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:

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

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.