Ravensbourne lecturer shortlisted for the Portrait of Britain Award

Publication date:
like father like son

Chris Frazer Smith, Sessional Lecturer for BA (Hons) Digital Photography has been recognised by the British Photography Journal, who recently published one of his portraits in their ‘Portrait of Britain’ book. 

The British Photography Journal has been promoting outstanding photography work since 1854. ‘Portrait of Britain’ is their annual photography competition that celebrates the nuances of modern British diversity. ‘Portrait of Britain’ has become the largest contemporary portrait exhibition ever held, with the winning portraits lighting up JCDecaux screens in high streets, rail stations, and airports across the UK. 

Entrants were judged by a panel comprised of: Simon Bainbridge, Editorial Director of British Journal of Photography; Shannon Ghannam, Global Education Director at Magnum Photos; Shoair Mavlian, Director of Photoworks; photographer Sunil Gupta; and Martin Usborne, the Co-Founder of ​Hoxton Mini Press. 

Chris’ portrait, titled ‘Like Father, Like Son’, documents men who shoot on farms just outside of Cambridge and stood out amongst the staggering number of entries. “It’s a little unusual to be dressed in camouflage when shooting in the UK,” explains Chris. “They both spoke in-depth about the responsibility of farmers to maintain the rural community and the importance of rural crafts.” Chris’ winning portrait is included in the second ‘Portrait of Britain’ book, which features the 200 shortlisted images from the competition. 

Chris is an award-winning photographer who has impressed prestigious institutions throughout his career. His work has been exhibited in galleries around the world including the National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy in London. 

Commenting on the competition, Chris said, "Having work selected for the ‘Portrait of Britain’ is an honour and a great inspiration; the portrait work selected in past years has been of the utmost and highest contemporary portrait photography reflecting British society in our own time. I only enter non-commissioned work, so to be selected inspires and encourages what it is I am shooting for my own personal reasons as a photographer." 

‘The Portrait of Britain’ book is published by Hoxton Mini Press and is available worldwide now. You can find out more about the competition here.