Niall Whelan Photography

My original motivation for entering FIAP salons was probably to see if my images were reaching an international standard of acceptance. I submitted my first images I believe around 2009 and received no acceptances on my first try. It took me until 2014 to pluck up the courage to enter my second salon. My motivation this time round was different. I had already received an IPF Licentiate (LIPF) from the Irish Photographic Federation and had a couple of my images selected for national panels in FIAP world cup competitions. So I knew my work had improved in the intervening years. My struggle now was trying to attempt the next leg of the IPF journey and whether to apply for an Associate (AIPF) distinction. This would require a panel of 15 images and a thematic body of work which I was struggling to identify for myself. So instead, I was attracted to FIAP salons to help develop and improve my style(s) of photography so I could at a later date decide on the best path of panel type distinctions. As it turned out, after achieving my AFIAP distinction the following year, I had decided on the theme for my AIPF distinction as well, and 6 months later received my AIPF. So I guess the lesson is, just apply your self and the work will speak for itself over time. The blog posts below chart my FIAP journey to date…