Like many photographers during this period of enforced isolation due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, Isaac Alvarez turned to video conferencing to continue creating. His #hearme project goes beyond simple portraiture, though, and creates a commentary both on the human experience, and on what it means to be a photographer.
Recent Documentary Articles
How My Neighbors’ Doors Are Keeping Me Creative During Lockdown
Strange times provoke strange projects. I’ve become somewhat obsessed with my neighbors’ doors in our tiny French village. It's far from groundbreaking, but it's proving a lot of fun.
Photo Series Shows How the Media Can Manipulate Reality Using Different Lenses
This photo series reveals how easily it is for the media to manipulate perspective with different lenses, in particular when reporting on social distancing during the current pandemic. By placing images side-by-side, the pictures show how, with the right angles, people respecting the rules can be made to appear as if huddled together.
In-Depth Travel Photography Critique From a Professional Travel Photographer
To be a great travel photographer it requires more than just the ability to capture pretty photo — in fact, sometimes the photos don't have to be pretty at all. This is a long video, so grab a coffee/tea/beer, and prepare to absorb some quality knowledge from a professional travel and documentary photography.
Drone Disguised as Hummingbird Captures Incredible Footage of Monarch Butterfly Swarm
It's not very often that I watch a video online and react by literally gasping and audibly saying "wow." Watching Captain America stare down Thanos and his whole army, in an IMAX cinema, on a huge screen, was the last time I reacted in such a way. This time, even without the huge screen, resolution, and quality, this video is simply incredible.
Photographs of the Bright but Unusually Empty Streets of Tokyo During COVID-19
There are places that no one would have ever expected to see as empty but COVID-19 has really proven that even the busiest places on Earth can be turned into a ghost town.
Photographs of the Corona Virus Hitting Way Too Close to Home
For some people, the magnitude of this pandemic doesn't seem all too real. Unfortunately, these photos prove otherwise.
'Locked Up': Finding Light and Humanity Inside the Dark Cells of a Brazilian Prison
We might feel confined during the pandemic, but it does not compare to the dark realities of those locked up in forgotten prisons. After 40 years of media shut-out, we get to visually experience the life in prison in Brazil thanks to the "Locked Up" project.
Indian State Rajasthan Bans Photography During Food Distribution to Impoverished Citizens
Photography has always played an important role in raising awareness of social injustice issues, including poverty, homelessness, and famine. However, media reports from the Indian state of Rajasthan claim that its government has laid out a rule for photographers: no further documenting food distribution to the poor.
The Psychological Benefits of Post-Mortem Photography
Death photography was, at one time, a popular way of preserving a memory of a loved one who has passed. This video discusses the history of it, and suggests that it can still play a role in modern society as a way to cope with grief.
This Photographer's Project Is Creating Community During COVID-19
New York is the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that’s famous for it’s bustling streets and the weird and wonderful community that populate it. It’s a hub of activity, or at least it was until lockdown.
Snowy Street Photography: Quarantine Relief
Isolation can be catching up to many of us during this time. While some artists are in colder climates, others are in humid areas, but both are experiencing cabin fever. Photography Benjamin Lee takes us on a little photography journey to make us feel as if we are on the outside doing what we do best: photographing life.
What's in a White House Photographer's Camera Bag?
For eight years, photographer Pete Souza had my dream job, photographing the president of the United States and being on the front line of the biggest news stories of our time. In his latest IGTV post, Souza talks about some of the gear he used to capture his iconic images.
Simple Ways That Photographers Can Help the World During the Crisis of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Most of the world is in some form of lockdown, but it doesn’t mean that we have no way of making a difference.
How the World's Most Popular Photography App Started: The Origins of Instagram
As social media platforms go, Instagram is one of the most popular apps in the world. To see how this app went from humble beginnings to what is it today really puts into perspective how much of an impact it has had on the industry and the world at large.
How Focusing on Storytelling Can Improve Your Photography
While strolling aimlessly along downtown streets this weekend, doing a bit of photography just for fun, I was reminded of one of the reasons I fell in love with photography in the first place. I was also reminded that this simple reason still provides benefits, both professionally and personally.
The Surreal Photos Taken by the Man Documenting the World's Most Devastating Wildfires
A photographer has been capturing some of the world’s worst wildfires — more than 100 of them. His astounding imagery of the disasters, which often see entire buildings and countrysides ravished by flames, saw him and his team become 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalists for breaking news photography.
The Sony World Photo Awards Has Lost Its Credibility as a Competition
When the Sony World Photography Awards (WPA) suddenly decided to remove photographs of Hong Kong protests from its website, it destroyed its credibility as a competition. If the decisions of the judges are being edited to avoid upsetting the Chinese government, how is this not censorship?
Inspirational Photographers in Focus: What Can We Learn From Salgado's Genesis?
Besides looking at tutorials and learning how to handle your camera and composition, it’s often helpful to take a look at the life of inspirational photographers. Here, you’ll find out why you should take a look at the life and work of Sebastião Salgado.
Photographer Captures Moment Newborn Baby Gives Doctors a 'Death Stare' as They Try to Make Her Cry
This is the surreal moment a photographer captured a newborn baby giving a "death stare" to the doctors who were trying to make her cry. The process is undertaken in order to help remove liquid from a baby’s lungs, but even at just a few seconds old, little Isabela was having none of it.
Meet the Artist Raising Awareness of Sexual Violence Through Photos of the Clothes People Were Raped In
Through an exhibition that critics have called “devastating,” one photographer has assembled a series of clothing that both women and men were raped in. The presentation is aiming to highlight the rising epidemic of sexual violence.
The Importance and Benefits of Starting a Project
Whether it's a personal project, long-term project, doing spec work, or on assignment, projects are a great way to expand your photographic abilities.
Photographer Captures Empty Streets of Shanghai as Coronavirus Fears Take Hold
A Shanghai-based photographer has captured the unusually quiet streets of Shanghai during the mass fear caused by the global outbreak of coronavirus. She found that public spaces in the city of 24 million people that are usually bustling with people were eerily empty.
The Curse of a Good Relationship in Photography
Most of the time, photography relies on good relationships. They make the business run smoother and ease the shooting. In some areas of photography, smooth jobs are not the best, though.
Fstoppers Interviews Rory Doyle About the Delta Hill Riders Project
Stories that change the way you see American culture are rare. The Delta Hill Riders project is one of those.
Devotion in Photographs: Shooting One of the Largest Religious Events in the World
Devotion is an idea difficult to capture in photographs. In this interview, photojournalist Jilson Tiu from the Philippines shares his experience photographing a religious tradition practiced by a massive number of devoted believers.
Photographer Documents Venice's Worst Floods in More Than 50 Years
A photographer has captured the Italian city of Venice during its worst flooding for over 50 years. The images show streets, churches, and homes awash with feet of water, in floods so bad the government declared a state of emergency.
Here Are the 100 Photos That Defined the Past Decade
As photographers, we have the power to change the world through our images. As the decade comes to a close, CNN takes a look back at the 100 photos that defined the last decade in our ever-changing world.
Adorama Unearthed: A Photography Series that Captures the American Rockies
The best parts of landscape photography is a mix of the planning and adventure to travel to and explore a new destination all while photographing the beauty of the area that you’re in. In this new series from Adorama, you have the opportunity to take a trip through the American Rockies with three photographers as they traverse some of the most beautiful and least seen lakes and mountains in the USA.
Three Unique Photographers Bring Their Voices to One of America's Darkest Chapters
KCET’s “Lost LA” does deep dives into the lesser-known history of Southern California. In a recent episode, photography takes center stage as they tell the story behind some of the most famous images from one of the darkest chapters in American history.
The National Archives: A Wealth of Americana Inspiration
As creatives and photographers, it's essential to study imagery for education and inspiration. The national archive is a wealth of archival and historical photos from America's history.
Artist Captures Video Portrait of Daughter Once a Week for 20 Years
A Dutch artist has created a video documenting twenty years by taking a short video of his daughter once a week for twenty years. That adds up to 1040 different clips that combine to make an amazing piece that might leave you needing some tissue.
Photographer Takes Pictures Throughout Her C-Section to Document Her Son's Birth
A photographer has documented her own child’s birth, taking a series of snaps as she underwent a C-section. The images show the incredible first moments of her son's life.
Full Time Wedding Photographer Shoots Motocross for the First Time: This Is What I Learned
I grew up racing motocross, so I have always had a passion for the sport. But my passion for motocross and photography have never had the chance to overlap. Until I recently got the chance to document the Ponca City National by Motoplayground.
Documentary Photographer Daniel Milnor Breaks Down One of His Images
A core value in being able analyze, interpret, or critique a photograph is the knowledge gained which can then be applied to your photography. Furthermore, applying those same observations in an honest way to your own images is a powerful tool for creative growth.
A Small Story About the Value of Photography
This is a short story about a brief moment and the significance of a photograph.
A Photographer's Moral Dilemma: Getting in and out of the Field
Photographing a certain group of people or documenting lives and events can be really exciting. It can also be emotionally confusing, because we frequently have to enter a field and also leave it after a while.
Gallery Told to Remove Mocked Up Billboard Images of Trump and Diana
Where's the line between false advertisement and art in photography? What if it falls somewhere between the two?
Instagram Deleted Three Accounts From the Same Guy and Put His Dream Lifestyle on Hold
Instagram is the most popular platform for photographers to display their work and reach an audience. If you know how, you can even turn it into a business and make a living off it. Imagine now, you wake up and Instagram has deleted all your family photos, favorite memories, connections, friends, and portfolio work?
Would You Photograph a Funeral?
Wedding photography is obviously big business for lots of professional photographers, but over on Reddit, Shian Bang (u/shian243) talks about something a little different: his first experiences as a funeral photographer.
Street Photos Spark Project to Learn About Victims of September 11 Attacks
We say, "never forget" when we think of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. And while none of us will forget the event itself, it's easy to lose sight of the individuals who lost their lives in the attacks.
Legendary Photographer, Robert Frank, Dies at 94
When I discovered Robert Frank’s work it fundamentally altered my perception of what, and how much, photography could mean. Mr. Frank passed away Monday in Mabou, Nova Scotia at the age of 94.
A to Z of Photography: X-Trans Sensor and Xiaoxiao Xu
With the letter X we move on to looking at Fuji's highly regarded X-Trans sensor which is very different from nearly all the sensors in other digital cameras, before looking at the work of contemporary Chinese photographer Xiaoxiao Xu.
An Evening with Jay Maisel as Jay Myself
Are you like me? Do you look for entertainment with some elements related to photography and is more than merely "behind the scenes" or "how to type" of videos? Something that provides a different insight into photography and the photographers who create world-class images? If so then perhaps, or maybe not, the documentary "Jay Myself" is for you.
Is Documentary Photography More Trustworthy Than Documentary Films?
Documentary movies and photography aim at creating plausible images of certain events and phenomena. But what is plausible? Can we even catch an unaltered scene?
Shooting Birth for the First Time: What I Learned
Documenting births is definitely not the type of photography that suits each and every one of us, but for those who are interested, here are a few things I learned from shooting it.
Shoot as if Your Free Time Were a Documentary
During our free time, we often tend to hunt for the big shots and the most impressive images. To become better photographers, we also need to develop our view for the little stories on our path.
The Daily Grind of a Freelance Photographer
Taking a peek into the daily routine of a professional, photographer or otherwise, can produce some interesting sights. Every photographer’s professional life is unique, yet most of us face similar daily challenges and strive for similar successes.
We Speak to the Photographer Documenting Love Stories of Couples and Families Impacted by the Global Refugee Crisis
One photographer recently travelled to both Turkey and Mexico to document the global refugee crisis in pictures, a series that went on to earn him a win at the World Press Photo Awards. We spoke with the man himself to uncover more details about the inspiring love stories of couples and families who have been forced to flee their native countries in search of a better life.
A Unique Photography Journey Between Father and Son
National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey explored a different perspective on photography when he traveled with his four-year-old son. Seeing the same journey through his sons eyes opened Huey up to the differences in how adults and children see the world.