrutiny. 

With momentum now building, this is only the beginning of their BPE journey. Keep an eye out for future exhibition results as they continue working toward their distinctions. 

A selection of Suzy’s images

A selection of Rob's