Everything you need for your photographic journey
Get photographic inspiration, community, recognition and knowledge, with RPS membership.
CREDIT: Justin Minns FRPS
Take your photography further with the Royal Photographic Society
Whether you simply enjoy taking photos and want to learn more, or you’re a professional looking to raise your profile, our membership connects you to the education, inspiration, community, and recognition to get you there.
Expand your skills and knowledge
With more than 383 learning experiences every year, our members trust us to develop their skills and knowledge.
Find inspiration and stay inspired
Through our journals, awards, exhibitions, newsletters, community, and more, we’ve been inspiring photographers for over 170 years.
Be part of a thriving community
Almost 600 members volunteer to connect with member communities, driving discussion, sharing experiences, and supporting learning.
Get recognition as a photographer
We recognise 1,000s of photographers every year through competitions, exhibitions, awards, and financial support through bursaries.
We’re committed to photography for everyone.
Our commitment as an educational charity is to bring photography to everyone. As a member, you’ll support an organisation that provides a platform for photographers at all levels while following in the footsteps of thousands of photographers.
The RPS is the earliest established international photographic society, and as the interests and needs of our members have evolved, so too has The RPS. However, our original aims of promoting the art and science of photography are as relevant today as they were back when we first formed.
Member benefits
The RPS Journal
Regular issues of the Award Winning RPS Journal. Each issue full of inspiration.
Learn more
Every issue of the award-winning RPS Journal delivers thought-provoking photography, in-depth features, and interviews with leading image-makers.
As the world’s oldest photography publication, it connects you to nearly two centuries of photographic heritage while showcasing the ideas shaping its future.
Members value it for its mix of inspiration, education and recognition of their community’s achievements.
Exclusive member newsletters
Stay informed and connected through member newsletters with trends, inspiration, and features.
Learn more
Member newsletters bring the RPS community directly to your inbox with the latest news, opportunities, events, and creative insights.
They’re designed to keep you inspired and up to date -spotlighting members’ work, offering practical advice, and sharing curated stories you won’t find elsewhere.
Regions & Chapters
Community groups where you can discuss, learn, and share your photography.
Learn more
Across the UK and around the world, RPS Regions and Chapters give members a local connection to a global organisation.
They’re the heartbeat of the community – hosting events, exhibitions, and meet-ups where you can learn from peers, get feedback on your work, and form lasting friendships.
Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups where you can share your passion for Landscape, Nature, Digital and more.
Learn more
These groups bring together photographers who share a particular passion. From Landscape and Nature to Digital Imaging, Analogue, and beyond.
Each offers talks, mentoring, themed projects and online discussions that deepen your knowledge and open doors to collaboration. They’re ideal if you want to focus your skills and develop within a supportive, like-minded network.
Charitable support
Knowing you are supporting The RPS’s charitable aims.
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Your membership doesn’t just enrich your own creative journey, it also helps us continue our vital work promoting photography as an art and science.
Together, we’re supporting education initiatives, exhibitions, and outreach programmes that inspire everyone – from children discovering photography for the first time to vulnerable adults finding expression through images.
Learning & Development
Receive discounts on specific RPS events, workshops, competitions, and courses.
Learn more
Members enjoy discounted access to workshops, courses, and events run by leading photographers and educators – on-demand, online, and in-person. The focus on expert-led, practical learning is what sets these opportunities apart from generic online courses.
Whether you’re refining your technique, exploring new genres, or working towards a distinction, you’ll find structured ways to improve and stay motivated.
Plus, increase your knowledge of industry trends through our talks programme and access best practice advice and free downloadable resources.
Choose your membership plan
25 and Under Membership
£5 per month
Annual membership. Monthly and annual payment options available.
You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility for this membership.
Standard Membership
Just over £10.80 per month
Annual membership. Monthly and annual payment options available.
65 and over Membership
Just over £8 per month
Annual membership. Monthly and annual payment options available.
You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility for this membership.
Disabled Photographer Membership
£5 per month
Annual membership. Monthly and annual payment options available.
You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility for this membership.
Student Membership
£5 per month
Annual membership. Monthly and annual payment options available. Student rate valid for 1 year at £60.
You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility for this membership.
You’re in good company
Our members benefit from inspiration, community, recognition and the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. Don’t just take it from us!
Share your passion with likeminded groups
Special interest groups sit at the heart of the RPS community. They bring together members who share a particular photographic interest, whether it is a genre, a way of working, or a broader area of creative or technical focus.
Each group is run by volunteers and develops its own mix of activities, publications, and learning opportunities. This makes them one of the easiest ways to find people who enjoy the same approach to photography, whatever your level of experience.
Analogue
The group encourages members of all levels of experience and interest. Whether you have had a lifelong career working with analogue photography and related areas or are experimenting as a complete ‘beginner’, you are welcome to join us and take part in exploring analogue’s many qualities.
Archaeology & Heritage
This group brings together photographers interested in cultural heritage, archaeology and the historic environment. Its activities include talks, member showcases and the Heritage Photography journal, which celebrates work inspired by the past and the places that hold it.
Audio Visual
Audio Visual, or AV as it is known is a fantastic way of showcasing stunning photographic images linked to a sound track – music, song, poetry, words, sounds, or a combination of these. A particular feature of an AV production is the third image, that wonderful moment when one image dissolves into the next.
Contemporary
The working definition of the Contemporary SIG is:
Photography that conveys ideas, stimulates thought and encourages interpretation; photographs “about” rather than “of”.
Creative Eye
Creative eye (originally formed in 1991 as ‘Creative group’ supports experimental and imaginative image-making. The group encourages members to explore new techniques and artistic approaches through workshops, field sessions and friendly portfolio forums where work is discussed constructively.
Digital Imaging
The digital imaging group focuses on digital workflows, creative editing and emerging technologies. Members can join peer review circles, attend webinars and take part in projects, while benefiting from regular publications including DIGIT and the group newsletter. There is also structured support for those preparing distinction submissions.
Documentary
Documentary is about developing a narrative or story using images. Our Documentary Group members have a common interest in documentary, urban and street, photography. The group offers a lively events programme, a regular e-journal and the opportunity to participate in other photographic initiatives.
Historical
The Historical Group is devoted to the study and appreciation of photography’s past. It hosts research days and lectures, publishes the PhotoHistorian journal and supports anyone interested in photographic history, processes or archives.
Imaging Science
The origins of the Imaging Science Group can be traced back to 1919 when the concept of a Scientific and Technical Group was developed to provide a forum for those members interested in the science behind photography.
Landscape
The Landscape Special Interest Group is dedicated to encouraging landscape photography and advancing the skills of its practitioners. Since its launch in 2016, the group has welcomed photographers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and offers a range of events, publications, and online platforms for members to share their work and collaborate with others.
Medical
The Medical Group has an illustrious history of meetings of medical photographers, joint conferences with the Imaging Science Group on Medical and Forensic Imaging and collaborating series of lectures with the Institute of Medical Illustrators.
Nature
The Nature Group is one of the largest and most active of the RPS Groups. Founded in 1976 under the Chairmanship of Heather Angel FRPS, the group aims to bring together people with an interest in any aspect of natural history photography, and with any level of ability to display their work.
Travel
The travel group brings together photographers interested in place, culture and the experience of travelling. Members contribute to the group’s Travel Log journal, take part in online events and often collaborate on themed photographic stories.
Visual Art
The Visual Art Group is the second largest of the RPS special interest groups with roots going back to 1921 through our predecessor, the Pictorial Group. These days we have nearly a thousand members, many of them overseas.
Women in Photography
Our objective is to facilitate the celebration, education & collaboration of female & female-identifying photographers. By becoming a member, you can participate in exciting competitions, gain exposure through features in our prestigious WE ARE Magazine, and enjoy numerous other exclusive benefits.
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Regional hubs
The RPS has a number of Regional groups across the UK. Led by fantastic teams of volunteers, they offer support for your photography, friendship, events and activities.
