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.

Ed Thompson

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Biography

Edward Thompson, 27. All my life revolves around photography, specifically documentary photography. I’m just completing an MA in photojournalism & documentary photography at L.C.C. I started photographing when I was seven and am really grateful to have learnt to shoot film and to be on the cusp of this digital age. I’ve shot earthquakes and rednecks, stripping dwarves and royalty, I can get on with anyone and that’s how I work, a bit like Louis Thereoux and Owen Wilson on acid. My work is on my website at www.edwardthompson.co.uk and I am now part of the Elephant Photo Agency

What made you fall in love with photography?

When I got my first camera at the age of seven I was immediately hooked on photography. That was twenty years ago; I think the fact that with it you can replicate the reality that is around you is what originally inspired me when I was a kid. Now I think that photography’s strength is the power to convey narratives, the reason I am still addicted to taking pictures is to capture real life and how that comments on the human condition, something we can all empathise with.

What/who influences you?

All my photographer friends, and let’s face it; everyone’s a photographer now ;)

My biggest photographic influences on my visual style are probably Diane Arbus and all the great 70’s colour photographers like Joel Sternfeld and William Eggleston.

Paul Lowe has been a great help, my tutor on the MA in photojournalism & documentary photography I am currently completing at LCC. He is a great and ethical photographer, currently with the Panos agency who specialise in issue-based photography, particularly in the developing world.

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve captured?

Any photographs I took of my Dad. I guess that’s why I photographed him so much when he was ill, maybe subconsciously I was trying to preserve him, or I felt I didn’t have enough pictures of him. Photography fights death in a way; it keeps the image for us and helps to invigorate our memories.

What would your ideal photo shoot look like?

This question asks for my “ideal photo shoot”, as a documentary photographer I don’t really do “photo shoots”. My ideal way to produce images would be part of a long-term documentary project where I’ve gotten to know an area, the people and the lives they live. As a documentary photographer my limits are beyond my imagination because life is stranger than anyone could possibly imagine. The truth is stranger than fiction and you can expect the unexpected, pick your cliché, my point is that I don’t even know what my ideal photo shoot would look like because it’s something I strive for every time I pick up the camera.

What is more important creativity or technique?

Twenty years ago I would have said technique, but with digital anyone can shoot, some say that’s bad but I think that’s a good thing because it also means that people will appreciate great photography when they see it. Documentary photography is the most prolific form of photography, family albums, portraits etc People can connect with work about the real world and real peoples lives. When photographing real life your currency is ideas, ideas for stories, this is how you can create interesting work. If works not interesting then you don’t sell it, then you can’t afford to eat. It sounds harsh but that’s the world I’ve been in for the past five years!

What skills do you definitely need as a photographer?

The skills you definitely need as a photographer are fingers and thumbs and a digital camera with aperture priority. To be a good photographer you need an original eye (to know what’s been before and to create your own visual style) to be able to study photography (but not let strict codes of composition, the law of thirds, dictate how you shoot) and to be hardcore, because photographing real situations and people takes guts. Shooting your friends is fun, but ultimately too comfortable, you push yourself into more tense scenarios and your photography will grow and so will your character.

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

Adverts on billboards are great; massive production costs, immense lighting set ups slick and polished, perfectly constructed and planned. But do actors pretending to be families meeting at airports really inspire you? Spontaneity is key to capturing life in the act of living, in documentary your planning would dictate where you shoot, hence how to show the story and ultimately get the best images for it. Planning and spontaneity are both important. What’s the best way to organise new years celebrations? One where you plan everything? Or one where you expect nothing?

Which experiences did you gain during the show?

Documentary photography is the way.

Episode 1

View Ed's profile

Episode 2

View Ed's profile

Ed Thompson's Projects

Self-Portrait

In the darkroom

Uploaded on 17/12/2007

5 comments

1 Versions

Documentary

Bob buying the rifle he last used in Vietnam.

Uploaded on 05/01/2008

8 comments

1 Versions

My Passion: A Personal Project

Lucinda waiting for judgment on picture this

Uploaded on 12/01/2008

8 comments

1 Versions

Liquids

Valentines Day Morning 2004

Uploaded on 13/02/2008

0 comments

1 Versions

Communication: say something without words

Frog Girl

Uploaded on 13/02/2008

2 comments

1 Versions

I Love Music

Derek of Awesome Color playing in Gronigon, NL

Uploaded on 13/02/2008

0 comments

1 Versions

Decay

Archery Target

Uploaded on 13/02/2008

0 comments

1 Versions

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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.

|_Pete_| said...

Hi Ed, just read one of your comments on the 'Environmental march' by evil twin and came to your profile, and saw that you were one of the contestants on the TV program. I just wondered what you thought of it, I know it hasn't aired yet, just kinda wondered what it was about (guess I'll find out on Sunday ;) ). As you can see i haven't uploaded any photos yet, the self-portrait sort of threw me and I'm a bit shy/unsure of my work and didn't want to upload any thing but the documentary task seems a lot more appealing and i think I'm going to go out this weekend and try and snap something good. P.

Posted on 05/01/2008 00:40

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Ed Thompson said...

what I thought of Picture this: it's TV innit. I guess it depends on the edit, as a documentary photographer I place a lot of importance on the truth, i'd like to think a documentary film crew would have the same ethos. Good Luck shooting this weekend, what you see is what you get is what you see.

Posted on 05/01/2008 01:24

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Ed Thompson said...

This is what Martin Parr thought of Picture This: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2236094,00.html

Posted on 06/01/2008 00:59

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len.archer1 said...

Sadly have to agree. Some really good ideas, but it seemed some of the team were struggling with the technicalitie of transfering ideas into imames that WOWED"

Posted on 07/01/2008 00:25

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Ed Thompson said...

Posted on 07/01/2008 01:20

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Ed Thompson said...

I've worked as a fashion photographer, as a photojournalist, I've shot in holiday camps and in Gay Nightclubs, i've photographed royalty in embasseys and drug addicts in squats, bankers in bank and business men in the IVY, basically I was the only professional on the show, and in some of the TV guides it said Six Amateur photographers, lol! My favourite photographers are Henri-Cartier Bresson, Phillip Jones Griffiths, Robert Capa, Diane Arbus, William Eggleston, Alec Soth, Paul Lowe, Joel Sternfeld, Carl de Keyser, Chris de Bode and Jan Joseph Stok. I'm young, but old school, i guess that's why I'm a geek. I think Germaine is really astute, she said: "he was the most single minded, the kind of person who thinks about photography all the time, he'd take a photograph if he was falling out of a moving vehicle." I was photographing a band on a roof when i was 19 and the floor fell out from under me and rather than grabbing the ledge I threw my bronica to saftey, true story,

Posted on 07/01/2008 01:40

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karen_oliver said...

I think the show is going to be too short. I wish they had drawn it out more as I loved last night's show. I just started A level photography and found the show useful and interesting. I was impressed with your work and Lucinda's. Karen

Posted on 07/01/2008 13:26

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Harvey Smith Photography said...

Hi Ed, Watched the show last night and you're pictures were my favourite - looking forward to what you'll be up to next time! I have a question though, so I'm hoping that you'll be able to help me out here. When it comes to street photography and photojournalism in the UK are there any restrictions or anything? I really want to take some interesting street photographs but at the moment I'm not too sure - can you legally take pictures of anyone or do you have to get their permission?

Posted on 07/01/2008 19:29

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karen_oliver said...

Hi Ed - Just finished looking at your work on your website and I was really impressed. I am sure we are going to hear a lot more of you in the future and who knows, it may be you myself and other students use for research and influence as my college studies progress. I am on the second year of my a level and next year am doing the national diploma before progressing hopefully to a BA. If you have time please check out my pics on here and on flickr and give me an honest opinion. Thanks again for the website info, Karen

Posted on 09/01/2008 16:31

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Paulm0bsw said...

Just seems like another TV reality show to me, I'm waiting for the tears and tantrums, and bitching to start, I'm not keen on this in your face,pushy Photography,and I was expecting stunning photography, maybe that's to come. I'll just keep taking my quiet wildlife pictures.

Posted on 10/01/2008 21:12

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Paulm0bsw said...

I'll decline that offer thank you,way out of my league,Only thing I'm stalking with the camera at the moment are Wild birds, Red Kites almost extinct,Falcons, and Sea Eagles.I'll leave the wild party animals,for you young fellows. Paul

Posted on 10/01/2008 21:26

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Ed Thompson said...

my dad was a keen bird photographer, he learnt to shoot in shetland. photographing puffins when he was there working, not much to do in shetland anyway! his favourite lens was a cathodioptic for the puffins, you might want to check a cathodioptic lens out for your own work.

Posted on 10/01/2008 21:31

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Paulm0bsw said...

Thank Ed will do, you definately need patience, I couldn't do what you do, which is what makes this a fantastic hobby for me,your side is far more serious, I'd last about 2 seconds, hope you do well in the shark infested waters,of London, don't let them take them fun out of it..

Posted on 10/01/2008 21:38

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len.archer1 said...

Hi Ed, Sorry to see you did not go through. Interesting viewpoint from the judges about delivering but not being pushed. Seemed a strange way to choose the finalists.

Posted on 13/01/2008 21:51

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Ed Thompson said...

I'm more than happy with how i came across on the show. Did you notice my t-shirt during the judging mr len archer?

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:00

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len.archer1 said...

I just noticed this comment. No I did notice the T Shirt.

Posted on 05/02/2008 19:46

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ososment said...

so you weren't impressed with being part of the show then Ed, or is it just that you thought the others beneath you?

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:18

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Tarlyn said...

The show is heavily edited. Ed is a driven and talented photographer, he is commited to his work, and was always generous with others on the program. His obsession with photography and knowledge, may come across (within the program) as slight arrogance, but please don't misjudge him.

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:28

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Ed Thompson said...

word!

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:06

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ososment said...

no,no,I make no judgement, merely enquiring. I thought he came across as focussed on the show but my question stems from reading this thread.

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:32

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bittabordeaux said...

To be honest Ed, you didn't really push yourself with the documentry assignment tonight and I thought Martin Parr was correct. The other two girls wowed me and really took the bull by the horns. I got the impression you were over confident and just because you had an MA thought yourself better than everyone else. I do wish you well but less of the attitude would serve you as well as taking the good shot.

Posted on 14/01/2008 00:36

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Ed Thompson said...

that's fine, you can see all the work I shot on my website. remember reportage photography means little or no involvment with the situation, thats how i shot the polo and the protest. very different to documentary portraiture where you are controlling the scene, reportage is especially difficult when you have an entourage (camera crew) with you.

Posted on 14/01/2008 08:58

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Jim Bob Blann said...

I was very surprised at your exit from the show, my dad was outraged he wouldn't stop going on about it :) Really did think that you were the best of the bunch so that's a shame but i'm sure you'll go far regardless dude. By the way, i didn't get the t shirt :)

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:16

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Peter Juerges said...

Hi, two things struck me about last nights show...firstly that the programme makers took most of the best images for their through the eye of the photographer type inserts...especially noticable on the polo project and secondly the nature of presenting one image per project leaves everything open to luck and honestly...luck dominated on three out of four of the Hakney Project final pieces...only one said this is life in Hackney...and it wasnt one of the winners shots. For future programmes ...it would be a thought to perhaps seperate the photographers into a prog of their own rather than the continuos back and forth comparison...the current production has the same construction as the Apprentice... the sole purpose is to create watchable - TV not good photography. Finally Ed...just like to add that I think you did yourself proud...well done

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:19

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Ed Thompson said...

cheers dude! come along to the exhibition on the 17th, details on my website.

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:25

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Ed Thompson said...

Cheers Jim, "Traditional Archery Excites the Spirit" - Cartier-Bressons quote on "you must be like the zen archer, become the target before you hit it". ok, so into uber-photo-geek territory here, but thats how i am! I think they used the fact I have a Masters Degree in documentary to try and make me seem arrogant, but if you watch the show, i just get on and do the job without any fuss. it's only with views of Alex Proud and Joy Gregory edited in do you get the impression i was arrogant. Judge someone by not only what others say, but what they say and what they do themselves. Or even better don't try and judge someones character at all. peace, and I'm gone! come to the exhibition this week (17th) details on my website.

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:23

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virgorama said...

Your final choice of the Hackney family was my favourite shot of the night last night. I did, however, like the finalists attitudes and results too. It's always tough in competitions... especially as we do only get to see edited parts... congratulations on all your hard work.

Posted on 14/01/2008 09:37

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ososment said...

I tend to agree actually I thought that the family shot was one of the strongest of the night...

Posted on 14/01/2008 12:07

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Paulm0bsw said...

Alex Proud said it all, "Ed just thinks has to turn up to win"I thought your best picture was the family,lesson in life never stop trying until you run out of breath I thought you stop trying, especially when you were walking around the polo match like a headless chicken.On the day the girl deserved to win,sorry ,not trying to offend ,just commenting on what I saw.

Posted on 14/01/2008 16:24

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FresnoRobert said...

Quick question Ed - when they gave out the assignments, the parameters seemed very vague. For example, a 'documentary shot' from a protest could mean many different things; If you're tagging along with a freelance reporter doing a feature, or a press officer from BAA or the local plod, you're job description is going to be very different. Same goes for the other assignments. I thought that since the judges put such emphasis on 'commercial viability' as part of their criteria that they'd have made more of an effort to provide a commercial brief. Had they done so I think the results would have been much more interesting and the judging more objective. Side note: I was relieved to see that the production team didn't indulge in the usual misanthropic 'good telly' tactics that go into making most competitive reality progs and contribute to the continuing downward spiral of popular culture.

Posted on 14/01/2008 17:31

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Ed Thompson said...

I got on with it, not my first rodeo. I got quite an extensive body of work from each assignment, that's what happens when you shoot reportage, you get a number of images, not just one picture. Everyone likes the hackney family shot, just bare in mind that was a posed shot. I shot the protest and the polo in a reportage style, not manipulating the scene, very difficult with a camera crew behind you. On the subject of the briefs, we'll that was their freedom as judges, the fact that my images were not obviously shot at polo or protests were beside the point, in the real world images have captions/titles and accompany articles, spoon-fed images are not things i really invest my time in producing. Got to go, hanging a show in shoreditch right now! always forwards, Ed

Posted on 14/01/2008 17:52

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Paulm0bsw said...

Ed I don't feel your listening , the look on your face said it all arrogant, like how dare they get rid of me. I think technically you runs rings around some of them ,you would probably say all of them, it's the attitude, Alex Proud does this for a living,he sells pictures and as I understand makes a bit out of it.He must have an eye for what's going on.Not sure if he's held a camera in anger, I must say in fairness Martin Parr pictures do nothing for me at all,that's just my opinion.I like your pictures ,I just wish you would come out of warp drive, as Micheal winner would say Calm down dear, alot.

Posted on 14/01/2008 19:08

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Paulm0bsw said...

Ed I don't feel your listening , the look on your face said it all arrogant, like how dare they get rid of me. I think technically you runs rings around some of them ,you would probably say all of them, it's the attitude, Alex Proud does this for a living,he sells pictures and as I understand makes a bit out of it.He must have an eye for what's going on.Not sure if he's held a camera in anger, I must say in fairness Martin Parr pictures do nothing for me at all,that's just my opinion.I like your pictures ,I just wish you would come out of warp drive, as Micheal winner would say Calm down dear, alot.

Posted on 14/01/2008 19:09

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Ed Thompson said...

noted paul, thanks for the chat

Posted on 14/01/2008 19:42

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Ed Thompson said...

the look on my face (saying i was arrogant previously "how dare they get rid of me") was edited in by the way paul, it was a locked off head shot, something in the show called a noddie, what really happened was a leaned over aron and smiled at liz and said "avenge me". lol, for real. Keep on chuckling Ed

Posted on 14/01/2008 19:45

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Paulm0bsw said...

Fare point Ed, I'm forgetting they trying to make a TV program and create a drama, I say I like your picture as I've looked on flickr,and they are really good youv'e actually given some ideas, trying to break away from wild birds before I get a anorak status.I as a viewer, forget the tv company, are of course trying to look for anything to use against you , my comments are based on what I see,please don't take offense, there not intended to hurt you.I wish they'd so the out takes and how the program was made. I still feel they didn't give any of you a chance to settle in.Would you do it again I wonder.

Posted on 14/01/2008 19:59

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Ed Thompson said...

I think the TV company did a great job, renegade and all who took part, its a shame some people choose to talk more about character than photography. I do it again everytime i pick up a camera, keep it real, Ed

Posted on 14/01/2008 21:51

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Peter Juerges said...

Evening Ed...sorry can't make your show...trust you will get as many of the images as possible up on your seb site for those that have to miss out on the wine and cheese. Enjoy it and the success it should bring....cheers.

Posted on 16/01/2008 20:27

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Ed Thompson said...

it was pretty wild! good crowd, free duvel, all in all a great night, the show is up for a month or so, if your about shoreditch check it out.

Posted on 18/01/2008 17:26

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leylagphotography said...

Hi Ed, I watched the show and thought you had an individual, confident, and professional approach to the projects-which is what you need as a photographer. When i head you say you were studying documentary photography, i thought hmmm...i wonder if he is at L.C.C doing the course i am applying for at the moment- MA in photojournalism and Documentary Photography- and you are. I went to the final show at L.C.C a few weeks ago and it really inspired me to push the boundaries with my photography... I am definately set on the course to start next jan, but have been advised that it's not necessary to study the MA in order to push my photography. What did you gain most out of the MA? Do you think you really needed to do it? Do you think doing the MA may have put you into an L.C.C Creative niche, rather than having your ownm individual style? or the course still encourages individuality?

Posted on 20/01/2008 13:21

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Ed Thompson said...

I was one of the most technical when i started the course, and i don't think you should do an MA to learn technique as you should really have that sorted by then. My individual style began when i started using a 1937 medium format camera back in 2000, so i don't think there is an L.C.C "creative niche, rather than your own individual style". I did the MA because of the respect i had for the course leader and its excellent array of visiting tutors, all of whom are first class photographers, curators and editors who have worked for some of the most prestigous agencies and galleries in the world. There is another show on with the new found elephant agency (MA photojournalism alumni) on in shoreditch, details and a map are on the news section of my website.

Posted on 20/01/2008 16:14

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dawn.millward said...

hi ed i enjoyed the tv programme and enjoyed your work. i'm not technical at all and work from the heart. i was pleased to see you are still involved via the web site. i would appreciate any feed back on my photos if you find the time. thanks dawn

Posted on 22/02/2008 09:50

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Ed Thompson said...

I think that working from the heart is the most important thing, some of the most thoughtful and empahthic photographers I know are war photographers.

Posted on 23/02/2008 20:33

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Ed Thompson said...

I think just a basic photoshop class (working with levels, curves etc) would be good for you dawn, but don't go crazy, i think thats one thing where all the judges (and myself) agreed on was that heavy photoshopping distracts from an image and makes it harder to read, i like to think illustration and photography are two different art forms.

Posted on 23/02/2008 20:38

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