The Society has adopted a wide definition of photography which refers to the art or science of the recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an image is produced or from which any image may by any means be produced.
Where a team or group is put forward, the nomination should show the role of each person concerned and to what extent and in what way each contributed to the initiation, development and exploitation of the subject of the proposal.
Nominations will continue to be considered by the Awards Committee for three years after the first submission. Should further information relevant to a nomination, where an Award has not been made, become available during this period the Awards Committee would like to be informed so that it can take it into consideration. Nominators should be aware that when an Award has not been made during this three year period a fresh nomination may be made, but should realise that a further significant contribution to photography during the intervening period needs to be shown.
You can nominate for:
PROGRESS MEDAL: Instituted in 1878, this Medal is awarded in recognition of any invention, research, publication or other contribution which has resulted in an important advance in the scientific or technological development of photography or imaging in the widest sense. This medal also carries with it an Honorary Fellowship of The Society.
CENTENARY MEDAL: Instituted in 1993, this Medal is awarded in recognition of a sustained, significant contribution to the art of photography. This medal also carries with it an Honorary Fellowship of The Society.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO PHOTOGRAPHY: This award recognises major sustained, outstanding and influential contributions to the advancement of photography and/or imaging in their widest meanings. To be eligible candidates must have made a contribution that has had a significant influence on the sustained advancement or enhancement of photography or imaging. Such influence may, but not necessarily, have been through commercial activities. This award also carries with it an Honorary Fellowship of The Society.
HONORARY FELLOWSHIPS: Awarded to distinguished persons having, from their position or attainments, an intimate connection with the science or fine art of photography or the application thereof. No more than eight Honorary Fellowships may be awarded in any one year; those awarded with the Progress and Centenary Medals, and by tradition to the incoming President, are included in this total.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARD FOR CINEMATIC PRODUCTION: This award is given to an individual for outstanding achievement or sustained contribution in the production, direction or development of film for the cinema, television, online or new media.
THE COMBINED ROYAL COLLEGES MEDAL: Originally established by The Society in 1958 by The Society, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal Colleges Medal is awarded for an outstanding contribution to the advancement and/or application of medical photography or the wider field of medical imaging.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD FOR CURATORSHIP: This Award recognises excellence over a period of time in the field of photographic curatorship, through exhibitions and associated events and publications.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD FOR EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY: This award is given to an individual for outstanding achievement and excellence in the fields of editorial, advertising and fashion photography.
EDUCATION AWARD: The award was inaugurated in 2011 and is given for outstanding achievement or sustained contribution in photographic education. This includes exceptional course development and management in combination with inspirational teaching or any other element that has progressed or improved photographic teaching and education.
FENTON MEDAL: This award, established in 1980, is named after Roger Fenton, one of The Society’s founders and until 1856 its Honorary Secretary. This award is made to a member or non-member who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of The Royal Photographic Society. Usually, no more than four Fenton Medals are awarded each year. Since 1998 this award carries Honorary Life Membership of The Society.
HOOD MEDAL: This medal is awarded within the art or science of photography for a body of photographic work produced to promote or raise awareness of an aspect of public benefit or service. Instituted in 1933 when Mr Harold Hood (Fellow) offered to present annually a medal for ‘meritorious performance in some branch of photography, with particular emphasis on any exhibition exhibit which revealed the most outstanding advance in photography for public service’.
J DUDLEY JOHNSTON AWARD: An Award for major achievement in the field of photographic criticism or the history of photography. To be awarded for sustained excellence over a period of time, or for a single outstanding publication. Named after The Society’s former President and Honorary Curator 1924-1955.
LUMIÈRE AWARD: An Award for major achievement in the field of cinematography, video or animation.
MEMBER’S AWARD. An Award, established in 2005, given to an ordinary member who, in the opinion of Council, has shown extraordinary support for The Society over a sustained period. This is not normally a reward for service on a committee but it does not exclude committee members where exceptional and outstanding commitment and support can be cited. This award carries with it Honorary Life Membership of The Society.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PUBLISHING: This award is given to an individual for outstanding achievement or sustained contribution in the field of Photographic Publishing in its broadest sense. This may include the printed page, e books or online publications.
THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD FOR SCIENTIFIC IMAGING: This award is given to an individual for a body of scientific imaging which promotes public knowledge and understanding.
SELWYN AWARD: This award, sponsored by the Imaging Science Group of The Society, was introduced in 1994 in memory of E W H Selwyn, an eminent photographic scientist who was the recipient of the Progress Medal in 1971 and the Williamson Research Award of The Society in 1936. This award is intended for those under the age of 35 years who have conducted successful science based research connected with imaging.
VIC ODDEN AWARD: An Award offered for a notable achievement in the art of photography by a British photographer aged 35 or under, studying photography in the UK. Endowed in memory of Vic Odden, one of the best known and highly respected photographic retailers in the UK.
