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RPS Women in Photography Challenge

In the Frame: What Sustains Me

One image. One moment. One thing that sustains you.

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.

Photographers are welcome to work in any genre, using any approach that feels right to them.

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 (but not required) to include 50–100 words reflecting on why you chose this photograph.

Timescale

This is a short, flexible challenge designed to fit around busy lives.

  • Shooting window: 2–3 weeks

  • Submission deadline: [insert date]

Sharing the Work

Selected images will be shared via:

  • 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.