Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society exists to promote photography and image-making and to support photographers in realising their potential, irrespective of their level of knowledge, equipment or skills. It has an international membership. The Society also acts as a public advocate for photography and photographers.

The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity promoting both the art and science of photography and aims to help individuals realise their potential as photographers. It is a membership organisation but, as a charity, undertakes a significant number of activities for the public benefit.

Membership is open to all, irrespective of experience or knowledge. No qualifications are required to join, simply a passion and love for photography or images, its technologies or applications.

Many of our members join to further their own photography and to embrace the challenge of working towards our internationally-recognized Distinctions (LRPS, ARPS and FRPS) or Imaging Science Qualifications (QIS, GIS, AIS and ASIS).

By attending Society events – some 300-plus each year – our members enjoy unparalleled opportunities to share knowledge, meet and learn from other photographers and to develop their photographic interests and skills.

The Society holds a number of exhibitions and competitions for members and non-members. The International Print and International Images for Science Exhibitions are held annually alongside exhibitions organized by Special Interest Groups, Regions and Overseas Chapters.

The Royal Photographic Society educational remit is central to its work. It organises practical workshops and lectures with its Regions and Special Interest Groups arrange additional activities, lectures, visits and field trips. The Society also supports photographers and students through its bursary programme.

Our annual Awards, held in London each September, recognise the highest achievements of individuals from all fields of photography.