The Royal Photographic Society Awards
Nominations
Nominations are open. Please note that any nominations received during the remainder of 2021 will be reviewed in early 2022.
The RPS annual awards are offered to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. They cover the breadth of photography and imaging from science and art through to curation, education and specific genres of photography.
Anyone can participate. Nominate an inspiring photographic practitioner.
2020 recipients announced
We are delighted to announce the 2020 recipients of the Royal Photographic Society Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in photography.
Now in its 142nd year, the eighteen categories recognise those individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their fields which cover art, science, education, curation, film and publishing.
2020 Press Release
The Royal Photographic Society is delighted to announce the 2020 recipients of its internationally renowned Awards.
Sally Mann, Steve McQueen, Edward Burtynsky, Chuck Hull, Poulomi Basu, Linus Sandgren, Ellen von Unwerth and Professor Deborah Willis, as well as eminent scientists, curators, publishers and writers, are amongst the luminaries of the photographic world who are being honoured this year.
Picture copyright: Richard Mosse 'Pool at Uday's Palace (from the Breach series)'
Watch
Click the play icon on the film to the left to see images by the award recipients.
Video by Lin Jermakova at boomsatsuma
The RPS is proud to be supporting a brand-new course developed by boomsatsuma, a leading Bristol-based arts educational provider.
BA (Hons) Documentary Photography and Print, beginning September 2021, is a three-year course centred around the development of technical, creative and professional skills in the fields of publishing and documentary photography. To learn more and apply click here.
Journal Awards issue
Learn about the outstanding work of our 2020 award recipients in this special free edition of the RPS Journal. Featuring an exclusive interview with Steve McQueen, the technicolour macrophotography of Dr Igor Siwanowicz, a celebration of RPS members achievements, and more.
If you enjoy reading this issue of the Journal, learn more about RPS membership here.
RPS Journal cover image by Edward Burtynsky HonFRPS and part of a feature on Linus Sandgren. No Time to Die, an EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios film. Credits: Nicola Dove
Events
In this on-going series of 'in conversations' hear from leading individuals talk about how they use photography as artists, scientists, educators, publishers and curators.
All our speakers are recent RPS Award recipients who have been recognised for their contribution to the medium. They are discussing their work with those who know them and their work.
All events are online and are free but booking is essential.
History and recipients
The RPS has recognised the contribution of hundreds of men and women over its history.
Learn more about those who have received current awards along with those awards that have been discontinued.
Image: Centenary Medallist Joel Meyerowitz HonFRPS with Joe Cornish HonFRPS