The Royal Photographic Society (founded 1853) announces a new category for its renowned Distinctions program. Called Multimedia and Narrative, it embraces moving image, audio visual and multimedia, and launches in January 2012.
The new category consists of work that needs to be viewed over a period of time. The “narrative” of the title emphasizes the universal storytelling element of all areas to be 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. 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. Licentiate applicants do not have to be a member of The Society.
here 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
Image above: Arthur Clive Banfield (1875-1965), ‘The Life History of a Splash, Series II’, c. 1905, Carbon print, The Royal Photographic Society Collection at the National Media Museum
