Skip to main content

Yet another reality TV show is in the works, but this time ‘style photographers’ are the stars

yet another reality tv show is in the works but this time style photographers are stars backtofront
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From fashion designers to chefs and even journalists, it seems like any profession could be turned into a reality TV game show. In an upcoming series that’s currently being produced in the U.K., it’s style photographers who are the contestants, according to Amateur Photographer (via PetaPixel).

Under the working title “Back to Front” and produced by the Back to Front TV company, this nine-part reality TV concept will see 11 photographers tasked with a new challenge each week (with the help of two mentors), eventually paring down to three finalists who will vie for a chance to shoot a cover for an unnamed fashion magazine and a gallery exhibition – typical reality TV formula that’s familiar to anyone who watches such shows. The show is sponsored by the Royal Photographic Society and will be hosted by a yet-to-be-named prominent photographer for Vogue.

“Each episode will be produced into an educational and thrilling challenge for contestant and audience alike,” the producers wrote in a statement.

The producers will hold a casting call soon, but said that any interested photographer “across any level of skill” are welcome. Applicants will be asked to submit their best image, describe why they want to take part, and, if shortlisted, attend a workshop on how to use a high-end medium-format camera and lighting. There’s no word yet on which network will air the show.

This isn’t the first time photographers have become reality TV stars. VH1 has a short-lived series called “The Shot” that also focuses on fashion photography (the concept for the “The Shot” is almost similar to “Back to Front”), while a show about street photographers is apparently in the works. While many of these vocation-based reality TV shows can be entertaining – hence their popularity and why networks continue to make them – and gives outsiders a view into the profession, the game show aspect, in many ways, cheapens what are serious jobs. But “Back to Front’s” producers say the show will actually promote photography. “We hope this collaboration will deliver tremendous value for the creative arts in Britain through the contemporary medium of photography,” show creator Haider Mannan told Amateur Photographer. Do you think it’s job exploitation for Nielsen ratings, or a realistic opportunity for anybody who wants to enhance his or her career?

Bill Jones
Bill is writer from the Chicago area. On weekdays, he serves as managing editor for 22nd Century Media. In his "spare" time…
Best Camera Deals: Save on Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, and GoPro
fujifilm x t4 review set 2 dm 1

Whether you're looking for the best digital cameras or the best travel cameras, there are a ton of options out there, sometimes too many options, especially for those who aren't familiar with the photography world. Luckily, we've done a lot of legwork for you and collected a range of great camera deals across the spectrum, so even if you want something more sports-oriented, like a GoPro, there are a couple of deals for those too. So, let's jump right into it.
Today's Best Camera Deals
One of our favorite deals is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 going for $400, as it's one of the better DSLR cameras on the market, and it has a reasonably budget-friendly price on it, making it a great starter camera. Of course, if you've been in the game for a while and are looking for a powerful upgrade, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is one of the best full-frame cameras on the market, and while it still costs a hefty $3,200, that's still $300 off the usual $3,500 price tag. That said, if you're looking for something more portable and action-oriented, you can't go wrong with the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, although if you're a professional content creator, the GoPro HERO9 Black 5K is probably the one to go for instead.

Do I Need a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera?
Like most things, this really depends on what you're trying to do. Mirrorless cameras have fewer internal moving parts, which generally means they can capture images quicker, so if you're taking pictures of action-packed stuff like sports or animals in the wilderness, a mirrorless camera is a great option. On the other hand, DSLR cameras are great for low-light conditions and are great for anything from portraits to landscapes. DSLRs are also cheaper and have much better battery life, as well as having a decade or two worth of lenses to choose from.

Read more
How to blur a background in photos
A person photographed with iPhone 11's portrait mode.

Introducing a background blur to your photos can draw attention to a specific subject, such as an individual in a portrait or an item in a still life, while also adding a professional flair to your image. This beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh, can be achieved even after shooting your photo, thanks to advances in editing software. This guide will walk you through the process on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Read more
How to download Instagram photos (5 easy ways)
Instagram app running on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Instagram is amazing, and many of us use it as a record of our lives — uploading the best bits of our trips, adventures, and notable moments. But sometimes you can lose the original files of those moments, leaving the Instagram copy as the only available one . While you may be happy to leave it up there, it's a lot more convenient to have another version of it downloaded onto your phone or computer. While downloading directly from Instagram can be tricky, there are ways around it. Here are a few easy ways to download Instagram photos.

Read more