Rankin Is Looking For the UK’s Next Great Photographer

Looking for some weekday viewing? Great British Photography Challenge lands on screens tonight and will Rankin take a new generation of image-makers under his wing helping them develop their own unique style and grow a portfolio.

Six emerging photographers will be tutored by Rankin and navigate themed weekly challenges. No-one will be eliminated during the show but a winner will be crowned at the end.

Each episode begins with contestants being tasked with different challenges, armed with nothing but a smartphone camera to capture a winning photo. There will also be guest judges tutoring photographers in a specialist area, including wildlife photography with Chris Packham, documentary photography with Maryam Wahid, and street photography with Lamarr Golding. There will also be the chance to undertake a magazine shoot with actor Anna Friel and an editorial shoot with stylist and fashion editor Cheryl Konteh.

Contestants span a range of ages and locations, including Northampton-based 28-year-old Tyrone Williams, 41-year-old Londoner Georgie Peel, Dorchester’s Paul Williams, aged 60, 25-year-old Chelsea Nawanga from Luton, Shrewsbury-based 43-year-old Ali Lewis, and Jackson Moyles, aged 21, from Dunfermline.

“Being a part of the Great British Photography Challenge has been an incredible opportunity to nurture the next generation of photographers,” Rankin said of the project. “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.”

The first episode of the Great British Photography Challenge will premiere on BBC Four at 9PM tonight (May 24). Watch the trailer below.