RPS Yorkshire Committee

Ed has been keen on photography for over 50 years, particularly when he was a student when he did some developing and printing of black and white photographs, he’s planning to try it again. He also used colour slide films for many years until he got his first digital SLR. He mostly uses a mirrorless camera now. However working full time as a family doctor and the arrival of two sons severely restricted his photography. Ed retired from clinical practice in 2015 (apart from doing Covid Vaccination clinics throughout 2021). Fortunately he’s managed to do more photography since 2015 and is also involved with a couple of local photography groups. 

Ed has been an RPS member for many years and is particularly interested in landscape (rural and urban), travel and natural history photography. Since 2016 he has also become interested in the history of photography.

The RPS is often seen as a retired white male middle class organisation and it is good to see more women photographers involved, however it needs to reach out to younger folk and those from our diverse ethnic minority population. Hopefully with working with schools,  colleges and photography clubs, it can broaden out its membership.

Hasan Rahmani was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1982, and now lives and works in Leeds, United Kingdom. He has been passionate about photography and conceptual art for many years. Hasan graduated with an MA in Photography from Leeds Arts University, where he explored analog and experimental processes in depth. He has developed a distinctive approach that combines technical precision with emotional storytelling, most notably through his innovative “Liquid Light” technique on metal surfaces such as aluminum. This method, refined over several years, transforms ordinary materials into works that explore identity, language, and cultural adaptation.

Hasan’s work has been shortlisted in international competitions, including HIPA, the Royal Photographic Society, and the SIENA Awards, and has been recognized by scientific organizations for its interdisciplinary approach. Alongside his exhibitions, he works with communities and organizations to promote inclusivity and cultural awareness through photography.

He hopes that photography organizations like the RPS can continue to broaden participation, reaching younger photographers and those from diverse backgrounds, helping the medium remain relevant and socially engaging.

Debbie has been a keen amateur photographer for many years, having first developed an interest in the art when experimenting with her dad's Brownie camera. Her passion for photography has grown over time, leading her to explore various techniques and styles. More recently, she attended York Art College for two terms to expand her knowledge of digital photography and editing, allowing her to refine her skills and gain a deeper understanding of different photographic styles.

Although Debbie's photography experience is relatively recent, she brings over a decade of expertise in professional body committee functions. Her background in this area has given her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work collaboratively—qualities that also influence her approach to photography.

Her photographic curiosities are wide-ranging, with a particular passion for capturing wildlife and live concerts. More recently, she has been honing her newly developed skills in product and portrait photography, expanding her creative repertoire.

Debbie is new to the Royal Photographic Society and is excited to network with like minded (and more experienced) individuals.  In the next stage of her development, she plans to commence her RPS Distinctions journey.

Ben is a serious amateur photographer based in North Yorkshire. His first interactions with photography were during family road trips through Europe and the United States, borrowing his dad’s old DSLR to capture everything in sight.

For over fifteen years, Ben has increasingly invested in photography and honed his photographic skills and style, with focuses in travel, street, landscape and nature photography. Through these focuses, Ben explores the relationships and interactions between subjects and their natural or chosen environments.

Ben is a relatively new member of the Royal Photographic Society. Soon after enrolling, he joined the RPS Yorkshire committee as the region’s Events and Engagement Officer.

Through various in-work roles, Ben brings much experience in writing comms, along with organising, chairing and participating in both in-person and virtual events. These include panel discussions, guest speakers and networking gatherings.

Ben wants to engage with RPS members across Yorkshire, to understand the types of events members are interested in attending. All suggestions and feedback on RPS Yorkshire’s activities are welcome!

Rachael has been involved in photography for 30 years, first picking up a camera at the age of 10. She went on to study for a BA (Hons) in Photography and has since built a career as a documentary photographer, using images to tell stories that explore social and environmental issues, human connection, and our relationship with nature.

Alongside her personal work, Rachael has contributed to large-scale public photography projects, including installations for NHS mental health spaces and the Photographers in Isolation project, which documented the impact of COVID-19. In 2024, she was awarded the BJP Portrait of Britain Award for her work.

Now, as Regional Comms Officer for RPS Yorkshire, Rachael is passionate about connecting photographers across the region and building a strong, engaged photographic community. She believes that networking and collaboration are essential for photographers, providing inspiration, support, and new opportunities to grow. She’s excited to organise photography events and education across the region, bring photographers together and highlight the incredible work happening across Yorkshire.

Nigel Plant was born in East London in the middle of the last century, went on to live in Southampton for nearly 25 years but now finds himself a resident of God's own county, Yorkshire.

He gained his Associateship (ARPS) in 2008 and also holds a Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (DPAGB) and is an Associate of the International Federation of Photographic Art (AFIAP). Until July 2024 he was one of the Chairs of the Licentiate Distinctions Panel.

His photographic interests are wide ranging but in recent years he has focussed on musicians, concert and festival images.