The Royal Photographic Society has announced the selected artists for the 166th edition of its international photography exhibition, marking another milestone for what is recognized as the world's longest-running photography exhibition. The showcase will be displayed at London's prestigious Saatchi Gallery from August 5 through September 18, 2025.

This year's exhibition features a diverse collection of contemporary photographic works that explore themes ranging from motherhood and family dynamics to environmental concerns and cultural identity. The selected photographers represent various backgrounds and artistic approaches, creating a comprehensive view of current photographic practice.

Lydia Goldblatt received the IPE award for her powerful series "Fugue," which explores motherhood as a central theme. Her work examines the complex emotions surrounding love and grief, the experience of mothering and losing a mother, as well as the delicate balance between intimacy and distance. One of the featured images, "Lick," demonstrates the raw emotional depth that characterizes this acclaimed series.

Ville Niiranen, a portrait and documentary photographer based in London and Zürich, contributes his series "The Admirable Fabric of Masculine Intelligence," which documents his personal experience as a stay-at-home father. His photograph "Family Portrait" offers an intimate glimpse into modern fatherhood and challenges traditional gender roles within family structures.

Aidan Murgatroyd's work "The Tangential" comes from his series "Time's Relentless Melt," a deeply personal project that began after the loss of a close friend. Murgatroyd's photography is inspired by the significant role that memory, absence, trace, and nostalgia play in forming the narratives through which we understand ourselves and interpret the world around us.

The under-30s award was presented to Keerthana Kunnath for her compelling series "Not What You Saw," which centers on South Indian female bodybuilders who boldly challenge entrenched gender and beauty norms by embracing physical strength—a trait traditionally considered masculine. Her photograph "Boomika" captures the power and determination of these women who are redefining societal expectations.

Norwegian artist and photographer Tine Poppe addresses environmental concerns through her series "Gilded Lilies." Her photograph "Chrysanthemum Morifolium" is part of a larger body of work focusing on cut flowers that are manufactured on an industrial scale in greenhouses with no contact with nature and generate high CO2 emissions. Poppe's practice concentrates on bringing attention to social, political, existential, and environmental issues through both art and documentary photography. Her flower photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the natural beauty we risk losing due to environmental degradation.

Brighton-based photographer Murray Ballard, born in 1983, explores a variety of subjects across several interrelated areas including the environment, social issues, science, and technology. He is best known for his long-term project "The Prospect of Immortality," an investigation into cryonics. His contribution "Men playing cards, Muro Leccese, Salento" demonstrates his ability to capture intimate human moments within broader social contexts.

The exhibition's main image, "Fabian, Equestrian Eventer," photographed by John Boaz, comes from the series "Rivers of Living Water," which investigates different traditions, cultures, nationalities, and beliefs within the Christian faith. This work exemplifies the exhibition's commitment to exploring diverse spiritual and cultural expressions.

Mat Hay contributes "Felipe Barrera Aguirre, traditional Chinampero farmer and agroecology teacher," representing his broader body of work that celebrates rural cultures, communities, and industries while documenting how humans interact with and alter landscapes and the environment. His projects highlight the importance of traditional agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

Scottish photographer Peter Holliday presents "Kalle," part of his practice that explores eco-phenomenological themes relating to the northern environment, remote communities, and place-based narratives. His work emphasizes the connection between people and their natural surroundings, particularly in isolated or challenging environments.

Timon Benson's contribution comes from his series "About to Leave," which explores themes of displacement, solitude, and transition. This deeply personal work addresses his attachment to his father and examines the contrasts between his father's life in two different homes: Kenya and the United Kingdom. The series reflects on the complexities of multicultural identity and family relationships across geographical boundaries.

Ana Paganini presents "Our Lady of Fatima," representing her documentary projects that focus on themes of personal and collective memory, identity, and cultural traditions, often relating to her native Portugal. Her work demonstrates the importance of preserving and documenting cultural heritage and religious traditions.

Spanish visual artist Francisco Gonzalez Camacho, based in Finland, contributes "Do(I)ce" from his series "Reverting." This work reflects upon the material connection between landscape and image-making, exploring environmental issues and the objectification of nature in Iceland. His practice examines how we perceive and interact with natural environments through photography.

The Royal Photographic Society's international photography exhibition continues to serve as a significant platform for contemporary photographers to showcase their work and engage with pressing social, environmental, and cultural issues. The 166th edition promises to offer visitors a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of current photographic practice, demonstrating the medium's continued relevance in documenting and interpreting our complex world.

The exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery will provide London audiences with an opportunity to experience this diverse collection of photographic works that collectively represent the current state of international photography. Each selected piece contributes to a broader conversation about the role of photography in addressing contemporary challenges and preserving cultural narratives for future generations.