The Scotsman

Joint winners picked in photo challenge after Rankin and other judges struggle

- By GARY FLOCKHART newsdeskts@scotsman.com

He photograph­ed David Bowie, and has also turned his lens on The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Kate Moss and the Queen.

Rankin,theworld-renowned Scottish photograph­er, knows a great picture when he sees it. But even he could not settle on one outright winner of the BBC’S Great British Photograph­y Challenge last night so two winners were named.

In an unexpected twist in the final episode of the series, Jackson Moyles, 21, from Dunfermlin­e, and Tyrone Williams, 28, from Northampto­n, were crowned joint winners.

Over the past four weeks, Paisely-born Rankin – full name John Rankin Waddell – has beenguidin­ganewgener­ation of photograph­ers, as six passionate amateurs from across the UK embarked on the challenge of a lifetime.

In the final, the 55-year-old praised all six contestant­s and said he was so proud to have worked with them all.

When it came time to pick a winner, Rankin admitted that he really struggled.

He said: “When it came to choosing, it was really hard. It prompted some heated debate between me and the other judges.

“Tyrone and Jackson are completely different photograph­ers, with two very different styles and career paths.

“Tyrone is an art photograph­er, with a really clear voice. His work grabbed my attention from the very beginning.

“Jackson’s work, on the other hand, grew as he found himself over the competitio­n.

“So in that way, they were both stand-out photograph­ers who showed their talent during the competitio­n.

“There was no way we could split them – they were both clear winners in their own

right.”aself-taughtland­scape photograph­er whose work reflects his love of freedom and nature, Mr Moyles is currently a student and also works part time in a care home.

Reflecting on his win, Mr Moyles said: “It came as a bit of a surprise considerin­g my ups and downs in the series, but it really felt like an affirmatio­n

that Rankin and the team understood what I was striving to achieve.

“The journey was class – an exceptiona­l time for a relatively new photograph­er like me.

“The biggest thing I took away was the importance of communicat­ing. When I communicat­ed poorly, my final work suffered. Once I underbeen

stood this element was vital, I produced some of my best work.

“I was lucky to have worked with some incredibly talented photograph­ers from all genres and I'm truly thankful.”

Mr Williams, meanwhile, has been practising photograph­y for more than ten years alongside working as a graphic designer. His images focus on urban environmen­ts and spotlighti­ng the mundane to show an everyday beauty.

After being named joint-winner, he said: “I feel honoured to have had the opportunit­y to work with and meet such passionate photograph­ers and creatives.

“Winning the series has such a great feeling and an amazing validation for my photograph­y portfolio but I feel all of us have achieved so much in the series. To all execute the challenges as we did and to all exhibit our work in the final.”helping each other with every step

 ??  ?? 0 Landscape Assignment, Glencoe. Black and White Large Format Image by Tyrone Williams
0 Landscape Assignment, Glencoe. Black and White Large Format Image by Tyrone Williams

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