Picture This - A Friendly Place to Improve Your Photography

The TV participants represent some of the UK’s most exciting new digital photography talent, chosen for their postings to this website in late 2007.

They’ll go head to head during the series, stretching their creative and technical abilities in challenging photography assignments assessed by a panel of famous industry judges.

And the most talented of the bunch will go on to win the title of Britain’s best new digital photographer, getting their work published in an exclusive book and showcased in a dedicated exhibition.

You’ll get the chance to view and comment on TV participants photos in detail on this site in the New Year and they may even drop by to comment on yours in return

Read more about the TV contestants below.

Elizabeth Gordon

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Biography

I dedicated myself to photography about three years ago. I had wanted to be an actress all my life, and when I finally figured out that I wasn't going to be a Hollywood star, I needed something else to fill the void that abandoning an ambition left behind. I had always enjoyed taking photographs and had been attracted to the visual, with a great love of films and books with plenty of pictures. My friend Liza Frank (author and photographer of 'My Celebrity Boyfriend') had just completed a one-day-a-week diploma in photography at the local college and had enjoyed it immensely, so I thought I'd give it a try and see if photography was something I wanted to take further. I had made the right choice. I loved the course and the freedom of expression that photography gave me. My head began to fill with a million ideas and I soon had notebooks bursting with projects I wanted to do. After the diploma course had finished I decided that I wanted to gain a recognised qualification in photography so that I could have more employment options. Amersham and Wycombe College took me on and I'm now in the final year of a HND in Photography and Digital Imaging. I'm learning new stuff everyday, through going to college and taking photographs for independent projects. It's been really important for me to learn about photographic history and to study contemporary photographers; I feel that this really improves my approach to photographic practice. And it's fascinating! Who knows what the future holds for me, photographically speaking, but one thing is for sure, I've got enough ideas in those notebooks to keep me going for a long, long time!

Why did you fall in love with photography?

I've always loved the visual, but my passion for photography came about only a few years ago, when I experienced the joy of having a vision and then making that vision into something tangible and tactile. Through experiencing photography, I've come to feel passionate about other people's work too. I'm in love with the whole medium, and even get excited talking about photographic history (which I thought I'd never be interested in!). So now I don't just love taking photographs, I love being a spectator to them, learning about them and having conversations about them.

What/who influences you?

My past experiences, my future desires, films, other photographers such as David la Chapelle, Gregory Crewdson, Cindy Sherman and Nadav Kander. But my ideas mainly come from things I read in newspapers, books and stories from people I know and people I don't know. Inspiration is all around, you just have to be open to it.

What is your favourite photograph that you've captured and why?

The next one I take is always going to be my favourite! If I had to choose, it would be a portrait I took of a scuba diver by a lake in Milton Keynes. It was such a fun day and everything just fell into place. It was a bit of planning and a bit of luck.

What would your ideal photo shoot look like?

No one but me, a large format camera or Hassleblad, a long shutter release bulb, a trunk of costumes and props and good evenly overcast day.

What is more important, creativity or technique?

I've relied on creativity for the most part, but as I learn more and more technical skills, I'm able to express my creativity infinitely better.

What skills do you definitely need as a photographer?

I can't tell you what skills other photographers need, because everyone's trying to achieve different things. For me I need to be flexible, accepting, open, determined, prepared and well fed. I often wonder whether photographers are born with 'an eye' or if it's something that can be learnt. I still don't know the answer and doubt I ever will.

Are good pictures more the result of good planning or spontaneity?

Both. You see amazing photographs that have taken years of planning, and amazing pictures that have happened on the spot, sometimes even by mistake! There are no rules to getting a good picture.

Which experiences did you gain during the tv show?

I learnt to be more confident in my photographic practice, I picked up some technique and got over my fear of asking people I don't know to take their picture. I met some amazing, influential and very knowledgeable people (judges, mentors and fellow photographers alike).

Elizabeth Gordon's Projects

Self-Portrait

After the End

Uploaded on 18/12/2007

22 comments

1 Versions

Documentary

Scuba Diver - Milton Keynes

Uploaded on 07/01/2008

12 comments

1 Versions

My Passion: A Personal Project

Untitled, 2007

Uploaded on 15/01/2008

11 comments

1 Versions

I Love Music

'Beautiful Surprise' by India.Arie

Uploaded on 05/02/2008

2 comments

1 Versions

Contrast

/photo/9605

Uploaded on 19/02/2008

7 comments

2 Versions

The Colour Red

Red, 2008

Uploaded on 26/03/2008

3 comments

1 Versions

Get Involved to Comment

Please leave a helpful comment here. When you give feedback make sure you let people know exactly what is great about their photo as well what does not work for you, always include useful suggestions on how the photo could be improved.

PvtVasquez said...

Hi Lizz! If I click on your Self Portrait project I get an error notice so I thought I'd leave my comment here. I did manage to see a larger version of the thumbnail on your website and I very much like it. It's a very honest and personal portrait, as if someone else shot it and captured your moment of grief. Impressive. I also liked the diversity of your portfolio, especially the portraits (adult thumbsuckers serie!). I guess I have a thing for portraits (except for my own ha ha).

Posted on 01/01/2008 12:37

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Christian Davies said...

Excellent Germaine Greer concept cool stuff Elizabeth !

Posted on 08/01/2008 17:53

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knicknac said...

Loved the Germaine Greer shot It spoke volumes!

Posted on 10/01/2008 16:53

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Paul Collins1 said...

Not over keen on Germaine Greer, did she say whens shes going back, mind you not to keen on the judges either, I don't find anything martin parr,takes that interesting to be honest,can't see what get so excired about.I do however quite like your photography, lets see what program 2 brings out.

Posted on 11/01/2008 20:41

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J de B said...

Well done Liz you beat a practically professional in the great Ed. Ed will land on his feet and take on board the advice given by the judges. But you should be so proud of yourself and you work shows your new found belief in yourself. It is ashame there has to be a loser, you both deserve to win. Good luck.

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:32

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emmanuellewood said...

Great that you got into the final round! I love your work and can't wait to see some more. If you get a spare mo and fancy giving me some hints on how to improve my work, I'd love to hear back from you.

Posted on 14/01/2008 13:38

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Paul Collins1 said...

Well done Liz, justice,was seen to be done,your both deserve to win, and you are both winners as far as I'm concerned,and are great photographers. Paul

Posted on 14/01/2008 15:46

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photoarc said...

Have a great final.

Posted on 15/01/2008 01:08

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Rob Askew said...

you have done well ... love your work .. good luck chin up and enjoy .. best wishes rob.

Posted on 15/01/2008 01:53

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imagegrabber said...

I'm over the moon that you got through and even better that two women got through to the final, I think the males were so ubber confident they didnt think they had anything to learn, whereas your yearning to learn more and take on fresh ideas, admit your vunerabilities and accept your mistakes has made you a bookable winner...well done

Posted on 15/01/2008 13:08

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lizzgordon said...

Thanks so much for your support everyone! I'm truly touched by the positive feedback. xxxx

Posted on 15/01/2008 13:38

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robbieihutchinson said...

Great Work Lizz - Can't wait to buy it in book form when you win!! Keep them coming

Posted on 15/01/2008 15:08

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Peter Juerges said...

Hi , I'm finding it hard to get to grips with the images and the photographers on the show... I cant feel the input of the photographers...looking at the images its as though your not actually there... your not telling me a story of either your experience or the subjects... who are these folks...the brilliant kid...in his brand new never used gloves against he white white wall...doesnt smell of Hakney to me...etc...the ideas are good but they would benefit from being fleshed out with a shot of 'life' and belief. I look at your portrait and see desperate to impact... someone hungry to succeed ... some one driven with a desire...can we start to see that in you photography. Good Luck.

Posted on 15/01/2008 23:18

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lyrical said...

hmmmm, i think....Lizz to win! :)

Posted on 16/01/2008 14:31

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Christian Davies said...

Hmmmmmmm id go with that Mr Lyrical !

Posted on 21/01/2008 00:20

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Keith Jack said...

Well done on the win and I hope you do very well in the future

Posted on 21/01/2008 03:17

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delboy1145 said...

What a brave and interesting portfolio you deserved to win. The new hair do is also nice.

Posted on 21/01/2008 09:21

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DAVEYMAN1968 said...

Well done on winning the show, I think your images were the most personal and got across the personality behind the camera the most, and also showed a true journey of what you learned and achieved throughout the competition. The judges chose the right winner, hurrah!

Posted on 21/01/2008 10:36

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eviltwin said...

Congratulations. Loved the final project, the pictures are outstanding.

Posted on 21/01/2008 11:16

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kascam9 said...

Congratulations and well deserved, I loved your candor and honesty, you have certainly inspired many novice photographers and given us hope that we too can make it in the photography world, thankyou!

Posted on 21/01/2008 11:35

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*Zo said...

Congratulations, you really did deserve to win. Your final project was fantastic. I can't really add much to what's already been said but it was great to see you win it. What's the latest?

Posted on 21/01/2008 12:37

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Scottie_SH said...

You showed real grit by doing the final project, your strength is admirable. Love your work, you give hope to us amateurs!

Posted on 21/01/2008 13:16

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billdsym said...

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING GREAT WORK WELL DONE LIZZ.

Posted on 21/01/2008 15:22

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Paul Collins1 said...

Well done on both Liz ,the Booze and most of all winning,go get the world girl. Paul

Posted on 21/01/2008 15:57

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robinhj said...

My favourite shot is you asleep on the floor with the TV behind. Perhaps not your most 'edgy' shot but I just love it as a self-portrait.

Posted on 21/01/2008 18:20

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Godfather Ji said...

Well done on your successful project. Very insightful work. Well deserved. Good luck with future projects..

Posted on 21/01/2008 18:20

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da5nsy said...

well done in the finals lizz!! you definately deserved the win, cant wait to go over and see the exhibition at the baltic! loved your last set, especially the ones you decided not to include in the end! they were definately the most emotionally charged ones, which i guess is why you decided not to include them, meh, catch 22 i guess. Anyway need to get on with my a-level photography coursework tch lol best of luck with everything

Posted on 21/01/2008 21:12

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Rache'spics said...

congratulations Liz, well done, this really didnt look easy i really felt for you, you have shown great strength, you really deserved to win with your enthusiasm and determination.

Posted on 21/01/2008 23:27

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lizzgordon said...

Thank you everyone! It's all so exciting! Yay! xxxxxx

Posted on 22/01/2008 14:27

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langga_kita said...

congratulations, Liz! love your style!;)

Posted on 22/01/2008 17:00

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emmanuellewood said...

Well done for winning! Where can I get your book? xx

Posted on 22/01/2008 17:15

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Maya Newman said...

congratulations :)

Posted on 22/01/2008 17:56

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J de B said...

The crying shot evoked so many images, that raw distraught helpless feeling, for me this made you a worthy winner. Don't stop until you have conquered the whole world. Congratulations.

Posted on 22/01/2008 19:06

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J de B said...

The crying shot evoked so many images, that raw distraught helpless feeling, for me this made you a worthy winner. Don't stop until you have conquered the whole world. Congratulations.

Posted on 22/01/2008 19:06

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bridgetmckenz said...

Well done for winning. I really admire your passion for your work. Thanks for your comment on my first photo too. Good luck.

Posted on 23/01/2008 01:00

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narlanoo said...

Congratulations on winning! You really did deserve it! Where can we all get your book?

Posted on 23/01/2008 14:42

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emmanuellewood said...

Hi Lizz. So what is the next step now? xx

Posted on 25/01/2008 12:48

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lizzgordon said...

thanks! You get get the book online http://www.lulu.com/content/1537454

Posted on 24/01/2008 11:02

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:: Janis :: said...

Respect!!! :)

Posted on 27/01/2008 23:19

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anthony_beck2000 said...

Delighted to have discovered your work - fresh and alive and feisty. And innocent of any socio-whatever pretension. My anxiety is whether you are naive or super-sophisticated - we will see! Thanks for the sheer gusto of it. Best wishes, A.

Posted on 18/02/2008 22:46

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markheaton.a2 said...

Hi My name is Mark and I study photography at college. I am currently beginning my photography exam and I have chosen portraiture as my brief. After watching Picture This and seeing your photographs of just peoples shoes it gave me inspiration to use this idea to capture individuals portraits. I was just wondering if there was anyone who inspired you to do this who I could research to help me develope my images Mark x

Posted on 19/03/2008 15:29

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Paul Collins1 said...

I hope the bright lights of London haven't spoilt you, Paul X

Posted on 12/04/2008 17:12

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markheaton.a2 said...

Hi, thanks for getting back to me I thought you would be interested to known that I'll be using you as a photographer for my exam work research. Thanks again for taking the time to get back to me Mark x

Posted on 25/04/2008 12:36

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