Rama Krishna Sangem
Hyderabad’s senior photojournalist and Snaps India editor Mohammad Shamsuddin has been awarded the prestigious distinction of Associate of The Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), one of the world’s most respected honours in photography.
Founded 172 years ago in Great Britain, the RPS is the oldest and only international photographic society, globally recognised for celebrating excellence and innovation in photography. The ARPS distinction is conferred only after a rigorous selection process that evaluates creativity, technical mastery, and storytelling ability.
Shamsuddin received this recognition for his exceptional coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha, Qatar. His award-winning photograph captured the thrilling final between Argentina and France, in which Argentina triumphed 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The image, which frames the electrifying duel between Argentina’s legendary Lionel Messi and France’s young star Kylian Mbappé, reflects both the intensity of the contest and the emotion of a historic sporting moment.
“This honour for Indian photojournalism”
“This honour represents not only a personal milestone but also recognition for Indian photojournalism on a global stage,” said Shamsuddin. “It encourages me to continue documenting stories that resonate universally.”
The distinction also marks a proud achievement for Snaps India, a Hyderabad-based news photography agency that has long built its reputation for delivering impactful coverage of politics, culture, and sports.
The formal presentation of the award will take place at the historic Prince Albert Hall in London, with Simon Hill, President and Chair of Trustees of the Royal Photographic Society, officiating the ceremony. The Society enjoys royal patronage under Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, while the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on 19th September 10 AM, serves as custodian of its internationally renowned photography collection.
With this achievement, Mohammad Shamsuddin joins a distinguished group of photographers whose work has been recognised as shaping the highest standards of international photojournalism, said a press release from Snaps India.
