Portrait and fashion icon Rankin to host BBC series

 

One of Britain’s best-known photographers, portrait and fashion icon Rankin will host a four-part series, The Great British Photography Challenge, airing on BBC and BBC iPlayer. The six lucky amateur photographers will have the rare opportunity to be mentored by Rankin as they undertake a range of themed weekly challenges across the UK. British actress Anna Friel, celebrity stylist and fashion editor Cheryl Konteh, and emerging cutting-edge bands Walt Disco and Ninth Wave will feature in series.

Each episode starts with an on-the spot-challenge set by Rankin to deliver a winning image in an hour, using just a smartphone camera. Contestants also undertake specific projects with a celebrity expert in a specialist area of photography: Chris Packham, nature specialist and award-winning wildlife photographer; Maryam Wahid, documentary photographer whose work explores her identity as a British South Asian woman; and street photographer and creative Lamarr Golding, are among those setting assignments.

Contestants also have to deliver on a high-pressure brief involving multiple elements such as clients, models, make-up artists and picture editors, including shooting actress Anna Friel for a glossy magazine cover, and a high-end fashion shoot under the guidance of international stylist and fashion editor Cheryl Konteh.

Following a nationwide search, six contestants ranging in age from 21 to 60 were selected. Creating and presenting a portfolio, the final episode reveals all their work in an exhibition, along with the chance to be crowned the winner of The Great British Photography Challenge.

“Being a part of The Great British Photography Challenge has been an incredible opportunity to nurture the next generation of photographers,” Rankin says. "All the contestants had such unique and varied backgrounds, but what brought them together was their love for photography. The contestants have exceptional promise and I’m excited for the UK to see their talent.”

"Mentored by one of the best names in the business, along with extra help from some stellar celebrity guests and dynamic young creatives, Rankin provides six photographers with a unique masterclass in the art and craft of photography that allows them to develop and shine before our eyes,” says BBC Arts commissioning editor Emma Cahusac.

Fingers crossed we'll get to see this series in Australia soon. 

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