4th George Barker 2025
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Last Update: 01 July 2025
George Barker (1844–1894) was a Canadian-American photographer best known for his photographs of Niagara Falls. Barker was born in London, Ontario. He first studied landscape painting, switching to photography following a financial setback. He began his photography training with the Western-Canadian photographer James Egan. At the age of 18, he had opened his own studio in London. In July 1862, he made his first trip to Niagara Falls, New York. He had studios in both London and Niagara Falls, with the Niagara studio called Barker's Stereoscopic View Manufactory and Photograph Rooms and had become known nationwide for his large-format and stereographic prints of the falls. In 1866, he won a gold medal for landscape photography at the convention for the Photographers Association of America, held in Saint Louis. Barker's Niagara studio was destroyed by fire on February 7, 1870, but his negatives survived. In addition to his well-known landscape photographs, Barker traveled the United States, documenting natural disasters such as the Louisville Tornado of 1890 and the 1889 Johnstown flood. When he died in 1894 of Bright's disease, he was described as "the eminent photographer of Niagara Falls". Out of respect for him, the organizers have named the exhibition, George Barker Exhibition.
ORGANISED BY George Barker Salon Committee: Ahmad Samei
CONTACTS
Chair: Ahmad Samei (Canada)
Email: GBarkerPhoto@gmail.com
Location of Entry Form: https://barkerexhibition.com/members/register.aspx
Website: www.BarkerExhibition.com
SECTIONS
The Salon will consist of 6 sections, all digital:
- Open Monochrome (Only Monochrome) - PSA PIDM
- Open Color (Only Color) (PIDC)
- Portrait Color (Only Color) - PIDC
- Woman Monochrome (Only Monochrome) - PIDM
- Landscape Color (Only Color) - PIDC
- Aerial Photography Color (Only Color) - PIDC
Monochrome images may not be entered in Color sections.
Each entrant may submit a maximum of 4 images in each of the 6 sections.
FEES
The entry fee depends on the number of sections the participant enters. The fees are as follows:
- 1 or 2 Sections: €16 EUR
- 3 or 4 Sections: €18 EUR
- 5 or 6 Sections: €19 EUR
Entry fee can be paid with PayPal through salon web site. Login and go to “Pay Entry Fee” Page.
NON-PAYMENT OF FEES Entries for which no fee is received will not be judged.
CALENDAR
Closing date: 05 Nov 2025
All judging completed by 03 Dec 2025
Score Reports Sent by: 10 Dec 2025
Awards Mailed by 01 Feb 2026
Online Gallery Posted By 24 Dec 2025
Catalog Posted By: 01 Feb 2026
Status Page and Website Available to 03 Dec 2026
JURY
Sections A, B, C, D:
- Dany CHAN (Canada), EFIAP/b – GMPSA/b, Canada
- Sandra ZAGOLIN, EFIAP/g-AV-EFIAF, Italy
- Milan VUKICEVIC, EFIAP-ESFIAP, Serbia
Sections E, F:
- Sandra ZAGOLIN, EFIAP/g-AV-EFIAF, Italy
- Milan VUKICEVIC, EFIAP-ESFIAP, Serbia
- Saeid ARABZADEH, EFIAP, France
PSA Rules for the Judging Process
- The exhibition will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the PSA.
- An entrant’s images will not be presented to the judges consecutively.
- An entrant’s four images will be distributed throughout four rounds of judging in that section.
- Distribution of images will be in the same round order as submitted by the entrant.
- At no stage will a judge be able to view all the entrant’s images together.
Awards
Total of 120+2 Awards!
Best Author Award: FIAP Blue Badge
Best Club Award: e-HM (PDF Honorable Mention Certificate)
20 Awards in Each Section:
1 FIAP Gold Medal
1 PSA Gold Medal
1 Silver Salon.Photo Medal
1 Bronze Salon.Photo Medal
2 FIAP Ribbons
14 Salon e-HM (PDF Honorable Mention Certificate)
e-HM is Honorable Mention Certificates (PDF certificate). e-certificates will not be posted. Entrants are responsible for downloading and printing their e-certificates.
The organizer is required to adjust the number of awards based on the total number of acceptances.
NOTIFICATION
Each participant will receive via e-mail with the results of his/her submitted photos.
CATALOG
PDF CATALOGUE is downloadable from the Result Page of the site by participants. http://www.barkerexhibition.com/
DIGITAL ENTRY SUBMISSION
Entrants must fill out an Online Entry Form on the official website and submit entries online: https://barkerexhibition.com/members/register.aspx
Image Size: Photos must be in JPEG, RGB file format, maximum 2 MB.
Maximum Dimensions: 1920 pix. Horizontal side and 1080 pix. Vertical side.
File name: No requirements for file names, file name should be as you would want it to appear in the catalogue (same as title name).
Exhibitions are not allowed to resize oversized images. In such cases the entrant is required to resubmit their entry with properly sized images.
ACCEPTANCES AND AWARDS
Judging Method
- The judging will be done by remote online judging. An award session will be held on-line by the judges viewing the images together.
- The judges will be using color-calibrated monitors. Images will be displayed at exactly 100% of their resolution. That is - the images will not be enlarged beyond their native resolution.
Target Acceptance Range
- The acceptance target range will be no more than 30% in each section.
- No image may receive more than one individual award in a section, but in circuits an image may receive an award in different salon sections. Only one award can be given to an entrant in any one section.
- For sections with more than 230 images, no more than 10% of the acceptances can receive medals/awards.
EXHIBITION REQUIREMENTS
Image And Entry Requirements: This exhibition is open to anyone; however, an entry maybe rejected when the exhibition chair believes the entry does not conform to exhibition rules and these ES-COE. Membership in any photographic organization is not required.
Neither awards nor acceptances will be granted to any entrant who is on the PSA Penalties List for Ethics Violation. Entry fees are not refundable in these circumstances.
PSA Star Ratings: To receive proper star ratings credit from PSA, entrants must provide their names and country exactly the same way in each exhibition. Aliases are not permitted. Please contact PSA in the event of a name change or relocation to another country. Using one’s name differently in different exhibitions exposes the entrant to the risk that many of their acceptances may not be recognized in PSA Star records.
Reproduction: The entrant permits the sponsors to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to the exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website. PSA may request specific permission from entrants to reproduce entered images in its educational materials. The terms of that permission will be mutually agreed upon between the entrant and PSA except in the circumstances where the entered image is found to breach the PSA Ethics Policy. In those circumstances, the image may be reproduced by PSA without the entrant’s further permission, for educational purposes, or to illustrate serious exhibition rule violations. For those reproductions, the entrant’s name will be withheld.
Entries will not be accepted from entrants who indicate that their images may not be reproduced in materials related to the exhibition. The exhibition assumes no liability of any misuse of copyright.
Re-use of accepted images: Any image that has been accepted in this exhibition, past or present, may not be entered again in the same division star ratings class in any future instances of this exhibition. It may, of course, be entered in any other PSA recognized exhibitions but must always have the same title. Re-titling in another language is not allowed.
Entry: An entry consists of up to and including four (4) images entered by a single entrant into the same section. The same image can receive no more than a total of twenty (20) acceptances (per star path). Identical or similar Images shall not be allowed in the same section or different sections of the same exhibition as determined by the judges or exhibition chair. Similar images are those which are practically equivalent, as defined on this page: https://psa-services.org/pdf/Practical-Equivalence.pdf When a group of similar images is uploaded by the entrant, all similar images in all sections will be disqualified. Be advised: while similar images may be entered in different exhibitions, these images and acceptances may be disallowed by the separate review process associated with applications for stars, diamonds and galaxies. To avoid disappointment, do not enter images that are practically equivalent.
Titles: Each image must have a unique title that relates to the content of the image. That unique title must be used for entry of that image into any and all PSA-recognized exhibitions. Titles must be 35 characters or fewer. No titles may be visible to the judges, and nothing in the image may identify the entrant. Titles may not include file extensions such as .jpg or .jpeg (or any other camera capture file names such as IMG_xxxx). Titles may not consist of personal identifiers possibly augmented by a number; and may not include words such as “untitled” or “no title.” Titles may not consist solely of numbers unless those numbers are prominently contained within the image, such as a contestant number in a race. When entering titles, exhibitors may use Latin1 or Latin2 character sets (ISO-8859-1 or ISO-8859-2) which allow diacritical marks (é, ñ, ü, ą, ę, ś, etc.). While text written in non-Latin writing systems (Hanzi, Cyrillic, Arabic, Devanagari, etc.) might be accepted by exhibition software, this practice is discouraged because it may yield unpredictable results in galleries, catalogs and may be rejected in Star applications.
Color and Monochrome: Color and monochrome images from the same capture that share substantial pictorial content in common will be considered the same image and must be given the same title.
DATA PROTECTION
By entering this exhibition, you are explicitly consenting to the personal details you have supplied, including physical addresses and email addresses being held, processed and used by the exhibition chair for purposes associated with this exhibition. You also explicitly consent to such information being sent to organizations that have accorded official recognition, patronage or accreditation to this exhibition. You acknowledge, agree and accept that by entering this exhibition your participation status which includes your first and last name, name of the country used during registration at the exhibition, number of sections entered, and number of photos entered in those sections will be made public in a published status list, and that the results of your entry will be made public in the exhibition gallery and exhibition catalog. You also agree and accept the policy regarding non- compliance to the rules of PSA.
SUBJECT MATTER AND DEFINITIONS
PSA Image creation and ownership
In all sections of the exhibition, images must originate as photographs made by the entrant.
They may not incorporate identifiable images produced by anyone else (for example: clip art, replacement skies, or stock images). Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed. Editing or alteration of images is permitted within the limits specified in the relevant section definitions that are available here https://psa-photo.org/page/division-definitions Any person submitting or attempting to submit a totally AI generated image that does not begin with a light capture from the maker to any Photographic Society of America exhibition, social media, event, or publication, other than for editorial purposes, shall be prohibited from PSA for a period of from 3 years to Life.
FIAP Artificial Intelligence
Pictures created by artificial intelligence are not allowed in this salon! All parts of the image have to be photographed by the author who is holding the copyright of all works submitted. Offenders will be sanctioned for life
Statement on Subject Matter - applicable to all sections
The fundamental rule that must be observed at all times and applies to all sections offered in exhibitions with PSA recognition is that the welfare of living creatures is more important than any photograph. This means that practices such as baiting of subjects with a living creature and removal of birds from nests, for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, are highly unethical, and such photographs are not allowed in any exhibition with PSA recognition. Under no circumstances may a living creature be placed in a situation where it will be killed or injured for the purpose of obtaining a photograph. Images that show live creatures being fed to captive animals, birds or reptiles are not permitted under any circumstances.
There are also concerns about the use of aerial photography, using drones, helicopters, or low flying aircraft. These should not cause any interference with other individuals or animals which causes a disturbance in their normal activity or disrupts the way any individual or animal interacts with their environment. Entrants in PSA recognized exhibitions should comply with all relevant laws and regulations associated with aerial photography in the country in which the image was taken.
Entry into PSA recognized exhibitions is conditional on accepting the above policies. The images must comply with the division and section definitions listed on the PSA website and other conditions. Images that do not comply will be disqualified by the judges.
Definition
All entries shall conform to the stricter of these definitions for acceptances and awards to be validated by all the International Organizations granting recognition or patronage.
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections.
a) Salon Definitions
In open sections, entrants can enter photos with any kind of theme: for example: portrait, people, nature, wildlife, landscape, architecture, still-life photography, digital imaging, HDR photos, etc. All acceptance eligibility shall be in accordance with the PID Star Ratings or the Galaxy/Diamond Ratings requirements as appropriate.
Monochrome images may not be entered in the Color Sections. The color and monochrome versions of the same image, regardless of title, cannot be entered in different sections of this Salon.
Portrait Definition [Color only] PIDC: A photograph of a person or group of people who are aware they are being photographed. (The portraits must be only of humans.).
Woman [Monochrome only] PIDM: A visual exploration of the diverse essence, strength, beauty, and complexity of womanhood. Photographers are invited to capture the many dimensions of women—be it in moments of empowerment, vulnerability, resilience, or joy. The image may focus on the roles women play, the emotions they embody, or the cultural, social, and personal narratives they carry. Interpretations can be literal or abstract, aiming to celebrate or reflect on what it means to be a woman in today’s world. The main subject in this section must be a woman.
Landscape Definition [Color only] PIDC: A landscape photograph is broad and may include rural or urban settings, industrial areas, or nature photography. It commonly involves photography of natural features of land, sky and waters, at a distance, though some landscapes may involve subjects in a scenic setting nearby, even close-up.
Aerial Photography Definition [Color only] PIDC: The purpose of this section is images captured from a higher elevation than normal eye level, typically from a significant height above the ground. These photos are usually taken using devices such as drones, airplanes, helicopters, or other flying equipment. The angle can be directly overhead (top-down) or oblique, but the defining feature is a broad or unusual perspective of the ground. Subjects may include natural landscapes, urban areas, agricultural patterns, or other features visible from above.
Landscape and cityscape photos taken from normal eye-level perspectives will not be accepted.
Human subjects and nature are not accepted in this section.
b) FIAP Definitions
FIAP Monochrome Definition
A black and white work fitting from the very dark grey (black) to the very clear grey (white) is a monochrome work with the various shades of grey. A black and white work toned entirely in a single colour will remain a monochrome work able to stand in the black and white category; such a work can be reproduced in black and white in the catalogue of a salon under FIAP Patronage. On the other hand, a black and white work modified by a partial toning or by the addition of one colour becomes a colour work (polychrome) to stand in the colour category; such a work requires colour reproduction in the catalogue of a salon under FIAP Patronage.
c) PSA Definitions
PSA Color Definition
The Image category for PID color must be a color image. A greyscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi toning or by the inclusion of spot color on a monochrome image is considered a Color Image.
PSA Monochrome Definition
An image is considered to be monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no color (i.e, contains only shades of gray which can include pure black and pure white) or it gives the impression of being a grayscale image that has been toned in one color across the entire image (for example by sepia, red, gold, etc.) A grayscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi-toning or by the inclusion of spot coloring does not meet the definition of monochrome and shall be classified as a color work.
Pictorial Image Division Definition
PID includes open or general subject photography. There are no limitations on subject matter or techniques used for image capture or post processing other than the restrictions described in the PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence, Image Creation and Authorship, and Subject Matter, which apply to all divisions. These restrictions include prohibited image elements not authored by the entrant (for example textures, replacement skies from third party software, clipart or stock images).
Open sections have unrestricted subject content and may include creative images. PID theme sections have specific definitions which assist both the judges and entrants.
EXHIBITION SPECIFIC RULES
- Images accepted in previous Ontario salons, or images considered by the organizing committee to be substantially the same, are ineligible for entry in any of the sections.
- Medals and Other Awards: Medals and ribbons will be sent by first-class mail by the date specified on the exhibition website. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that the address they supply when entering the exhibition is a valid postal address. Failure to do so may result in awards not being delivered.
- Email Address requirements: It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that they are readily contactable by the Salon Chair via their email address that is supplied when registering on the Salon website.
- Warning: opting out of this exhibition’s email list before the salon catalogues are posted may result in the entrant not receiving important information about the salon.
FIAP RULES: In order to have legal authority on those who do not respect the rules of FIAP, the organiser must make sure that all participants of an online event under FIAP Patronage tick a box next to which the following text is stated:
“I hereby expressly agree to FIAP document 040/2023 « Conditions and regulations for FIAP Patronage » and FIAP document 038/2023 « Sanctions for breaching FIAP Regulations and the red list ». I am particularly aware of chapter II « Regulations for International photographic events under FIAP patronage » of FIAP document 040/2023, dealing under Section II.2 and II.3 with the FIAP participation rules, the sanctions for breaching FIAP regulations and the red list”
Notice:
The mention that by the sole act of submitting his/her images or files to a salon under FIAP Patronage, the entrant accepts without exception and with no objection the following terms: - that the submitted images can be investigated by FIAP to establish if these obey to FIAP regulations and definitions even if the entrant is not a member of FIAP, - that FIAP will use any means at its disposal for this undertaking, - that any refusal to cooperate with FIAP or any refusal to submit the original files as captured by the camera, or failure to provide sufficient evidence, will be sanctioned by FIAP, - that in case of sanctions following the non compliance with FIAP regulations, the name of the entrant will be released in any form useful to inform the breaches of the rules. It is recommended to leave the EXIF data in the submitted files intact in order to ease eventual investigations. If, at any time, it is determined in the reasonable discretion of the exhibition organizer or the judges before, during, or after the judging of an exhibition that an entrant has submitted entries where one or more images may fail to comply with these Conditions of Entry, including the stated definitions, the exhibition organizers reserve the right to delete the entry from the exhibition and void any or all acceptances or awards in connection with the exhibition. Fees may be forfeited or refunded in these circumstances. The entrant acknowledges that the decision of the exhibition organizers or the judges is final.
PSA RULES
Non-compliance
See the PSA Ethics Policy at https://psa-photo.org/page/ethical-practices
See the PSA statement on Subject Matter, Statement on Artificial Intelligence, and Image Creation and Authorship at https://psa-photo.org/page/division-definitions
If an entrant submits an image that appears to be non-compliant, the chair or judges may request the unedited or raw file of the submitted image to verify compliance, including authorship. For composite images all files are required. Such entries may be referred to PSA for further investigation of possible ethics violations. Entrants who do not respond to this request or who do not cooperate with the investigation team may be penalized.
PSA retains the right to investigate all complaints, impose penalties if deemed necessary, void the acceptances of any image found to violate the PSA rules, and add the entrant’s name to the PSA Penalty List which is shared with PSA and FIAP chairs. Entrants automatically agree to these terms by entering the Exhibition.
Agents and other indirect submissions:
- Agencies and third-party entities who process or submit images on an entrant’s behalf must register with Exhibition Services. This is to ensure both the agency and the entrants are aware of the rules prior to submitting images. Agencies who frequently submit images which incur violations may also be penalized.
- Entrants will be held responsible for adhering to the entry rules and will be subject to penalties for any violations to these Conditions of Entry or to PSA’s Statement of Ethics, regardless of whether they submit images through a third party or not.
NOTICE: When entrants fill in the entry form to submit an entry they will see the following feature to affirm they have read these COE
“I hereby confirm that I have read and understood and agree to the Conditions of Entry of this exhibition. I have read and understood the PSA document to be found at
https://psa-photo.org/resource/resmgr/pdf/exhibitions_/exhibition-entrants-agreemen.pdf I am aware that PSA may apply penalties for non-compliance to these Conditions of Entry”. Failure to agree will mean that the application will not proceed.
# If there is any discrepancy between these Conditions of Entry in English and a version translated into another language, the English version shall apply and prevail.
