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The 40% Project

Photograhers Information Page

Photographers

Are you ready to be part of something incredible? The RPS Women in Photography group is thrilled to launch the 40% Project, an initiative to celebrate the remarkable rise in female MPs. This is an initiative to capture the strength, grace, and power of women MPs through photography. We are seeking passionate photographers to join us in showcasing the diverse and impactful presence of women in politics. If you're ready to make a meaningful contribution through your lens, we invite you to be a part of this empowering project. Let's capture the essence of female leadership together! 📷✨

 

Outline

As a result of last year’s General Election, there are a record number of women in Parliament. There are now 264 women MPs. This represents 40% of the total seats in Parliament. - This is a fantastic achievement!

The Women in Photography group of the RPS (Royal Photographic Society) is celebrating this with a photography competition. '40%' sets out to portray the current women MPs through the eyes of female and female-identifying photographers. 

We are working to exhibit the results on railings in Central London and other locations across the country.

Currently, 186 MPs have been paired with photographers—we are looking to include all 264 women MPs!

 

FAQs

1. How do I get involved?
Photographing 264 MPs is quite a challenge. To achieve this, photographers will be drawn from the following groups:

2. Can I choose my MP?
Yes, but to avoid overlap, MPs will be centrally allocated and tracked.

3. How do I contact my MP?
We’ll send an intro email (cc'ing you). You’ll then arrange the shoot directly. Note: Not all MPs have responded—participation isn’t guaranteed.

4. What if my MP doesn’t respond?
Follow up via email, phone, socials, post, or a constituency surgery visit. If still no response, let us know so we can help or reassign.

5. What do I need?
Enthusiasm and a good grasp of your MP’s values. Flexibility is key.

6. Are there image guidelines?
No strict format—create collaboratively with your MP. They must approve the final image.

7. Need help? 
Join our monthly Zoom support sessions—or ask us.

8.  When’s the deadline? 
Submit by 31 October 2025 as a JPG + 250-word description. Keep a high-res copy safe for printing, which we will ask you for later.

9. Can we post the portrait online? 
Yes! - see Media Copy below.  

10. How are final images selected? 
By a project committee. Their decision is final.

11. Are there costs? 
Photographers cover their own expenses. We’re seeking funding for printing and installation.

12. Is it paid?
No—this is a volunteer project and creative opportunity.

13. Who owns the image? 
You do. You grant RPS a license for project use (exhibitions, books, promos). Other use is yours to manage.

14. When is the exhibition? 
Due to funding delays, it’s planned for Summer 2026—updates to follow.

15. Where will it be? 
Outdoor public spaces across the UK for maximum visibility.

16. Can I help in other ways?
Yes! We need volunteers for:

  • Press & Marketing.
  • Training & Mentoring.
  • Contracts.
  • Printing & Publishing.
  • Exhibition.

Get in touch if you'd like to support the project!

 

RPSWIP40%

Online Meeting

NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD - 30 June 2025

For those participating in this exciting project who may have questions or would like some advice on how to plan and execute the portrait.

Please register to receive the Zoom link to join
Reserve your place here
Image

Forms

Please ensure to download the following documents for you, the photographer and your sitter.

The ‘Photography Licensing Terms Agreement’ — should be signed by the photographer when submitting their portrait to The 40% Project. (a jpg version asap and later when asked for, the high-res version for exhibition/book)

The ‘Photography Licensing Terms Agreement’ form grants 'the client', who is ‘RPS Women in Photography group’ permission to use the submitted image specifically for Project purposes, including exhibitions, publications, and promotional activities.

Please note:

You retain full copyright of all images taken during the sitting and are free to use them as you would under any other circumstance.

The ‘model release’ form should be signed by the MP sitting for the portrait.

1. Photography Licensing Terms Agreement

2. Model Release Form 

Screenshot 2025 04 16 At 22.30.37

Media Copy

40% Project Media Copy for Use

We’ve provided two versions of the 40% Project description for use on websites, social media, newsletters, or other promotional materials:

📱 Short Social Media Blurb

📸 The 40% Project by RPS Women in Photography is a national portrait series celebrating the 40% of UK MPs who are women. We're capturing their stories, strength, and impact—one portrait at a time.

Follow the journey and get involved 👉 https://tinyurl.com/bdhujzn7

#40PercentProject #WomenInPolitics #RPSWomenInPhotography #RPSWIP40%Project

 

📰 Full Project Description for Web & Press

The 40% Project is an initiative by RPS Women in Photography that celebrates the achievements and representation of women in UK politics. The project aims to create a powerful portrait series of the 40% of Members of Parliament who are women, capturing their individuality, strength, and the diverse paths that brought them into public service.

Through photography, we honour their contributions and highlight the importance of gender representation in government. This nationwide project will culminate in a compelling visual archive, fostering dialogue around equality, leadership, and visibility. The final body of work will be exhibited and published, amplifying the voices of women shaping the future of the UK.

Learn more or get involved at https://rps.org/groups/women-in-photography/the-40-project/.

#40PercentProject #WomenInPolitics #RPSWomenInPhotography #RPSWIP40%Project

 

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Using the Press Release Template:

1. Download the Word document

2. You can leave the press release unchanged and send it out as-is or replace Elenor Church’s image with your own MP portrait.

3. If you are using your own portrait of an MP:

• Replace Elenor’s image with your own.

• Update the photographer’s quote to reflect your own words and experience of the shoot.

4. Send the press release to your local media—many will be keen to feature their MP.

Download here
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Who Is Your MP?

Find out here
A Kiss By Sue Wright
CREDIT: Sue Wright

Submit your image

Your portrait must be captured and submitted to the online gallery by 31 October 2025. Please upload your image as a JPG file.

Along with your submission, you will be asked to include a short description (up to 250 words) about your portrait.

Additionally, please keep a full-resolution copy of your image stored safely, as we will require later for the printing process.

Add your image here
4922254 Christina Osborne Gardener
CREDIT: Christina Osborne

Become a member

If you are not an RPS Women in Photography group member, we invite you to join our community of passionate photographers. By becoming a member, you can participate in exciting competitions, gain exposure through features in our prestigious WE ARE Magazine, and enjoy numerous other exclusive benefits. We extend a warm welcome to photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Join in
Sign in here!

The First Woman MP

The first woman to be elected to the Commons was Constance Markievicz, in the general election of 1918. However, as a member of Sinn Féin, she did not take her seat.

Nancy Astor (Viscountess Astor) was the first woman to take a seat in Parliament in December 1919 after a by-election. She was elected as a Conservative for the Plymouth Sutton constituency after her husband, Waldorf Astor, the former MP, was elevated to the peerage.

She held the seat until she stood down in 1945.  She was a great supporter of the women's movement once in Parliament.

Her husband also worked to promote the admission of women to the House of Lords during the 1920s.