Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Find out more
Become a member
Untitled

The 40% Project

RPS Women in Photography

Photographers’ Information

Thank you to everyone taking part in The 40% Project. This page brings together the key information, forms, submission guidance and useful links for photographers involved in the project.

The 40% Project is now nearing completion. All 265 women MPs have been paired with photographers, and we are currently gathering final portraits, written text and high-resolution files for the online gallery, forthcoming book and future project activity.

Please keep checking this page for updates. It will be used for photographer guidance, final submission information, press resources and project links.

Anna Sabine MP photographed by Scarlet Page

Anna Sabine MP © Scarlet Page

Submit your book image

Please submit your high-resolution image for the forthcoming 40% Project book. TIFF files are preferred, but a high-quality JPEG is also acceptable.

Submit Book Image

Claire Hazelgrove MP photographed by Jo Shepherd ARPS

Claire Hazelgrove MP © Jo Shepherd ARPS

Forms and permissions

Please ensure the required forms are completed and retained. The model release is for the photographer’s records. The licensing agreement gives RPS Women in Photography permission to use the image for project purposes.

Licensing Form Model Release

Helen Grant OBE MP photographed by Catherine Smith

Helen Grant, OBE MP by Catherine Smith

Press and sharing

Photographers are welcome to share their portrait and the project locally. A press release template is available to help you contact local newspapers, magazines and community media.

Press Release Template

Final image submission guidance

For the forthcoming book, please submit your strongest final portrait using the book image submission link above.

Please include:

  • Your final portrait of the MP.
  • A high-resolution file suitable for print.
  • The MP’s full name.
  • Your name exactly as you would like it credited.
  • Your RPS distinction, if applicable.
  • Any short text or notes requested for the gallery or book.

Preferred file format: TIFF, 300 dpi, 8-bit is acceptable.

Also accepted: High-quality JPEG if a TIFF file is not available.

Colour profile: Please embed either sRGB or Adobe RGB.

Suggested file naming: MP Name by Photographer Name and RPS distinction.

Example: Wendy Smith MP by Sharon Long FRPS.tif

Book image deadline: please submit your high-resolution file by 10 July 2026.

Online gallery submissions

The original online gallery submission link has now closed. If you still need to send a low-resolution JPG for the online gallery, or update your 250-word portrait text, please email Sue directly.

Please send gallery updates to: wipchair@rps.org

View the 40% Gallery

Online Gallery

View the portraits submitted so far, along with stories from the MPs and photographers who created them.

View Gallery

The 40% Project Book

We are working with Image & Reality to bring The 40% Project together as a beautiful photobook.

Follow the Kickstarter

Main Project Page

Visit the main project page for background information, progress updates, gallery links and public-facing project information.

Visit Main Page

Forms

Please ensure the relevant forms are completed and kept safely.

Photography Licensing Terms Agreement

This agreement allows RPS Women in Photography to use the submitted image for The 40% Project, including exhibition, publication and promotional activity. Copyright remains with the photographer.

Download the Photography Licensing Terms Agreement

Model Release Form

The model release form is for the photographer’s own records and should be completed with the MP/sitter.

Download the Model Release Form

Media copy for photographers

You are welcome to use the following copy when sharing your portrait on social media, websites, newsletters or with local press.

Short social media version

The 40% Project by RPS Women in Photography is a national portrait series celebrating the 40% of UK MPs who are women. Women photographers from across the UK have come together to create a visual record of this historic moment in Parliament.

#40PercentProject #WomenInPolitics #RPSWomenInPhotography #RPSWIP40Project

Longer project description

The 40% Project is a national portrait series by the Royal Photographic Society Women in Photography Group, created to mark a historic moment in UK democracy. Following the 2024 General Election, women now make up around 40% of Members of Parliament — the highest level of representation in British parliamentary history.

Through portrait photography, the project celebrates the individuality, leadership and contribution of women MPs, while also recognising the important role photography plays in documenting social change. The portraits will form an online gallery, a forthcoming photobook and a lasting visual archive of women in Parliament today.

Press Release Information

Frequently asked questions

Can I post my portrait online?

Yes, once your MP has approved the image, you are welcome to share it. Please credit The 40% Project and RPS Women in Photography, and include the project hashtags where useful.

Who owns the copyright?

The photographer retains copyright. By signing the licensing agreement, you grant RPS Women in Photography permission to use the image for The 40% Project, including exhibition, publication and promotional activity.

What happens if I still need to send text or a gallery JPG?

Please email Sue directly at wipchair@rps.org.

Is the project paid?

No. The 40% Project has been created as a volunteer collaboration. Photographers retain copyright in their images.

Questions?

For photographer queries, submission questions or updates to your gallery text, please contact:

Sue Wright
Chair, RPS Women in Photography Group
wipchair@rps.org