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DSC01489
CREDIT: Benjamin Hadfield LRPS

World Photography Day 2026

Annual global celebration of the art, craft, science, and history of photography, commemorating the 1839 announcement of the daguerreotype—the world's first publicly practical photographic process.
Apotekhina ARPS Self 2
CREDIT: Anastasia Potekhina FRPS

What compels you to take photos?

Every photographer has an answer. It might be the need to hold onto a moment, or the pull towards a subject you can't explain. It might be something you've always done, or something that crept up on you. Whatever it is, it's yours. 

World Photography Day, celebrated this year on 19 August, is a moment for the global photography community to reflect on that question. This year, the RPS is marking it with a week of activity that puts our community's work, voices, and stories at the heart of the celebration. 

Whether you're a long-standing member or discovering the RPS for the first time, there's something here for you. Explore the range of activities happening in our community and ways to get involved below. 

Members Competition

IMG 3463
CREDIT: Michael Bickerton
Member Competition
Theme: The photo I keep coming back to

Every photographer has one. The image you can't quite let go of - the one you've printed and put on the wall, or the one still sitting in your camera roll that you return to again and again. It might capture a fleeting moment, a place that means everything to you, or something you couldn't have planned if you'd tried. Whatever it is, it's stayed with you for a reason. 

This World Photography Day, we're inviting all RPS members to submit that photo. 

Enter Now
Mirror Calm At One Mull
How to Enter
Use your RPS Account credentials to login to the entry portal.

Key information for entries:

  1. Entries are Free
  2. Provide RPS Membership number
  3. Submit one image:
    • Image must be .jpg file format. ( save highest quality )
    • Image size Minimum width 420mm
    • Image resolution Minimum resolution 300dpiSubmit one image
  4. Optional: You can also include a short statement of up to 200 words as we would love to hear the story behind the image.
Acrobatic Couple
CREDIT: James Penrose
Key Dates and Information
Entries close on Monday 3 August

This competition is open to all current RPS members. One entry per member. 

The winner and highly commended entries will be announced on World Photography Day, Wednesday 19 August, and showcased in a gallery on our website and across our social channels.  

More activities from the RPS

IPE 167 Awards Card
Talks at theprintspace as part of the IPE167
Friday, 21st August

As part of the International Photography Exhibition 167 programme, theprintspace will be hosting two daytime talks at their studio. These talks will offer attendees invaluable guidance on optimising their images for print, including how to select the perfect paper types and prints to match their creative vision.

Additionally, the sessions will introduce artists to theprintspace’s automated dropshipping service, demonstrating how creators can seamlessly sell and fulfil their printed artworks to a global audience.

More information on theprintspace events to come soon.