Are you ready to be part of something incredible? The RPS Women in Photography group is thrilled to launch the 40% Project, an initiative to celebrate the remarkable rise in female MPs. This is an initiative to capture the strength, grace, and power of women MPs through photography. We are seeking passionate photographers to join us in showcasing the diverse and impactful presence of women in politics. If you're ready to make a meaningful contribution through your lens, we invite you to be a part of this empowering project. Let's capture the essence of female leadership together! 📷✨
Outline
As a result of last year’s General Election, there are a record number of women in Parliament. There are now 263 women MPs. This represents 40% of the total seats in Parliament. - This is a fantastic achievement!
The Women in Photography group of the RPS (Royal Photographic Society) is celebrating this with a photography competition. '40%' sets out to portray the current women MPs through the eyes of female and female-identifying photographers.
We are working to exhibit the results on railings in Central London and other locations across the country.
Photographing 263 MPs is quite a challenge. To achieve this, photographers will be drawn from the following groups:
- RPS Women in Photography group
- RPS other Groups & Regions: Register here
- Partner organisations like Hundred Heroines.
- Female/female-identifying photography students in UK institutions: Students register here
1. How do I get involved?
RPS Women in Photography members can register to join by emailing Sue Wright at wipchair@rps.org with the name of the MP you'd like to photograph.
2. Can I choose the MP I shoot?
Yes, but to avoid multiple photographers contacting the same MP, we'll centrally allocate MPs and keep records.
3. How do I contact an MP?
After receiving your selection, we'll send an introduction email to the MP and cc you. From there, you can arrange the shoot directly. Note: while most MPs have responded positively and are already taking part, a few haven’t replied—so please be aware that participation from your chosen MP isn’t guaranteed.
4. What if I’m having trouble getting a reply from my MP?
We recommend emailing again, calling and leaving a message, sending a message via their socials, writing to them, or making an appointment at their surgery to get in touch. If you’ve exhausted all avenues and still haven’t received a response, please do let us know so we can try to help, keep our records up to date and consider alternative options.
5. What do I need?
Enthusiasm and knowledge of your MP's key issues. Be flexible during the collaboration.
6. Is there a standard format for the images?
No. We’ve intentionally avoided setting any strict guidelines for how the portraits should be taken or look—this is a creative collaboration between you and the MP. The MP must approve the image for public use, and it should reflect their values or passions.
7. Can I get help if I’m unsure?
Yes, we'll arrange a Zoom session each month to support you in planning and executing your portraits-just ask.
8. When do the portraits need to be completed?
Your portrait must be captured and submitted to the online Gallery by 31 October 2025. Please upload your image as a JPG file. Along with your submission, you will be asked to include a short description (up to 250 words) about your portrait. Additionally, please keep a full-resolution copy of your image stored safely, as we will require it for the printing process at a later stage.
9. Can I or the MP post the portrait on our website or social media?
Once your portrait is complete, both you and the MP are welcome to share the image on your website or social media.
Please remember to tag us using either:
#RPSWIP40%Project: Honouring Female Representation in Parliament or simply #RPSWIP40%Project.
10. How will the final images be selected?
A committee will select the final images, and their decision is final.
11. Is there a cost involved?
Participants are responsible for transport and associated costs. We're seeking funding for printing and installation.
12. Will I be paid?
No, this is a volunteer collaborative project—an opportunity to be part of a historic exhibition.
13. Who owns the image rights?
Photographers retain copyright but license the images for exhibition, books, and promotional use by the RPS and partners. Other uses are the photographer's responsibility, with proceeds going to them.
14. When will the images be exhibited?
We are currently working on raising funding. The cost of printing and hanging over 200 large prints in 10 locations is not trivial, so this is very important.
The Arts Council are in the process of undertaking a government wide funding exercise, and large nationwide applications are frozen.
Because funding is critical, we have taken the difficult decision to move the exhibition phase into 2026. We will firm up the timescales as soon as we have a firmer view on funding.
In the meantime we are tentatively planning on exhibiting in Summer 26.
15. Where will the images be exhibited?
The exhibition will be held in outdoor, accessible spaces across the UK for maximum exposure.
16. How else can I get involved?
We need volunteers for:
- Press relations
- Marketing
- Photography training and mentoring
- Contracts
- Printing and Publishing
If you’d like to help, get in touch!
The First Woman MP
The first woman to be elected to the Commons was Constance Markievicz, in the general election of 1918. However, as a member of Sinn Féin, she did not take her seat.
Nancy Astor (Viscountess Astor) was the first woman to take a seat in Parliament in December 1919 after a by-election. She was elected as a Conservative for the Plymouth Sutton constituency after her husband, Waldorf Astor, the former MP, was elevated to the peerage.
She held the seat until she stood down in 1945. She was a great supporter of the women's movement once in Parliament.
Her husband also worked to promote the admission of women to the House of Lords during the 1920s.
