Royal Photographic Society Awards 2025 celebrate diverse photography from landscapes to socially engaged portraiture.
The Royal Photographic Society Awards of 2025 celebrated photographers who push artistic limits. Susan Derges was awarded the RPS Centenary Medal for her innovative camera-less techniques in Devon. Omar Victor Diop received the RPS Award for Achievement for his staged portraits that delve into identity. The Progress Medal went to David Malin for his groundbreaking work in astronomical imaging. Tami Aftab was recognized for her portraits that tackle migration issues, while Raghu Rai was honored for his documentary photography in India. Amak Mahmoodian's photojournalism sheds light on marginalized groups. Charlotte Cotton was acknowledged for her curatorial work and her book, The Photograph as Contemporary Art. Richard Billingham was appointed honorary fellow for his portrayal of working-class life in Britain. Other accolades included the World Press Photo Awards, Prix Pictet, Hasselblad Award, and Aesthetica Art Prize.
Key facts
- The 2025 Royal Photographic Society Awards is the world's longest-running photography prize
- Susan Derges won the RPS Centenary Medal for camera-less photography using natural landscapes
- Omar Victor Diop received the RPS Award for Achievement in the Art of Photography for staged portraiture with historical references
- David Malin earned the Progress Medal for pioneering astronomical imaging techniques
- Tami Aftab was honored for achievement under 30 for portraits addressing migration and memory
- The Aesthetica Art Prize 2025 shortlist includes Askio, Joanne Coates, and Michelle Blancke
- Charlotte Cotton was recognized for curatorship, criticism, and research including The Photograph as Contemporary Art
- Richard Billingham was named honorary fellow for documenting working-class British life and teaching
Entities
Artists
- Susan Derges
- Omar Victor Diop
- David Malin
- Tami Aftab
- Raghu Rai
- Amak Mahmoodian
- Charlotte Cotton
- Richard Billingham
- Askio
- Joanne Coates
- Michelle Blancke
- Ragnar Guðni Axelsson
- Simon Cartwright
Institutions
- Royal Photographic Society
- Aesthetica Art Prize
- World Press Photo Awards
- Prix Pictet
- Hasselblad Award
- Aesthetica Magazine
Locations
- Devon
- United Kingdom
- India
- Greenland