Watch Paul Williams on the Great British Photography Challenge

Fans of photography, wildlife, and a good challenge will be as excited as we are to hear that Hubble & Hattie author and photographer Paul Williams will be a contestant on BBC Four's The Great British Photography Challenge.

The four-part masterclass series sees six passionate photographers tutored by fashion icon and world-famous portrait artist Rankin, as well as celebrity guests and leading art and fashion creatives.

A range of themed challenges will be set each week, taking the contestants around the UK, with their journeys monitored as they demonstrate their flair and creative vision.

The challenges are varied, from an on-the-spot challenge set by Rankin each episode, to be completed in no more than an hour using just a mobile phone, to projects by celebrities and specialists in their field, and big-budget, high-pressure briefs with all the elements they require – client models, make-up artists, picture editors, etc. 

The contest isn't simply a stress test, though: each contestant will be mentored, tutored, and encouraged to push creative and photographic skills to the maximum, and create their best work. A winner will be chosen at the end of the series, but there won't be eliminations, so we can enjoy every contestant's efforts and talents throughout the series.

Here's what Rankin has to say on the series:

As well as challenges set by Rankin, each contestant will be set assignments by personalities including Chris Packham, who is himself an award-winning nature photographer, Maryam Wahid, whose work explores her identity as a British South Asian woman, and  street photographer and creative Lamarr Golding.

Actress Anna Friel, fashion editor Cheryl Konteh, and upcoming bands Walt Disco and Ninth Wave are also set to feature. You can read the full press release here … and watch the teaser trailer below …

Hubble & Hattie readers will know Paul from his book Wildlife Photography: saving my life one frame at a time, which was recently awarded the honour of joining the ranks of the Best Wildlife Photography Books of All Time by BookAuthority.

Paul's book is unique, taking a look not only at photography and how to achieve great results in the field, but also the power it has to improve mental and physical wellbeing. Paul's knowledge comes first-hand, having used his photography to help deal with PTSD and life as an ex-soldier, physical training instructor, and police officer. The help, tips, and insights into the the life of a working photographer that he provides are genuinely practical and useful.

Don't take our word for it; as Chris Packham says, "… it's uplifting and beautiful in its simplicity."

We'd like to wish Paul the very best of luck in the programme; we can't wait to see it!

The Great British Photography Challenge airs on BBC 4 on May 24th, and will be streamed on BBC iPlayer. Keep your eye on the TV listings and Hubble & Hattie's social channels for more details. While you're waiting for it to air, why not grab yourself a copy of Paul's book and start snapping … !

Buy now!

Wildlife photography
Saving my life one frame at a time

Paul Williams

Powerful words from the heart and striking wildlife images – photography for total wellbeing

Long overdue, this is a unique book about wildlife photography and the power it has to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Paul Williams has used photography to help deal with his PTSD and the physical reminders of careers as a soldier, physical training instructor, and police officer, and here provides practical help, tips, and insights into the life of a working professional photographer.

Wildlife photography: saving my life one frame at a time is designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals, from beginners with very little photographic experience, through to those further along on their photographic journey. Paul covers every aspect, from the type of equipment you'll need, to clothing, fieldcraft, and techniques, and seamlessly aligns photography with creative suggestions around mindfulness, wellbeing and holism, to create a blueprint for anyone experiencing poor mental or physical health, and who would like to express themselves creatively in the natural world.

Whether you want to go into your garden to photograph the wildlife there, or head further afield, Wildlife photography: saving my life one frame at a time will empower you to take the next step towards regaining your sense of wellbeing and improve your quality of life.

• A unique glimpse into the life of a professional wildlife photographer
• Insights from a soldier, mental health specialist, police officer and professional wildlife photographer
• Stunning wildlife images taken on the road to recovery from PTSD
• Never quit. Inspiring stories and wildlife photographs from a trauma survivor
• A guide on how to capture the best wildlife images
• Inspiration for absolutely anyone interested in wildlife photography
• Photographing wildlife – professional hints and tips for your photographic journey
• Secrets to successful wildlife photography
• A road well travelled: Paul Williams’ journey from despair to award-winning professional wildlife photographer
• The big book of patience: how to become a successful wildlife photographer

Wildlife photography costs £29.99 RRP

SKU HH5416 Format Hardback • 26x26cm • 224 pages • 200+ original colour images ISBN 978-1-787114-16-6 UPC 6-36847-01416-2

USE OUR STAYINANDREAD DISCOUNT CODE and get your copy for just £19.49! Click here for details.

"Do nothing for nature" and help bees to thrive

Tempting as it is to bring out the lawnmower on the first warm days of spring to trim the lawn and weeds that pop up, the charity Plantlife is asking us to “do nothing for nature” this month.

The ‘No Mow May’ campaign is encouraging gardeners to let plants traditionally seen as weeds, such as dandelions and daisies, thrive to provide much-needed food for pollinators. These vital creatures struggle to find food in spring and early summer, and rely on the early wild flowers that bloom, as well as blossom. By cutting our lawns, we are depriving bees, wasps and butterflies of nutrition. Coupled with fewer green spaces and natural habitats, it is increasingly difficult for them to find sufficient food.

                                                                   A bee on an aster. Picture: Alamy/PA.

There are almost 100 different species of pollinators that rely on wildlife-friendly environments to thrive. An ideal garden offers a mix of both ‘wild’ flowers together with cultivated ones, shrubs and trees. Plantlife is encouraging not only gardeners, but park keepers and schools to alter their frequency of mowing to allow lawns to flourish and benefit wildlife.

For more information about No Mow May, visit https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/no-mow-may.

A lawn with wild flower borders, shown below, can be just as attractive as a closely mown one, and allows bees to thrive.

It’s fascinating to watch the different species of visitors to flowers, as butterflies and bees emerge to visit.

You can encourage bees to live in your garden by positioning ‘bug houses’ in sheltered sunny places (see an image of one below). Many bee species don’t live in hives, but are solitary and seek small secluded places to breed and shelter. A bug house provides the ideal environment and encourages them to stay local to your garden.

So think twice before mowing the lawn, and help our insect friends to thrive!

To find out more about how to make your garden ‘wildlife friendly’, get yourself a copy of ‘Wildlife Garden – Create a home for garden-friendly animals, insects and birds’ by Ursula Kopp, published by Hubble & Hattie and pictured below. It’s available at https://www.hubbleandhattie.com/shop/HH5600/.

                                                                      copyright Jax10289/istock