RPS Women in Photography Circles

We’re pleased to invite RPS Women in Photography members to take part in our Critique Circles — a supportive, thoughtful way to develop your photography, whatever your genre or approach.

Each month, members are invited to upload one image themselves to a shared online viewing gallery. Fellow members can then take time to view the work and leave considered, constructive comments. This format encourages more reflective feedback than quick social-media reactions, offering deeper insight into how your photograph is read and what it communicates.

Engaging with and commenting on others’ images is just as valuable. Spending time with a range of photographs sharpens visual awareness, deepens understanding of intent and storytelling, and helps inform your own creative practice.

The Critique Circle is welcoming, respectful, and designed to fit around busy lives — allowing you to take part in your own time while still benefiting from meaningful peer feedback. All photographic styles and experience levels are welcome.

If you’re looking for a gentle but rewarding way to develop your work, build confidence, and connect with other women photographers, we’d love you to join us.

💬 Thoughtful feedback
👀 Fresh perspectives
📸 Creative growth — together

Who it’s for

• RPS Women in Photography members

• Any genre and approach (documentary, portrait, landscape, still life, conceptual, experimental, etc.)

• All experience levels — from new photographers to established practitioners

What you’ll gain

• A clearer sense of how others read your images

• Better editing and visual decision-making

• Stronger confidence in your creative direction

• Connection with a community of women photographers

Guidelines for constructive critique

Be respectful and encouraging
This is a supportive space. Critique the photograph, not the photographer.

Be specific
Instead of “I like it,” say what you respond to and why (light, timing, gesture, colour, sequencing, mood, etc.).

Describe what you see first
Start with how the image reads to you. What’s the subject? Where does your eye go? What’s the mood or story?

Comment on intent and impact
What do you think the photographer is trying to communicate? Is it coming across clearly?

Offer practical suggestions
When appropriate, suggest adjustments (crop, tonal range, pacing, distractions, viewpoint, clarity of subject). Keep suggestions optional, not prescriptive.

Balance strengths and opportunities
Note what’s working and one or two areas to explore. Too many points can be overwhelming.

Avoid assumptions
Don’t guess personal circumstances or motivations. Ask questions instead: “Were you aiming for…?”

Keep it concise
A few thoughtful paragraphs are often more helpful than a long list.

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