For many years since inception, clubs from around the country used to look upon YPS as the most active and successful group when it comes to winning in Salons. Over a period of time, the group participation spirit had diminished, though the members were actively participating in Salons. This had two implications:

1. The name of YPS was lost in the Salon Circle
2. The new members joining YPS could not get the required guidance to participate in Salons and earn photographic honours.

[Note: To know more about salons, visit all about salon participation by KRISHNA BHAT | Youth Photographic Society (ypsbengaluru.com)]

Mr. Digwas Bellemane, a life member of YPS floated a group in Oct 2017 for salon participation with Mr. Krishna Bhat as one of the administrators. Six other like minded people joined in the beginning. Soon, more and more YPS members joined the group. In 2019 the group was renamed as YPS Salon Participation Group and officially placed under the YPS Salon Participation Subcommittee being led by Mr. Krishna Bhat. Under the able supervision and guidance of the subcommittee, the group grew very quickly and achievements started showing up.

1. YPS has won 288 Best Club Awards between 2018 & 2022 and continues its winning streak into 2023.
2. Many YPS Members could achieve International and National Distinctions.
3. The Committee has produced many dedicated volunteers who are the pillars of YPS.
4. Apart from salons, the group members played a major role in Interclub Contests of Federation of Indian Photography (FIP), Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique or International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and Photographic Society of America (PSA)
5. YPS has been the Best Club Winner in the last 4 FIP Interclub Contests. This is an yearly contest among the Corporate Members of FIP.
6. YPS could, for the first time, participate as a club in FIAP World Cup for Clubs 2019.
   [FIAP is the only UNESCO recognised body for promoting art of photography. It’s origin dates back to 1950 and is presently headquartered in Luxembourg. At present 53 national photography federations are members of the FIAP including FIP].
7. Best of the Best Exhibition held in December 2019 at Karnataka Chithrakala Parishath to commemorate success of the Salon Participation Group.

YPS reached a major milestone of 250 Best Club Awards on 04 Oct 2021 by winning Best Club Award in CAS Photo Academy International Photo Contest 2021 (DIGITAL).

Hearty Congratulations to all the members who have contributed to this historical achievement.

Award Gallery

TOTAL WINS SINCE 2018 : 290

Distinction Holders

2018: National Distinctions
International Distinctions

2019: National Distinctions
International Distinctions

2020: National Distinctions
International Distinctions

2021: National Distinctions
International Distinctions

2022 Distinctions

The Salon Participation Subcommittee is at present led by Mr. Venkatesh B S and supported by Mr. Digwas Bellemane.

LEAD

Venkatesh B S, GMPSA, EFIAP, GPU CR4, c**MoL, GMAPS, EAPG, EHPS, EFIP, ESSP, ENPS, IIG/p, Hon. CPE, Hon. FTR

Venkatesh B S, a Software/IT Entrepreneur is from Bengaluru and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from USA. He is a passionate photographer and nature-lover. He has captured lovely images of natural wonders and wildlife in Europe, Africa and the USA, both in the film as well as DSLR cameras. He has toured many national parks in India including Ranthambore, Corbett, Kaziranga, Kabini, Kanha and Sundarbans. In addition, he takes photos of cultural events, landscapes as well as of historical places. He has also participated in multiple portrait workshops.

Venkatesh is a life member of the Youth Photographic Society (YPS) and regularly participates in club-related activities. In addition, he mentors photography contest (salon) participants and guides them toward their distinctions. He also coordinates with various salon organizers worldwide to benefit club members.

Venkatesh is a Life Member of the Federation of Indian Photography (FIP) and heads its quarterly nature photography contest organizing committee since 2020. He was felicitated for the same during the 30th FIP Convention at Digha, WB in 2022.

In addition, he regularly participates in photo salons/exhibitions and has won 300+ awards and 5000+ exhibition acceptances from over 50 countries. His photos have been displayed in various exhibitions worldwide. He received his Grand Master Distinction (GMPSA) from the Photographic Society of America (PSA), handed to him by PSA President during PSA Photo Gathering at Jaisalmer in 2023. He also regularly serves as a jury member in many international photography contests.

MEMBERS

Digwas Bellemane, EFIAP/g, EPSA, EFIP, EIUP, GPA.PESGSPC, Hon.MoL, ESFIP, A.CPE, Hon.CPE, Hon.WPG, Hon. AvTvISO, Hon.PESGSPC, Hon.FPPS

Being born in the quaint town Sirsi amidst the beautiful western ghats of Karnataka and being self-employed in the field of electronics in Bengaluru, Digwas Bellemane’s journey in photography started almost 14 years ago. He has come a long way since then and evolved as a photo artist, excelling in the space of Fine Art, Travel and Landscape photography. He has participated in a huge number of worldwide photographic exhibitions, affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique, Luxembourg, Photographic Society of America, Master of Light, Canada and Federation of Indian Photography. His works are highly acclaimed and have won recognition in the form of honours, awards and exhibition acceptances in various shows across the world. 

He successfully completed the image analysis course offered by the Photographic Society of America in the year 2018. He has been invited as a judge in many National and International photography contests. He is a life member of the Federation of Indian Photography and in-charge of the Distinctions Committee and a Salon Saathi. He is also the lead and a member of YPS Dṛṣṭi Editorial team. The YPS conferred a ‘Service​ Award’​ on him in recognition of his outstanding contribution to art photography through his personal achievements and meritorious services in 2018.

If you want to participate in salons or to know more about salons, Contact YPS Salon Participation Subcommittee