At a recent EGM, the Visual Journalism Group was renamed the Documentary and Visual Journalism Group (DVJ).  Chairman, Lionel Squire ARPS, said of the change: “This is a very exciting step for us.  We believe that it significantly broadens the appeal of the group, and will attract a much wider membership.  We believe that anyone who has an interest in photographing the everyday lives of ordinary people – whether that is part of a photo essay or a candid street shot – will find a warm welcome in the group.”  One of the fastest growing groups in The Society, the DVJ has increased its membership by 40% over the last year and with new members signing up each week, this pace of growth looks set to continue.  The group has an exciting events programme in the pipeline for next year and will be offering a number of workshops to help its members on the road to distinctions.

To celebrate the renaming of the group, the DVJ has launched a competition (open to all Society members) to find the Documentary Photographer of 2012, for which the overall winner will receive a prestigious Society medal.  For further details, email vjgroup@rps.org.