Awarded, Accepted, Rejected: My BPE Salon Journey

Posted by David Travis on 5 Nov 2024

My BPE Journey

Welcome to the culmination of my BPE journey — a collection of images that tells the story of my path to BPE5. Over the course of four years and 47 salons, I learned from countless acceptances and rejections. This book reflects that journey, showcasing not just the successes, but also the images that fell short — and the lessons they taught me.

If you’re working towards a BPE award or just curious about how salon competitions work, this book will offer insights into the highs and lows of entering and competing.

What’s inside?

The book features a diverse mix of images, reflecting the varied genres I explored along the way. You'll find award-winning images alongside those that struggled for acceptances. The book includes:

  • The 21 photographs that earned the top accolades.
  • The 25 photographs that consistently scored well.
  • The 26 photographs that struggled for acceptances — but still played an important role in my growth as a photographer.
  • My failures — 21 landscape photographs that didn't impress the judges.

Why am I sharing this?

When I first entered salons, I didn’t fully understand what made an image successful. This is the book I wish I’d had to guide me through that process, offering real-world examples and insights. Whether you’re a seasoned club photographer or someone just starting out, I hope my experiences inspire you to keep pushing forward — no matter what the judges say.

The PDF is free for anyone looking for a glimpse into the world of photographic salons.

Click here to download the PDF (4.5MB)

Would you like a printed version?

By purchasing the printed version, you’ll be supporting my work and receiving a beautifully crafted book to keep you inspired as you continue on your own photographic journey.

Click here to buy a printed version (£22.50 + shipping)


If you liked this, try…

What does 'good' look like to a photography club judge?

1 Feb 2019

Getting the LRPS distinction from the RPS

20 Jul 2020

My ARPS Panel — Dawn & Dusk at the Roaches

14 May 2021

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