“TITLE” Exhibition by Agnese Pastare and Ivars Salmanis

At Latgale Embassy GORS, the international art photographers Agnese Pastare and Ivars Salmanis will open their exhibition “TITLE.” Immediately after the opening, visitors are invited to the authors’ seminar “The title of an international art photographer - what is it and do I need it?”

The achievements of both photographers are exceptional by Latvian standards. From 2021 to 2025, only two photographers in Latvia received titles from the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) - Agnese Pastare and Ivars Salmanis. They are the 83rd and 84th FIAP title holders in Latvia, respectively. Meanwhile, the Photographic Society of America (PSA) QPSA title and the Global Photographic Union (GPU) CR1 title are held by only three photographers in Latvia, including both exhibition authors.

Each of the authors has received more than 300 international recognitions - gold, silver and bronze medals, special jury prizes and other awards. Their works have been recognized in photography competitions on all continents except Antarctica.

The exhibition “TITLE” was first opened in March 2026 at the Riga School of Art and Media and has attracted public and media attention from the very beginning. The international achievements of both authors are also featured in the television story “With Perseverance Toward Excellence!” Now the exhibition continues its journey across Latvia, offering viewers in Latgale the chance to discover internationally awarded photographic works.

“International photographer titles are not just a diploma or an award. It is a long process in which the author’s works are repeatedly evaluated by juries from different countries. In essence, a title means that your work is recognizable and valued beyond your own country,” says Agnese Pastare.

Immediately after the opening of the exhibition, a seminar will take place, where Agnese Pastare and Ivars Salmanis will share their experience, introduce the international photography competition system, and explain the significance of FIAP, PSA, GPU and other organizations’ titles, the conditions for obtaining them, and their role in a photographer’s professional development. Participants will learn how to choose competitions, prepare and submit photographs, what the participation costs are, and how to keep track of achieved results. The authors will also address what titles give a photographer and what they do not, as well as help explain whether this path matches one’s own creative goals at all.

The seminar is intended for both experienced photographers and amateurs, as well as anyone who wants to explore the opportunities of international photography.

November event program at Latgale Embassy GORS:

At 6: 00 PM - opening of the photo exhibition “TITLE.”

Immediately after the opening - seminar “The title of an international art photographer - what is it and do I need it?”

Both events are free of charge. Seminar handouts will be sent after the event to participants who have registered their attendance: ej.uz/seminars-rezekne Advance registration is recommended, but not required to attend the seminar.

The exhibition at Latgale Embassy GORS will be on view from November 6 to December 6.

Exhibition supporters: Ventspils Freeport Authority and Ventspils Culture Centre.