RPS International Photography Exhibition 2025
Saatchi Gallery, London
5 August - 18 September 2025
Lick
© Lydia Goldblatt
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Boomika 1
© Kunnath Keerthana
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
About to Leave
© Timon Benson
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Family Portrait
© Ville Niiranen
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
The exhibiting artists for the 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition (IPE), the world's longest-running photography exhibition, have been announced. Renowned for showcasing the diversity of contemporary photography from around the world, the works are on display at London's Saatchi Gallery.
More than 4,000 photographers, both amateur and professional, submitted work for consideration in the 166th IPE open call. 113 prints from 51 photographers were selected by a guest panel for inclusion in the exhibition.
Selected Photographers: Mark Aitken, Jocelyn Allen, Debe Arlook, Murray Ballard, Timon Benson, John Boaz, Sean Cham, Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung, Alex Currie, Megan K Eagles, Thomas Dryden-Kelsey, Andy Fell, Stefano Ferrarin, Austin Fischer, Margarita Galandina, Lydia Goldblatt, Francisco Gonzalez Camacho, Mat Hay, Ronya Hirsma, Peter Holliday, Lawrence W. Ivy, Ayesha Jones, Keerthana Kunnath, Jacopo Locarno, Deacon Lui, Mehdi Moghimnejad, Aidan Murgatroyd, Albert Ng, Ville Niiranen, Ryan O'Toole Collett, Ana Paganini, Andy Pilsbury, Tine Poppe, Matthew Renew, Emilie Rondal Nielsen, Hyunmin Ryu, Aindreas Scholz, Kate Schultze, Nirvana Seepersaud, Aria Shahrokhshahi, Xu Shengzhe, Gokhan Tannover, Valentin Valette, lnes Ventura, Katie Waite, Alastair Philip Wiper, Hanna Wolf, Naoto Yoshida, Zeng Fengyang, ChengLong Zhang, Danilo Zocatelli Cesco.
Do(I)ce
© Francisco Gonzalez Camacho
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Fabian , Equestrian Eventer
© John Boaz
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
The Tangential
© Aidan Murgatroyd
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Chrysanthemum Morifolium
© Tine Poppe
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
The IPE has always reflected the times and this year's submissions are no exception with many photographers focussing on themes that include environmental issues, identity, community, family, and culture, showing how contemporary photographers engage with and capture aspects of the world that are not only visually compelling but also socially and culturally significant.
With this edition showing at Saatchi Gallery, London, more people than ever can view the work and appreciate the broad range of photography and themes captured in the final selection.
Victoria Humphries, CEO of the RPS comments: "This is another edition of the RPS International Photography Exhibition that pushes the boundaries of creative expression and celebrates the diversity and evolution of photography. When you view this exhibition and see the same themes evolving from every corner of the world you can't underestimate the importance of the RPS International Photography Exhibition in bringing these works together."
Felipe Barrera Aguirre, traditional Chinampero farmer
and agroecology teacher
© Mat Hay
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Men Playing Cards, Muro Leccese Salento, [2022]
© Murray Ballard
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Kalle
© Peter Holiday
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
Our Lady of Fatima
© Ana Paganini
Courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society
The selection panel of experts consisted of Yuxing Chen, a Chinese artist and researcher based in the UK and previous recipient of the IPE 165 award; Kalpesh Lathigra,a British Indian artist occupying documentary and art practise and senior lecturer at London College of Communication/ University of the Arts London; Anne Nwakalor, a British Nigerian Photo Editor and Communications Officer and founding editor of No! Wahala Magazine; Nicola Shipley, Curator, Producer, Mentor and co-founder and Director of GRAIN projects; and photography consultant and long-term member of the IPE selection panel,Dr Michael Pritchard.
The two award recipients for the 166th edition of the International Photography Exhibition have been announced, with Lydia Goldblatt, and Keerthana Kunnath receiving the honours. Lydia Goldblatt received the IPE Award for her series Fugue, which explores motherhood as a central theme, considering love and grief, mothering and losing a mother, as well as intimacy and distance.The Under 30s Award was presented to Keerthana Kunnath for her series Not What You Saw, which centres on South Indian female bodybuilders who challenge entrenched gender and beauty norms by embracing physical strength, a trait often considered as masculine.
On receiving the IPE award Lydia Goldblatt said:"It is a huge honour to have my work selected for the RPS IPE 166. I am deeply humbled and very grateful to receive the IPE Award, and so excited to exhibit Fugue in the company of wonderful photographers. I am profoundly moved to know that this project, which began so quietly and privately, has resonated with the esteemed jury, and that it will have the opportunity to be seen by others who might a/so connect to its themes. To have my work recognised and seen within the rich context and history of the RPS is a very great privilege."On receiving the Under 30s IPE Award Keerthana Kunnath said:" I am honoured to be named one of the two award winners at this year's RPS International Photography Exhibition. This recognition from such a prestigious institution marks a significant milestone in my photographic journey. It's a joy to see the series being appreciated and celebrated. Thanks to all the judges."Simon Hill HonFRPS, RPS President,comments:"The RPS is proud to champion a dynamic and inclusive international photographic community. The International Photography Exhibition, with its unique legacy and global reputation, continues to be a vital platform for celebrating the richness and significance of contemporary photography. This 166th edition showcases an extraordinary collection of work from some of the most innovative and talented photographers worldwide. It is a testament to the power of photography to inspire, challenge, and connect us, and we are confident that this carefully curated exhibition will captivate and resonate with audiences through its diverse subjects, themes, techniques, and aesthetics."
RPS - ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
SAATCHI GALLERY, LONDON
