The RPS Journal was recognised last night as Special Interest Publication of the Year 2020 by the Scottish Publishers Association. Published by Think Publishing, on behalf of the RPS, the RPS Journal was redesigned and relaunched to widespread acclaim in July 2020. It is produced for the 11,000 members of the Royal Photographic Society and showcases great photography through picture-led features and airs debates and comment relevant to the medium.
Commenting on the award Simon Hill, RPS President-Elect said: “The RPS Journal is the physical voice of the RPS. The stunning images and respected editorial ensures that the Journal is a constant source of inspiration to me; I am sure that other members feel the same. This award is recognition that the Journal continues to be an important and permanent document of photographic art, science and history.”
The RPS Journal is the world’s oldest photography periodical. It was first published in March 1853 as the Journal of the Photographic Society and has appeared continuously ever since. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries it reported on the scientific and technical developments across photography, as well as the aesthetic trends, and it reported on the meetings of the RPS itself. The Journal is an important source and window in to the history of photography.
Today it continues in this tradition, but with a contemporary, forward-looking, relevance, inspiring its readers through exclusive interviews and by showing photography from across genres, as well as discussing wider issues. It also shows the work of members and reports on the RPS’s affairs.
The publishing of the RPS Journal was taken over by Think Publishing in 2014 and the recent relaunch in July 2020 has expanded the pagination and updated the design to give even greater prominence to photography.
RPS members receive the Journal as part of their subscription. Read a free issue and learn more about membership →
Image montage: Journal covers featuring photography from David Bailey HonFRPS, Nick Knight, and Edward Burtynksy HonFRPS.