Sharp Shooter series debuts on M-Net

The competitors will be tasked to apply their skills and team player abilities to a broad range of photographic disciplines and sectors, including abstract compositions, products, fashion and destinations. The winner will walk away with a cash prize of R250 000 plus Nikon equipment worth a quarter of a million rand.

"The global digital camera market is experiencing phenomenal growth, largely fuelled by the rapid development of camera technology, with total sales exceeding 141 million units in 2010, a radical increase on 2008 forecasts," says Traylor. "Consequently, M-Net has appointed Foghound Studios Grant Edmundson to produce a ten-episode show which we hope will be the start of a show roll-out internationally."

Professional photography need crossover skills

A growing interest in photography, both in a professional and amateur context, is having a positive impact on all areas of the industry. Stock photography agencies are providing hobbyists with an opportunity to generate income from excellent content submitted. Pro photographers are being forced to specialise in and capitalise on specific disciplines of strength, and a cross-over in skills is being noted between film and TV skills on the one hand and stills photography, directing and lighting on the other.

Commenting on the future of professional photography, Traylor says, "Agencies and clients are seeking greater creativity, requiring for example the consolidation of a variety of images to create something extraordinary, or they might perhaps want a photographer who understands other disciplines such as film and TVC direction. So both the maturing of skills, coupled with the evolution of digital technology, is driving exceptional creativity, particularly with photo manipulation and post-production. The reality show will bring such skills into sharper focus for us all."

Corrected at 2.26pm on 8 November 2010.