In the Frame: What Sustains Me

At busy, demanding, and often uncertain times, photography can offer a way to pause, reflect, and reconnect — both with ourselves and with why we make images.

In the Frame: What Sustains Me is a gentle photography challenge inviting RPS Women in Photography members to create one considered image responding to a simple question:

What sustains me right now?

This might be something emotional, physical, creative, political, domestic, or quietly practical — a person, place, object, routine, food, medication, or view that sustains you. It could be intimate or expansive, ordinary or symbolic. The interpretation is entirely yours.

The Brief

Create a photograph that captures what is sustaining you at this moment in time.

Your image might take any form: a still life, portrait or self-portrait, landscape, documentary moment, abstract detail, or something more conceptual or experimental. All photographic genres and approaches are welcome — what matters is intention, attention, and personal meaning.

Who Can Take Part

This challenge is open to all RPS Women in Photography members, at any stage of their photographic journey.

What to Submit

One image only
Any camera or process (digital, film, phone, or alternative processes)
New work is encouraged

Alongside your image, you are invited to include 50–100 words reflecting on why you chose this photograph.

Timescale

Shooting window: Now
Submission deadline: 20 March 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO HERE

Sharing the Work

An online gallery on the RPS website
RPS Women in Photography social media channels
Potential inclusion in future RPS Women in Photography features or publications

The focus is on participation, reflection, and connection.

Any questions or problems submitting your image? Do get in touch at wipchair@rps.org

Prize

We are delighted to offer a truly special prize for the photographer whose image is voted First Place by RPS Women in Photography members.

The winner will receive a copy of An Equal Difference by Gabrielle Motola — a thoughtful and beautifully produced photographic work exploring Icelandic society through the lens of gender equality. Blending sociology and philosophy with visual storytelling, the book features 165 photographs alongside 20,000 words, inviting readers into a deeper reflection on identity, balance, and social progress.

It is a prize that reflects the spirit of this challenge: reflective, meaningful, and rooted in the power of photography to help us better understand ourselves and one another.

4616163 Sue Wright Keeping Up Appearances

Become a member

If you are not an RPS Women in Photography group member, we invite you to join our community of passionate photographers. By becoming a member, you can participate in exciting competitions, gain exposure through features in our prestigious WE ARE Magazine, and enjoy numerous other exclusive benefits. We extend a warm welcome to photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Join Us

5112458 Paula Rae Gibson The World You Are Apart Of 2 — **CREDIT:** Paula Rae Gibson

Events

Join inspiring, member and professional-led events celebrating women photographers. From talks to meet-ups and exhibition visits, it’s a great way to connect and share creativity. Got an idea? Let’s make it happen—get in touch!

Events

4683537 Carol Olerud Frps 03 Equality Playing With Baby — **CREDIT:** Carol Olerud FRPS

Previous Competitoins

In addition to current competitions, we have archived previous competitions here for continued viewing.

Take a look

RPS Women in Photography Project