FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art) is an international organisation whose purpose is the promotion of photographic art in all its aspects and through all kinds of photographic events.

The Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) is a member of FIAP and is the operational member for New Zealand. PSNZ administers the processing of any submissions/recommendations to FIAP. Communication with FIAP is handled by the PSNZ FIAP Liaison Officer:

Ann Bastion FPSNZ EFIAP MFIAP
email: ajbastion@gmail.com

FIAP offer a range of activities and services throughout the year. These include: photographic skill and service awards, known as Distinctions, FIAP Biennials, FIAP Patronages for exhibitions and the FIAP World Cup Competitions for Clubs.

FIAP Distinctions

The honours awarded by FIAP are highly appreciated and desired by photographers all over the world. These are known as ‘Distinctions’. Distinctions are applied for through the FIAP operational member in each country via its Liaison Officer.

FIAP also offers distinctions for Audio-Visual works. Details and application forms for all distinctions can be downloaded here

Entering International Salons/Exhibitions with FIAP Patronage

There are currently over 500 international photography salons/exhibitions that are approved by FIAP. Such approval is known as FIAP Patronage and involves salons complying with rules stipulated by FIAP and meeting certain standards. These exhibitions are run as competitions with the best of the images accepted to be part of the resulting exhibition of photography. Images may also win awards. These acceptances and awards can be counted towards FIAP Distinctions. When an entrant meets the required number of acceptances in the required number of countries etc (as laid out in the rules and regulations) they can choose to apply for a distinction. PSNZ requires that in addition to these acceptances, the applicants must also have gained at least five acceptances in the PSNZ SONY National Exhibition.