About Salons

What is a ‘salon’? What are its objectives?
Subhratanu Sarkar, via email

This article was originally published in June 2014.

The literal meaning of the word ‘salon’ is a gathering of intellectuals or political and cultural activists, where they share ideas and refine their knowledge through conversation. In the photographic world, different organisations worldwide conduct salons that invite photographers to submit their images. Later a panel sits together to analyse or judge these photographs. They also discuss about photographic trends and share their thoughts and experiences. The All India Laxmi Salon (by the Sri Ganga Kalyan Sewa Samiti, Allahabad) and Kolkata Photography Salon are some of the most popular annual salons/contests in India.