The Great British Photography Challenge is the new show coming to BBC Four and BBC iPlayer this summer.
Portrait and fashion icon Rankin will mentor budding photographers through the four-part series, starting on Monday, 24 May at 9PM and continuing weekly.
Rankin will be joined by celebrity guests and leading creatives from the art and fashion world including BBC Winterwatch presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham, award-winning documentarian Maryam Wahid and London based creative Lamarr Golding.
Six passionate amateur photographers will take part, undertaking a range of themed weekly challenges across the UK, and although ultimately a winner will be chosen, none will be eliminated. The series follows the journeys of all six individuals as they are nurtured throughout the series and demonstrate their individual flair and vision.
The BBC share: “Each episode starts with an on-the spot-challenge set by Rankin to deliver a winner picture in just one hour, using nothing more than smartphone cameras. The contestants have to capture different settings, from the buzz of Brighton Beach to a fast-moving Boxing arena.
“They 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.
“Finally they have to deliver on a high-pressure brief involving multiple elements such as clients, models, make-up artists and picture editors, including shooting renowned 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.
The contestants are: Tyrone Williams, 28, from Northampton; Georgie Peel, 41, from London; Paul Williams, 60, from Dorchester; Chelsea Nawanga, 25, from Luton; Ali Lewis, 43, from Shrewsbury, and Jackson Moyles, 21, from Dunfermline.
Rankin said: “Being a part of the Great British Photography Challenge has been an incredible opportunity to nurture the next generation of photographers. 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.”
BBC Arts commissioning editor Emma Cahusac added: “I’m delighted to welcome this brand new series to the BBC. With smartphone photography being more popular than ever, we’ve never been more fascinated by the art of taking a good photo.
“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.”
The Great British Photography Challenge will air this summer on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer.
More on: BBC iPlayer
