18 Pictures From the 167th Version of the World’s Longest-Operating Photography Exhibition

The Royal Photographic Society will exhibit photographic works created by 48 totally different photographers for its 167th annual International Photography Exhibition (IPE). It is the world’s longest-running pictures exhibition.

More than 5,200 photographers, newbie {and professional} alike, submitted work for consideration on this yr’s IPE. The judging panel finally chosen 113 prints by 48 photographers, persevering with the exhibition’s give attention to various up to date pictures.

“The IPE has always reflected the times and this year’s submissions are no exception with many photographers focusing on themes that include environmental issues; identity; conflict, memory, community; family; and culture, as well as using alternative processes to create the work, thus showing how contemporary photographers engage with and capture aspects of the world that are not only visually compelling but also socially and culturally significant,” the Royal Photographic Society explains.

Selected Exhibited Works

Gallery Exhibition

For the second straight yr, the International Photography Exhibition can be on show on the Saatchi Gallery, London. Last yr’s exhibition attracted greater than 65,000 guests. This yr’s present begins on August 7 and runs by way of September 11. After this, the IPE will go on tour to the Taunton Museum (October 24, 2026 by way of January 9, 2027) after which to the Royal Geographical Society in London from April 5-28, 2027. There may also be a particular one-night-only occasion at theprintspace on August 20, 2026.

Victoria Humphries, CEO of the Royal Photographic Society, celebrates pictures’s influence and energy in a prolonged assertion:

Photography has a novel capability to carry individuals collectively, and the RPS International Photography Exhibition 167 is a superb instance of that in motion. This yr’s exhibition showcases work from photographers the world over, from each stage of their photographic journey, united by a shared ardour for seeing and deciphering the world by way of a lens.

As a corporation, we imagine that pictures is for everybody. Those phrases are mirrored within the breadth of submissions we obtained from each RPS members and non-members, and within the range of tales, views and experiences represented within the last choice.

What I discover most inspiring about this exhibition is the reminder that, wherever we stay and no matter our background, pictures helps us talk concepts, feelings and moments that resonate far past ourselves. IPE167 celebrates not solely excellent photographs, however the world photographic group that continues to create, join and encourage by way of pictures.

Special Awards

Alongside the exhibition itself, the RPS has awarded two photographers with particular prizes. The first is Marcy Palmer, who gained the IPE Award for her sequence Seeds of Strength and Resilience. Palmer’s sequence focuses on the historical past and way forward for reproductive rights.

“My heart leapt and my eyes filled with tears upon reading my acceptance to the exhibition and receiving the IPE 167 Award,” says Palmer. “I am deeply honored and thrilled, thank you.”

Léa Chen gained the Under 30s IPE Award for her work, The Stars That Don’t Look Back. Chen’s work appears to be like at reminiscences and moments shared between three generations of girls in Taiwan.

“I feel deeply grateful to receive this award. The RPS’s supportive and inspiring community has helped my work reach and be appreciated by a wider audience, which is more than I could have dreamed of. I am truly excited to see where this award will lead me, and how it will continue to fuel my creative journey,” Chen says.

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Image creditSelected images supplied courtesy of the Royal Photographic Society. Individual photographers are credited within the captions.