The International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) is the UNESCO recognized body representing photographic art worldwide and to which the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) is affiliated as a full member, representing Ireland. Among its many activities FIAP awards internationally recognized distinctions that are already held by a number of members of IPF member clubs. Further specific information regarding FIAP Distinctions can be viewed on the IPF website, www.irishphoto.ie. These Distinctions are gained through a process of points accumulation based on image acceptance at specified international competitions, commonly referred to as “Salons”, that have formally been granted FIAP Patronage. Please see the guide below if you are interested in entering Salons with FIAP patronage and gaining an international distinction:
FIAP Distinction process demystified. What you need to know to get started.
The AFIAP and EFIAP distinctions are gained through acceptances and awards at international competitions (salons). Further advancement can also be gained through the EFIAP levels. These EFIAP Levels are the EFIAP Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond 1, Diamond 2 and Diamond 3. A photographer gains each in turn starting with Bronze and completing with Diamond 3. The Bronze may be applied for after holding the EFIAP distinction for a period of one year.
A photographer must hold the previous level for at least one year before applying for the next level.
The application fee for each level of distinction (with exception of MFIAP) is €50. There is also a €5 administration charge by the IPF to cover costs. See irishphoto.ie for more information about the application process.
In addition you must also apply for a FIAP Life Card before applying for the AFIAP distinction. You will receive a FIAP Profile number (FP Number) and the card will also have a number. Keep these as you will need them throughout your FIAP journey.
The first step is Artist FIAP-AFIAP Requirements
The candidate for this distinction must:
a) Have taken part in international salons under FIAP Patronage for at least 1 year; i.e. his first FIAP-recognised acceptance must have occurred at least 1 year ago.
b) Have taken part and gained acceptances in least 15 international salons under FIAP Patronage in at least 8 different countries. In this respect a Circuit is to be considered as a single salon.
c) Have obtained at least 40 acceptances with at least 15 different images in international salons under FIAP Patronage.
d) Include in his works a minimum of 4 different images, which have each received at least one acceptance in “Print” salons under FIAP Patronage.
Candidates for AFIAP distinction must submit:
a) A complete application using forms prescribed by FIAP (which can be downloaded from FIAP’s website). It is also at www.Irishphoto.ie/FIAP/FIAP Distinctions
b) 5 photographic works of the candidate in form of a digital file. All the submitted works must have obtained 3 FIAP – recognised acceptances in different salons. In this respect a Circuit is considered to be a single salon.
Irish Qualifiers
Following the National Council meeting of the 23rd of June, 2012, prospective applicants should also note that additional National qualifying images at IPF/Irish events are also required. In order to qualify for AFIAP Distinction, IPF members will have to achieve 4 qualifiers at Irish events. The qualifying events are as follows:
IPF Print and Projected Image Finals (image scoring in top 35%)
IPF Nature Finals (image scoring in top 35%)
An Oige Open Competition (accepted for exhibition)
SACC Creative Photography Competition (image scoring in top 35%)
Cork Salon
Tallaght Salon
Practical Information
1 What events allow me to collect FIAP acceptances? The ONLY events that FIAP acceptances are awarded for are International Salons that receive FIAP Patronage (have a FIAP number eg 2020/123 – see FIAP website for a comprehensive list of salons, including historical listings back to 1979!). No other events will be recognised for FIAP acceptances. There are International Salons which DO NOT have FIAP patronage and therefore acceptances from those salons do not qualify towards your FIAP distinction.
2 Does the same Salon but in a different year count as one or two Salons? They count as two salons. If for example, you enter the Tallaght Salon in 2014, and then again in 2015 and are lucky enough to get acceptances in both, then they both count towards your number of Salons target.
3 Image Titles
Once you gain an acceptance with an image you must keep with the same title for that image.
4 Circuits Explained
A circuit is where there are multiple salons in one. i.e. There can be 3, 4 or even 5 salons grouped into one. So if there are say 3 salons in the circuit it means your image is judged in 3 different competitions by 3 different sets of judges. If you have an image accepted in all 3 competitions then that counts as you getting 3 acceptances.
But from the FIAP viewpoint a circuit is counted as being only 1 salon.
Sometimes each competition within a circuit takes place in separate countries.
Say there is a circuit with 3 competitions. One in Serbia, 2nd one in Albania, 3rd in Montenegro. You have entered an image ‘’Portrait of my Cat’’ which has gained 3 acceptances. This means that ‘’Portrait of my cat’’ has gained 3 acceptances, in 1 salon, in 3 countries.
5 Where to find the List of FIAP salons
Go to: www.fiap.net
Click on the dropdown list on top right of the screen
Click on Approved FIAP salons
Next click on the bottom left of the screen https://www.myfiap.net/patronages
This will bring you to a list of all the FIAP salons.
At first, some people may find this document difficult to follow. Stick with it and you will get the hang of it. Alternatively on the top right of the screen in green is a link which allows you to Download a PDF document which is easier to follow. The downside of this is you will need to download the document frequently to make sure you have up to date information.
Spreadsheet for application form
The info you need on your spreadsheet is
In this order
1 Title no
2 Title of your image
3 Name of the salon
4 Country in which the salon was held
5 FIAP no of the salon
6 Award
7 Digital image
8 Print
The Application Form can be found on the IPF website under www.irishphoto.ie/ FIAP/FIAP distinctions
I recommend you look at Page C of the application form and base your spreadsheet on that. Keep it up to date.