The Society has a long history of awarding photographic bursaries to young, aspiring, photographers. Many past winners have gone on to establish successful careers. 

The Society’s newest bursary – award is perhaps a better term - is a little different. It is designed to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: The Queen is The Society’s Patron and is an accomplished photographer in her own right and it is  appropriate that an award for a young person in the Commonwealth – another of Her Majesty’s particular interests - would be an appropriate way of marking this historic milestone.

In partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society the RPS will offer an award of up to £3000 to fund a two-part photography project under the RCS’s Jubilee theme of ‘Connecting Cultures for the Jubilee’. The award is open to any member of the Commonwealth. It will bring the winner to London from their home in the late Autumn of 2012 where he or she will attend the sealing and celebration of The RCS’s Jubilee Time capsule [see side panel] in the presence of some very important guests. Over the following four days the winner will be supported to produce a photo essay with special access to places and people in London facilitated by the RCS.

On their return home the winner will produce a similar photo essay in his or hers home country to explore the parallels and differences with London. The resulting photographs will be printed and exhibited in the winner’s home country and in London. The photo essay will be added to the Jubilee Time Capsule which will reside in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.  The winner and his or her work will feature in an edition of the RPS Journal.

How to enter the award?

Entries for the award will be through the RCS’s Jubilee Time Capsule (www.jubileetimecapsule.org) Upload one or more images relating to a specific day in the last sixty years from 6 February 1952 – the Queen’s Accession Day - which was important to you, your family or your community. Select ‘Jubilee Photography Award’ from the drop down menu and add text discussing that image. The selectors will produce a short list of entrants who will be asked to provide further evidence of their photographic skills and a short statement outline what they hope to achieve with the award.

The closing date for entries to the Jubilee Time Capsule will be 30 September. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to supply further evidence of work and the London visit will take place in November. The RCS will help with any necessary visa and travel arrangements.