Mersin 3rd International Photo Salon, 2009
The Mersin International is supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique and the Photographic Arts Federation of Turkey.
When writing this blog I sometimes struggle to find the right words to say, after all, I’m a photographer, not a writer; all though I do try my best! Nonetheless, when it comes to describing this, so called International exhibition, only one word springs to mind, Cheated!
I’m not alone when I say that, many more photographers felt after seeing the published results.
Of the several thousand entries they received the final acceptance count was: 99 acceptances (open section), 66 acceptances (creative section) and 33 acceptances (nature section). A total of 198 acceptances for the entire exhibition (less than 5% of the total entries submitted).
Now if this were a print only exhibition I could understand the low acceptance count, due to possible shortage of hanging space, but for a projected digital exhibition I think someone should explain themselves.
If all three sections were projected back to back, ten seconds per image, the complete show would be over in 33 minuets! It’s safe to say I shall be giving this exhibition a very wide birth in future!
I couldn’t believe the low level of acceptances at this salon. I’ve written to them asking why such a low acceptance rate, but have not received a reply.
I certainly won’t be wasting my money on this salon in future.
Exactly the reason why I am sticking with BPE for now. The acceptance rate is far better and deserving for the money.
Although, of late i have missed some of the BPEs due to trying to build up my arsenal of images. Having 1 acceptance per exhibition is pretty expensive. I’d rather wait until i feel i have better images then have more acceptances per exhibition.
My wife,Denise, and I also entered this salon with zero acceptance. I wonder whether it was a cock up in that most of the images were not judged if not have we all been victims of some sort of scam.
Are there not some form of standard set by FIAP?
It certainly does not make you feel that you want to re- enter in future.