In September 2025 the Royal Geographical Society launched ‘Summit Photo’, an annual three day event designed to bring together internationally-renowned photographers, explorers, and policy experts, covering the worlds of photography, the arts, and non-profits, to ask the question ‘How can photography address the global challenges of our time’. The starting point for the brand identity we designed draws inspiration from the RGS’s rich history by examining the typefaces typically used on publications and expedition ephemera from the late 19th century, a time when the Society began producing more printed matter. The chosen typeface of Akzidenz-Grotesk, first used around this time, aligns with both the historical reference points as well as the RGS’s current brand style. Colour choice was key, it needed to be something that could sit adjacent to the photographs letting the images take centre stage. Featuring an acid yellow, the restrained colour palette consciously allows the photography to remain the hero. A strong facet of the visual language was the decision to introduce an element that would represent and reflect the event’s focus on global environmental issues. The choice of using a Periglacial pattern sourced from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) geologic map patterns, provides conceptual link to climate change and the signifiant impact that can be seen specifically in the periglacial environment. Together these elements form a visual framework that honours heritage, supports contemporary ideas and underpins Summit Photo’s mission of uniting art, science and global awareness through photography.