The Royal Photographic Society has announced the recipients of its annual awards. Steve J Sasson, widely acknowledged as the inventor of the digital camera, which he developed while working for the Eastman Kodak Company in 1975, received the Progress Medal. New York photographer Joel Meyerowitz, who was an early exponent of colour photography from 1962 received the Centenary Medal. Kathy Ryan a New York photo editor, author, teacher, mentor and exhibition curator, received the award for Outstanding Service to Photography. The call for nominations for the 2013 Awards will be open from 30 September 2012.

RPS Press Release

The Royal Photographic Society Awards 2012 announced

·      Progress Medal goes to Steve Sasson inventor of the digital camera
·      Centenary Medal awarded to New York photographer Joel Meyerowitz
·      Honours for Brian May CBE, photographers, photo curators and educators

Bath, UK, 6 September 2012 – The Royal Photographic Society has announced the recipients of its annual awards at a ceremony held this evening at the Royal Society, London. The awards, which are supported by The Macallan, recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. They have been given since 1878.

Steve J Sasson, widely acknowledged as the inventor of the digital camera, which he developed while working for the Eastman Kodak Company in 1975, received the Progress Medal which recognises any invention, research, publication or other contribution which has resulted in an important advance in the scientific or technological development of photography or imaging.

New York photographer Joel Meyerowitz, who was an early exponent of colour photography from 1962 and documented the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 World Trade Centre attack, received the Centenary Medal.

Kathy Ryan a New York photo editor advancing visual boundaries at The New York Times Magazine, and as an author, teacher, mentor and exhibition curator, received the award for Outstanding Service to Photography.  Rock guitarist Dr Brian H May CBE received the Saxby Award for achievement in the field of three-dimensional imaging for his work in communicating the history of 3D to a public audience.  Young photographer Laura Pannack received the Vic Odden Award given for a notable achievement in the art of photography by a British photographer aged 35 or under.

Also announced were the recipients of The Society’s educational bursaries given to promising photographers starting their careers and the Combined Royal Colleges Medal awarded for an outstanding contribution to photography and/or its application in the service of medicine and surgery.

Roy Robertson HonFRPS, President of The Royal Photographic Society commented:  “The Society, with the support of The Macallan, is pleased to recognise the contribution of some of the most important names in both the art and science of photography. Alongside these are up-and-coming photographers who will be making important images in the future and who continue to be an important focus of The Society’s activities. The Awards are very international in character this year and honour a diverse group of people from across the UK, United States and Asia, reflecting the international importance attached to the them by the global photography community.”

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group said: “Now in its third year, our Masters of Photography Series has enabled The Macallan to forge a strong commitment to the world of photography and bring these two crafts together in a unique way.  In supporting The Royal Photographic Society, we’re delighted to be further cementing our passion for this exciting medium.”

The call for nominations for the 2013 Awards will be open from 30 September 2012 see: http://www.rps.org/annual-awards/Annual-Awards-2013

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