This issue features: Simon Street FRPS who talks through his 2024 project photographing both the UK General Election and US Presidential election; the powerful Fellowship panel by Yizhen Zhang FRPS; the recent successful A panel submission Roy Brown ARPS; Ray Hobbs’ ‘Mr Joseph’ project about an old upholstery shop; we talk to Arunanjan Saha about his fascinating project on the pashmina manufacturing industry; and Lilah Culliford’s award winning project, ‘Kindred Language’.
This edition is the final edition with Nick Hodgson FRPS as our Decisive Moment editor. As ever, it is excellent. I’d like to start by thanking Nick for his contribution as our Decisive Moment editor and as a Distinctions assessor. Nick will be succeeded by Wayne Richards who is moving over from his current social media role to take on the DM Editor role.
Thank you!
Our summer 2025 edition includes an In Focus feature on the work of the prolific Simon Street FRPS. We have two successful Documentary Distinction panels from Yizhen Zhang FRPS and Roy Brown ARPS. There is work from two Members - Arunanjan Saha and Ray Hobbs and the work of final year Student Lilah Culliford, who received membership via our UAL LCC Documentary Award.
Once again the work published shows the diversity and opportunities. This edition covers work on political elections, migration, crafts (hand made bikes), making pashminas, a local upholstery business and sibling relationships. Local businesses and activities provide plenty of opportunity to do more than just simply document, but also to tell a story.
An important reminder that our RPS Documentary Photography Awards (DPA) are now open for submissions. Entries close on 1 September at midnight. We are looking for documentary projects with between 10 and 15 images. Members and Student entry is free. You can also enter more than once (up to three entries) and in more than one category.
Our local groups are continuing to put local events on but many would love to see more participate. Check out the local organisers on our About Us page and get in contact with them.
Our next Engagement Talk is with Janine Wiedel on 16 October. We are looking to book more speakers and will update the Documentary Events page shortly.
We are looking to fill a number of volunteer roles to help us put activities on. We currently have a need for people with:
• website and social media skills,
• event organisation (i.e. putting on talks), and
• publicity and fundraising to support our next touring exhibition.
If you can help with any of these please contact me at doc@rps.org.
Mark A Phillips FRPS
Chair, Documentary Group