Top Seven Must-Watch Photography Documentaries

For all things photography, documentaries offer a unique window into the lives and works of iconic photographers. They reveal the stories behind their most famous images and the people who shot them. Here's a list of seven compelling photography documentaries that every photographer should watch.

This video, brought to you by Tatiana Hopper, lists seven enthralling documentaries that are a must-watch for photographers. Some of the featured documentaries include:

Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings

This documentary takes viewers into the world of Sally Mann, known for her evocative portraits and landscapes. It explores her artistic journey, focusing on how personal experiences and the Southern landscape have shaped her work. The film delves into Mann's unique approach to capturing themes like family, memory, and mortality, making it a must-see for those interested in the emotional depth of photography.

The Salt of the Earth

Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, this film chronicles the career of Sebastião Salgado, a Brazilian photographer renowned for his striking images of social and environmental issues. The documentary not only showcases Salgado's powerful visuals but also discusses his efforts to document and raise awareness about the lives of marginalized communities worldwide. It's an inspiring watch for anyone passionate about photography's potential to drive change.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Nan Goldin's work is known for its raw and intimate portrayal of the human experience, and this documentary offers a deeper look into her life and activism. It covers her influential role during the AIDS crisis and her ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic. The film is a profound exploration of how photography can be a tool for social justice and personal expression. This is an extremely powerful and, at times, painful documentary.

To explore more about these films and other recommendations, watch the full video for an in-depth look into the world of photography through the lens of these extraordinary artists.

Do you have any further recommendations that you would like to share with the Fstoppers community?

Kim Simpson's picture

Kim Simpson is a photographer based in the West of Scotland. Her photographic practice is an exploration of the human experience, with a particular emphasis on themes of identity and belonging.

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6 Comments

That's three. Where are the other four?

"Some of the featured documentaries." Gotta watch the vid to find out the rest.

I think that James Natchwey's War Photographer Is an important film for any photography lover.

No Ordinary Life chronicals the story of 5 women tv news videographers covering hostile regions around the globe.

Where can these docs be found?

Access will vary from country to country.