From Club Competitions to International Salons: Suzy and Rob Take the Plunge

Many photographers consider entering exhibitions but never quite take the first step. Two of our members have now done exactly that — and with good success in their first attempts at both national and international exhibitions.

Entering exhibitions means moving beyond club competitions and placing your work before national and international selectors — a significant milestone for any photographer.

For Suzy and Rob, that moment has now arrived with their first entries into both British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) and a FIAP-recognised international salon.

First Steps into BPE

The British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) oversees an established network of independently run exhibitions across the UK, each following strict judging standards to maintain a high level of quality.

Accepted images earn points toward BPE distinctions. Suzy and Rob are working toward BPE 1, the first level, which requires 25 acceptances from BPE-recognised exhibitions.

Their first entry was the Vale of Evesham BPE Exhibition, where both achieved good results.

Rob had 2 acceptances and Suzy gained 4.

Taking the Next Step – International Exhibitions

At the same time, both photographers entered their first FIAP-recognised international exhibition — the Bristol International Salon of Photography.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP) promotes photographic art through a worldwide network of exhibitions and distinctions.

To achieve the first FIAP distinction, photographers must gain 40 acceptances in at least eight countries over a minimum of one year, making it a demanding but highly respected award.

Their early results are already encouraging an at the Bristol International Salon, Suzy achieved seven acceptances and received two awards:

- The Sue Sibley Selector’s Award for Stonechat with Cricket and

- An Honourable Mention for Mating Chalkhill Blues 

Rob secured six acceptances and was awarded a FIAP Silver Medal for his image Chaffinch Fight.

A Promising Start

For a first attempt at both national and international exhibitions, these results represent an excellent start.

With strong acceptance numbers already recorded — and awards already secured — Suzy and Rob are well on their way toward their BPE and FIAP distinctions. Their exhibition journey has only just begun.

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