The Shot (VH1)

In reality competition series THE SHOT, 10 amateur photographers from all over the world try to prove that they're talented enough to work in the competitive world of high fashion. The group spends 30 days facing challenges designed to teach them new photographic techniques and to encourage them to be more creative. Whether shooting underwater or hanging from a cliff, they're expected to take pictures that meet the high standards of fashion photography. They must also demonstrate that they're capable of working effectively with models, make-up artists, and members of a magazine's editorial staff. Hosted by renowned fashion photographer Russell James, the show also features various fashion industry notables, who offer some tough criticism to the aspiring shutterbugs. After each challenge, the person who impresses them the least is asked to leave. The last one clicking wins cash, a contract with Victoria's Secret, and an editorial layout in Marie Claire magazine.

Created by the producers of America's Next Top Model, The Shot offers an interesting look at the decidedly unglamorous work that goes into creating the glossy images we see in fashion magazines. Like Top Model, the series includes images of models wearing revealing clothing and posing for nude layouts (though no sensitive body parts are shown). But in the end, this series focuses more on the art and technique that goes into taking a good picture rather than what goes into to posing for one.

The show -- much like fellow fashion-industry series Project Runway and The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency -- will likely be a hit with viewers who are interested in that world, as well as with aspiring photographers who want to learn more about the industry and how it works. But the cast's endless bickering, the sometimes-strong language, and some sexually-explicit comments make the series a bit strong for younger viewers.