From the series Nowhere Near by Alisa Martynova
The impact of conflict, or the world of child’s play. The bonds of friendship in old age, or the community of a circus troupe. Journeys shaped by migration and mental health. Stories of trauma, resilience and joy.
All of this and more is explored by the nine recipients of the latest RPS Documentary Photography Awards (DPA), an annual competition celebrating visual talent from across the globe. The awardees were born or are based in Austria, Argentina, Greece, Italy, Turkey, the UK and the USA.
An exhibition of winning work from the 2024 edition will be at RPS Gallery from 17 January 2025, offering the chance to explore how documentary can move, surprise and inspire.
Featuring three categories – Members, Students and Open – the awards were organised by the RPS Documentary Group.
“Over 3,000 images were entered, each as a series telling a story,” says Mark Phillips FRPS, chair of the group. “Nine projects are exhibited, with three projects each from a Members, Students and an Open category.
“This format enables us to show long-form documentary work from RPS members, plus work of student photographers, as well as from more seasoned and experienced photographers in the Open category.”
Below, we share an image from each of the winning series.
OPEN CATEGORY
Nowhere Near by Alisa Martynova (see main image above)
This series poetically addresses migration of young people from Africa, as a testament to the individuality and diversity that they each embody.
Testament ’22 by Byron Smith
Testament ’22 covers the impact of the war in Ukraine, and serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the civilian population in the face of overwhelming violence.
Portraits of Artists of Condition-related Art by Gerard Saitner
The Maria Gugging Psychiatric Clinic, near Vienna, is the backdrop to this series. Here, patients in the little community gradually take on a new social identity – that of artists – which counteracts the damaging psychological effects of institutionalisation.
STUDENT CATEGORY
Lito by Julian Cabral
Lito the photographic series tells the story of Lito the photographer’s uncle. It narrates the days of a schizophrenic, sick, lonely person who lives with terror and anguish, in a precarious condition.
The Costs of Freedom by Sefa Eyol
The war in Ukraine from the perspective of the civilians – and the humanitarian crisis that unfolded – is covered by this project.
On These Magic Shores by Tamsyn Warde
This series looks at the spaces in which children play – play organised and initiated by children, or children playing in groups or alone.
MEMBER CATEGORY
Love is a Life Story by Ruth Toda-Nation
Love is a Life Story documents the friendship between two nonagenarians, John – the photographer’s father – and his friend Mary. It is a testament to the importance of friendship and faith, especially in the face of adversity.
No Safety Net by Brian Morgan FRPS
In No Safety Net, photographer Brian Morgan FRPS documents the precarious and emotional existence lived out by a travelling circus troupe. Dependent on one another, the group has a shared sense of belonging, community, resilience and, above all, mutual respect and trust.
Midwest Memoir by Michael Knapstein
This project documents the fast-changing and quickly disappearing vernacular landscape of the rural American Midwest, and gives a sense of what makes it so special.
The RPS Documentary Photography Awards exhibition is at RPS Gallery, Bristol, 17 January-9 March 2025.
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