Bath, UK, 29 December 2011: The Royal Photographic Society has announced a brand new category for its renowned Distinctions programme, which is regarded as the gold standard throughout the photographic world. Called Multimedia and Narrative, it embraces moving image, audio visual and multimedia. The category will launch from January 2012.

Multimedia and Narrative encompasses Audio Visual, Moving Image and Multimedia and consists of work that needs to be viewed over a period of time. The ‘narrative’ of the title emphasises the universal storytelling element of all areas considered by the panel.

Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS the Society’s Director-General, said: “We are well known for our still images with some of the world’s best photographers represented as Honorary Fellows of The Society, including Annie Leibovitz, Don McCullin, Martin Parr, Terry O’Neil and Mario Testino.

 “What has made The Society a world leader for more than 150 years is its ability to change with the times. That is why it is embracing the fact that people take – and make – images in ways unimaginable to our predecessors. We now have iPads, iPhones, apps, mobile phones, 3D, motion capture and thermal imaging and we have to recognise them. The tools to create images may have evolved but our distinctions assessment remain about recognising technical competence and creativity”

The Society recognises that more people take images on their mobile phones than with a digital camera and welcomes new and creative techniques.  Submissions are invited from anyone of any age and using any platform. Applicants for Licentiate applicants do not have to be a member of The Society.

 There are two Levels for the Multimedia and Narrative Distinction:

• Licentiateship: one sequence/production (moving image, audio visual or multimedia) with a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
• Associateship: one or more sequences/productions (moving image, audio visual or multimedia) with a maximum duration of 20 minutes.

Full distinction requirements can be found here: http://www.rps.org/resources/downloads/MULTIMEDIA.pdf

The Society is holding a special advisory day for anyone considering submitting work for the new Multimedia and Narrative Distinction at Fenton House in Bath on 29 February 2012. Applicants will receive advice on their submissions from three members of the new panel, and work in progress is welcomed: http://www.rps.org/distinctions_workshops/view/2422    The first assessment day for the new distinction is at the same venue on 4 April 2012.

For further information:

http://www.rps.org/licentiateship/NEW-Multimedia-and-Narrative-Category

Contacts:

Dr Michael Pritchard,  Director-General, email:  michael@rps.org or tel: 01225 325730

Andy Moore,  Distinctions Manager, email:  andy@rps.org  or tel: 01225 325760