Can Anyone Be A Professional Photographer?
Photography often seems to get second rating in the art world, things seem to be slowly moving forward in the right direction. Finally, the BBC are bringing out a photography talent series on TV, with the Great British Photography Challenge.
Portrait photographer John Rankin
The series will be mentored by the renowned portrait photographer John Rankin. Back in the day, Rankin founded Dazed magazine and remains one of the UK’s greatest photographers. Rankin’s work has captured a multitude of celebrities, from Kate Moss to The Rolling Stones and the Queen, who he photographed for her Golden Jubilee.
Rankin is an honest photographer, who said about his work ‘… for me it’s about trying to make a connection’, and this is no doubt something that comes across in his portraits. Constantly keeping it fresh and modern, Rankin will make a perfect mentor for the candidates. Every program will start with the candidates using a smartphone to take images with, making this a true test of eyes and not equipment, and nobody will be getting ‘knocked out’.
Photojournalist David Hicks
It is known that there is a difference between taking a photograph of someone who knows you are taking it and those who don’t. Photographer David Hicks is known to favour candid photography. He finds that he likes to feel a connection with the content of his photographs as well as a sense of alienation. In other words, David finds beauty in the separation between the photographer and the subject as it is important for him to remain objective. He believes that in a world where everyone is a photographer, objectivity is prolific in photography — now more than ever.
The Great British Photography Challenge
Emma Cahusac, BBC Arts commissioning editor for The Great British Photography Challenge, has spoken about the increase of smartphone photography as well as the increase of the obsession to take a good photo. In a world where everyone has the tools to be a professional photographer in their pocket, this new programme will certainly be one to watch!
Quite Great PR
For many years, Quite Great has worked with many artists, photographers and charity organisations covering all types and styles of art, photography as well as environmental and public issues. For more details, email us at ask@quitegreat.co.uk.
