Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Find out more
5113985 Sue Wright Lada Riva Ladies In Red Sqaure 1986
CREDIT: Sue Wright

The RPS Women in Photography Group

 

 

The RPS Women in Photography Group aims to facilitate the celebration, education and collaboration of female and female-identifying photographers. 

We are not a genre. 

We are the discussion that drives a greater awareness of the importance of women photographers past, present and future.

The Royal Photographic Society’s Women in Photography (RPS WIP) group has experienced significant growth and impact since its inception in 2018. Here's an overview of its reach, influence, and development:


Our Growth

Since launching in 2018, RPS WIP has grown rapidly and is now one of the fastest-expanding groups within the RPS.

Membership: 380 members (up from 175 in 2024)
Age Profile: 76.89% under 65 · 23.11% over 65
Global Reach: Europe 89.41% · North America 5.61% · Oceania 2.80% · Asia 2.18%

Our community spans the UK and beyond, creating a vibrant and diverse space for women’s photography.


What We Do

WE ARE Magazine

Our biannual publication showcases member photography and stories. Across the two 2025 issues, more than 40 members were featured.
Issue 11 (September 2025) spans nearly 300 pages and is now avaiable online and in print.

Explore WE ARE Magazine


Monthly Newsletter

Members receive a monthly newsletter with updates on projects, events, opportunities and community news — keeping everyone connected and informed.


The 40% Project

A landmark photographic archive celebrating the moment women reached 40% representation in the UK Parliament.
264 MPs included · 264 paired with photographers · 150 portraits completed, so far.

Discover the 40% Project


In Our Hands: Stories of the Environment

In collaboration with Greenpeace, this project shares member-led photographic stories exploring climate, community and environmental change.

Learn about In Our Hands


ORWO Film Collaboration

The RPS WIP group partnered with ORWO Film for an exciting project that invited photographers to explore their creativity on the subject of Close to Home using analog photography.

View The Project


Cover Competitions

Two WIP cover competitions gave members the opportunity to see their work published on the front of WE ARE Magazine — raising visibility for new and emerging voices.

View Past Competitions


Our Community

We offer a lively programme of activity, including:

• Workshops and talks
• UK and international meet-ups
• Monthly Show & Tell sessions
• Online exhibitions and open calls

We also spotlight members on the WIP website — sharing their photography, photobooks, achievements and RPS Distinction panels.

RPS WIP is entirely volunteer-run, supported by a dedicated team helping to shape events, opportunities and publications.


Join Us

Whether you’re just starting out or already established, you’re warmly welcome in our growing global community.

Join the Women in Photography Group
Explore Events & Opportunities

5112456 Paula Rae Gibson The World You Are Apart Of
CREDIT: Paula Rae Gibson

Enduring Purpose Amid Opposition

Despite occasional voices from within the society questioning the need for a dedicated Women in Photography group, the continued growth and engagement of RPS WIP demonstrates its clear value and relevance. Since 2024, our membership has more than doubled — rising from 175 to 380 members, showing that women and female-identifying photographers actively seek a space where their work, experiences and perspectives are recognised and amplified. The group’s visibility and thriving community underscore that our purpose remains essential: to provide representation, opportunity and a platform in a field where women have historically been under-seen and under-acknowledged.

🌸 Our growth speaks louder than the opposition.

 

 

5105523 Angela Crosti The Moment You Were Gone 02
CREDIT: Angela Crosti

Become a member

Join the RPS Women in Photography Group to connect, create, and be inspired. Share your work, access exclusive talks and exhibitions, and be part of projects that celebrate women in photography.

 

Join us!