Picture This (again)

A few months ago I wrote a blog about an a new flagship art series from channel 4 called Picture This, kind of like an X-Factor for photographers. Channel 4 advertised for participants, I applied, needless to say wasn't selected, and the show started airing last week. All in all I really enjoyed the show, I think the tips and advice I got from it were mostly creative rather than technical. I liked seeing the different ways the contestants approached the project brief (last week was 'portrait') and I am already routing for one of them to win (with the prize of their photography showcased in a dedicated book and exhibition of their work). However the guy who I consider took the best photo of the show (of two kids scoffing junk food in Brighton), Jay Mawson, got voted off which was a shame.

Of course there is a website that runs parallel to the show where Flickr users can upload their own photographs into their own portfolio under the categories of each project brief (here's mine!). Other users can comment on your photos and rate them for technical skill and creativity. It's sponsored by Flickr, but it doesn't work as well as Flickr. Of course the community isn't as big and the only time you get your photos featured is when you upload them (latest uploads), so needless to say you will probably not get as much exposure - the beauty of Flickr is that you can search for images and also browse through Explore. The site says that each week some of the pictures will be featured on the show which could be exciting, though I won't hold my breath! Definitely one to keep watching.

Picture This is on Sundays, Channel 4 at 7pm