Join the Union
Creating the conditions for professional growth and meaningful work.
Become a Member
Membership in the Union of Photographers is not a formality – it is a conscious choice in favor of a professional community that values artistic vision and supports development.
The Union brings together photographers, researchers, and curators to collectively shape visual culture and imagine its future. Membership grants access to exhibitions, educational programs, archival initiatives, and international collaborations. Here, photography is not only a profession but also a way to take an active part in the cultural life of society.
The Union brings together photographers, researchers, and curators to collectively shape visual culture and imagine its future. Membership grants access to exhibitions, educational programs, archival initiatives, and international collaborations. Here, photography is not only a profession but also a way to take an active part in the cultural life of society.
Admission Procedure
Our work is based on transparency, fairness, and respect. Each stage of the admission process is designed to ensure that candidates clearly understand the rules and feel confident in their choice – while the Union welcomes new members who share the values of photography, creativity, and cultural engagement.
The preparation stage forms the foundation of the admission process to the Union of Photographers.
It involves gathering and organizing all required materials, including a professional portfolio.
A properly assembled application package speeds up the review process and reflects the applicant’s professional commitment.
2. APPLICATION FORM
The candidate completes the official membership application form.
The application must include:
3. APPLICATION PACKAGE
The following documents must be attached to the application:
4. PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
The portfolio is the core element of the application. It demonstrates the candidate’s artistic vision, technical proficiency, and suitability for the selected membership category.
Portfolio requirements:
Structure:
5. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Applicants may also include supplementary materials confirming their professional activity:
It involves gathering and organizing all required materials, including a professional portfolio.
A properly assembled application package speeds up the review process and reflects the applicant’s professional commitment.
2. APPLICATION FORM
The candidate completes the official membership application form.
The application must include:
- Personal information: full name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Education and professional background.
- Statement of motivation: personal goals and reasons for joining the Union.
- Preferred section or area of photographic practice.
- Applicant’s signature.
3. APPLICATION PACKAGE
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Copy of passport (main page).
- Short biography (CV) indicating education and professional experience.
- Creative record (participation in exhibitions, projects, and publications).
- Portfolio (see requirements below).
- Letters of recommendation (optional) from current Union members, educators, curators, or recognized experts in photography and visual culture.
- Portrait photograph (passport format) for internal records.
- Proof of payment of the admission fee.
- Signed consent for the processing of personal data.
4. PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
The portfolio is the core element of the application. It demonstrates the candidate’s artistic vision, technical proficiency, and suitability for the selected membership category.
Portfolio requirements:
- Volume: 10–20 works representing the author’s artistic or documentary approach.
- Format: digital (PDF or online gallery); printed versions may be submitted in person.
Structure:
- Short artist statement outlining the creative concept or artistic intent.
- One or more photographic series with brief contextual notes.
- Year of creation and technical details for each work.
- Links to publications or exhibitions related to the submitted projects (if available).
5. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Applicants may also include supplementary materials confirming their professional activity:
- Copies of catalogues, publications, articles, or interviews.
- Reviews or curatorial statements.
- Links to a personal website or professional online portfolios.
Once the full set of documents has been prepared, the candidate proceeds to the next stage – the official submission of the application for membership in the Belarusian Association of Photographers (BAP).
WHERE TO SUBMIT
Applications may be submitted to the Admissions Committee through one of the following channels:
For electronic submissions, candidates must strictly follow the technical requirements:
PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Upon receipt, the Admissions Committee undertakes the following steps:
CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
Once the application passes the preliminary review, the candidate receives an official acknowledgment (by email or in writing) confirming that the materials have been accepted for evaluation.
From this point, the application is considered formally registered, and the expert review stage begins.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information provided by the applicant is processed solely for membership administration and review purposes.
Personal data will not be disclosed to third parties and are protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
WHERE TO SUBMIT
Applications may be submitted to the Admissions Committee through one of the following channels:
- Online form on the official BAP website;
- By email – to the official BAP address (listed in the Contacts section);
- By post – via registered mail with an inventory of enclosures to the organization’s legal address;
- In person – at the BAP office during reception hours.
For electronic submissions, candidates must strictly follow the technical requirements:
- All files must be in JPEG or PDF format;
- Each file name must include the candidate’s full name;
- If necessary, multiple files should be combined into a single archive.
PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Upon receipt, the Admissions Committee undertakes the following steps:
- Registers the submitted materials in the incoming correspondence log;
- Verifies the completeness and correctness of the documents;
- If any discrepancies or omissions are found, notifies the applicant and grants up to 30 calendar days for corrections;
- If the corrections are not made within the specified time, the application is returned without further consideration.
CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
Once the application passes the preliminary review, the candidate receives an official acknowledgment (by email or in writing) confirming that the materials have been accepted for evaluation.
From this point, the application is considered formally registered, and the expert review stage begins.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information provided by the applicant is processed solely for membership administration and review purposes.
Personal data will not be disclosed to third parties and are protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
The review stage is the core of the admission process. It involves a comprehensive assessment of the submitted materials, an expert evaluation of the candidate’s artistic level, and a formal conclusion issued by the relevant professional section of the Union. All procedures are carried out in strict accordance with the Statute of the Belarusian Association of Photographers (BAP) and its internal regulations.
SECTION EXPERT EVALUATION
Each application is referred to the specialized section of the Union that corresponds to the candidate’s professional focus (for example, documentary photography, analog processes, experimental practices).
The review is conducted collectively and is based on established professional criteria of quality and authorship.
PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
The portfolio is evaluated according to the following parameters:
EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The following aspects are also taken into account:
INTERVIEW (IF REQUIRED)
To gain deeper insight into the applicant’s motivation and creative path, the candidate may be invited for an interview, portfolio review, or public presentation – either in person or online.
This exchange allows the section to better understand the applicant’s vision, engagement, and alignment with the Union’s values.
SECTION DECISION
Following the review, the section prepares an official conclusion which may include one of the following recommendations:
SUBMISSION TO THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
The section’s conclusion is formalized in a meeting protocol, signed by the section chair and secretary.
This document, together with all application materials, is forwarded to the Admissions Committee.
Based on the expert recommendation, the Committee prepares a final report and submits it to the BAP Council, which makes the official decision on membership admission.
SECTION EXPERT EVALUATION
Each application is referred to the specialized section of the Union that corresponds to the candidate’s professional focus (for example, documentary photography, analog processes, experimental practices).
The review is conducted collectively and is based on established professional criteria of quality and authorship.
PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
The portfolio is evaluated according to the following parameters:
- Integrity and originality of the author’s vision;
- Artistic or documentary quality of execution;
- Relevance to the membership category being applied for;
- Professional activity – participation in exhibitions, festivals, educational programs, and cultural initiatives.
EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The following aspects are also taken into account:
- Relevant education (an advantage, though not a mandatory requirement);
- Participation in competitions, residencies, collective or solo projects;
- Publications in the media and professional journals;
- Achievements and contribution to the development of the photographic community.
INTERVIEW (IF REQUIRED)
To gain deeper insight into the applicant’s motivation and creative path, the candidate may be invited for an interview, portfolio review, or public presentation – either in person or online.
This exchange allows the section to better understand the applicant’s vision, engagement, and alignment with the Union’s values.
SECTION DECISION
Following the review, the section prepares an official conclusion which may include one of the following recommendations:
- Admission to the Union in the corresponding membership category;
- Admission as a Candidate Member (on a probationary basis);
- Refusal of admission (with a written explanation of reasons).
SUBMISSION TO THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
The section’s conclusion is formalized in a meeting protocol, signed by the section chair and secretary.
This document, together with all application materials, is forwarded to the Admissions Committee.
Based on the expert recommendation, the Committee prepares a final report and submits it to the BAP Council, which makes the official decision on membership admission.
The membership confirmation stage is the final phase of the admission process and formally establishes the candidate’s legal status within the Belarusian Association of Photographers (BAP).
It includes the approval of the decision by the Board, fulfillment of the candidate’s admission obligations, and official registration in the BAP Members’ Registry.
FINAL DECISION
CANDIDATE OBLIGATIONS
If the decision is positive, the candidate must, within ten (10) calendar days, complete the following steps:
ENTRY INTO THE MEMBERS’ REGISTRY
COMMENCEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership is considered officially confirmed and comes into effect on the date of entry into the BAP Members’ Registry.
From that moment, the new member acquires all rights and responsibilities stipulated by the Statute and internal regulations of the Union.
It includes the approval of the decision by the Board, fulfillment of the candidate’s admission obligations, and official registration in the BAP Members’ Registry.
FINAL DECISION
- Review of materials. The Admissions Committee forwards to the BAP Board the section protocols, its own recommendations, and the complete application package.
- Collective deliberation. Each application is discussed during a Board meeting. Decisions are made by an open vote, with a simple majority required for approval.
- Official record. The decision of the Board is documented in an official meeting protocol and acquires legal force upon approval.
- Candidate notification. Within ten (10) calendar days, the applicant receives a written notification of the decision by email and/or an official letter.
CANDIDATE OBLIGATIONS
If the decision is positive, the candidate must, within ten (10) calendar days, complete the following steps:
- Payment of the admission fee. If not paid earlier, proof of payment (receipt or bank statement) must be provided.
- Signing of the declaration. The new member signs a declaration confirming their commitment to the BAP Statute, the Code of Professional Ethics, and internal regulations.
- Submission of updated information. Verified data on residence, contact details, and professional status must be submitted for inclusion in the membership records.
ENTRY INTO THE MEMBERS’ REGISTRY
- Registration. Once all obligations are fulfilled, the new member’s data is entered into the official BAP Members’ Registry, maintained by the Secretariat.
- Issuance of membership document. The member receives an official certificate (membership card) confirming their status within the Union.
- Public announcement. Information about the new member (name, short biography, portfolio) may be published on the official BAP website and in the Union’s informational materials.
COMMENCEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership is considered officially confirmed and comes into effect on the date of entry into the BAP Members’ Registry.
From that moment, the new member acquires all rights and responsibilities stipulated by the Statute and internal regulations of the Union.
Admissions Committee
The Admissions Committee of the Union of Photographers is a collegial body that ensures the transparency and objectivity of the membership process. It is composed of active members of the Union, as well as recognized professionals in photography, curatorial practice, and visual research.
Main Responsibilities:
The Admissions Committee operates in accordance with the Statute and internal regulations of the Union, upholding the principles of professional ethics, confidentiality, and respect for every applicant.
Main Responsibilities:
- Verifying the completeness and accuracy of submitted documents;
- Conducting a preliminary portfolio review;
- Referring applications to the relevant professional sections;
- Organizing interviews and portfolio reviews;
- Preparing an official recommendation for the Board.
The Admissions Committee operates in accordance with the Statute and internal regulations of the Union, upholding the principles of professional ethics, confidentiality, and respect for every applicant.
Application Schedule
Applications are accepted according to a schedule approved by the Board. The results of each Committee meeting are published on the official website and communicated to candidates by email within seven (7) working days.
Apply Now
Take the first step – submit your application and become part of Belarus’s professional community of photographers.
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