British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) are a prestigious platform for photographers to showcase their work. These exhibitions, organised by various photographic clubs or groups, aim to promote competitive photography. However, the journey to having your work displayed in these exhibitions can be challenging and, at times, disheartening which i have found out. This blog aims to shed light on the scoring system of these exhibitions, reasons why photographs may not be accepted, and how to cope with the disappointment of rejection.
The Scoring System
The Crown Award system of the BPE is a cumulative point-based system. Each accepted photograph in an exhibition earns the photographer one point. These points are not just a score but a recognition of the photographer's skill and success in competitive photography.
The Crown Awards are tiered, starting from the BPE1 Crown Award for 25 points, up to the BPE5 Crown Award for 300 points.
- BPE1 Crown Award - 25 points
- BPE2 Crown Award - 50 points
- BPE3 Crown Award - 100 points
- BPE4 Crown Award - 200 points
- BPE5 Crown Award - 300 points
Each tier represents a milestone in the photographer's journey, reflecting their consistent success in having their work accepted in exhibitions.
After achieving the BPE5 Crown Award, photographers can aim for the Associateship (ABPE) and Fellowship (FBPE). These prestigious titles require not just acceptances but also awards in member exhibitions, signifying a high level of mastery and recognition in the field.
What might help your photographs get selected for British Photographic Exhibitions
1. Understanding the Selection Process:
- Jury Panel: Know who the judges are. Their professional backgrounds and artistic preferences can influence the selection.
- Competition Level: Recognise the level of competition. Prestigious exhibitions may have higher standards and more participants.
2. Improving Your Craft:
- Technical Skills: Master the technical aspects of photography. This includes lighting, sharpness, and post-processing techniques.
- Artistic Expression: Develop a strong artistic voice. This can be achieved through the use of themes, concepts, and a consistent style.
3. Presentation and Submission:
- Following Guidelines: Adhere strictly to submission guidelines. This includes deadlines, print quality, mounting, and labeling.
- Portfolio Review: Before submitting, have your portfolio reviewed by peers or professionals for constructive criticism.
4. Networking and Exposure:
- Engagement: Engage with the photographic community. Attend workshops, exhibitions, and talks to network and learn.
- Online Presence: Build an online presence. A strong portfolio on social media or a personal website can attract attention.
5. Persistence and Resilience:
- Feedback: If not selected, seek feedback. Some exhibitions provide comments from the judges on request.
- Resilience: Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Many successful photographers faced numerous rejections before achieving recognition.
6. Research and Trends:
- Current Trends: Stay informed about current trends in photography and how they might influence exhibition selections.
- Historical Context: Understand the historical context of the exhibition. Some exhibitions prefer works that resonate with their historical significance.
Remember, each photograph tells a story, and conveying that story effectively to the audience—and the jury—is key. Keep refining your work, and don’t hesitate to submit it to various exhibitions to gain visibility and feedback. Your dedication to your craft can eventually lead to success in being selected for exhibitions.
Why Photographs May Not Be Accepted
There are several reasons why a photograph might not be accepted into a BPE exhibition. One of the primary reasons is that all entries must have originated as a photograph, either film or digital, and must have been taken by the entrant. Computer-generated and AI images are not permitted. Additionally, each exhibition has its own rules regarding image manipulation and categories. For instance, Natural History images usually have specific restrictions.
Coping with Rejection
Rejection is a common part of any artist's journey, and photographers are no exception. It's natural to feel disheartened when a photograph you've worked hard on is not accepted. However, it's crucial to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a photographer.
Each rejection is an opportunity to learn and improve. The feedback you receive can provide valuable insights into how you can refine your skills. It's also important to remember that art is subjective, and what one judge may not prefer, another might love.
In conclusion, participating in British Photographic Exhibitions is a journey of growth and learning. It's about more than just the acceptances and awards; it's about improving as a photographer and enjoying the process of creating art.
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