In this article, I’ve prepared a list of 10 Photography Documentaries Netflix, Movies, and Series that you can’t miss. A careful selection with the titles that inspired me the most and why they are worth watching.
1. Tales by Light
Perhaps one of the most beautiful series produced recently about photography, Tales By Light, surprises and inspires with the work and passion of professional photographers of different genres. Among them Eric Cheng, Art Wolfe, Jonathan e Angela Scott, Richard I’Anson, Darren Jew, Krystle Wright, Jim Abernethy, and Simon Lister.
A dream photographic journey!
© Canon Australia
2. Ripley
This series, created and directed by Steven Zaillian, and lensed by cinematographer Robert Elswit, is a masterpiece of Black & White Photography.
Every scene is taken care of to the smallest detail, the characters, the settings. I haven’t seen something so beautiful in a long time.
© Netflix
3. Terra
Although it is a 2015 title, it is still current and worth seeing. The photographer Yann Arthus Berthrand always makes us think, this time analyzing the relationship between humans and other species living on Earth, showing how we are moving further and further away from nature. An incredible work, like all the other documentaries of his series, always accompanied by impressive images and the fact that besides showing us the problem, he also tries to offer a possible solution.
Are you interested in the environment? Take a look at the Fundación Good Planet, founded by Berthrand in 2015 with the aim of promoting ecology and sustainable development.
© Omega
4. Our Planet – Behind The Scenes
Have you ever dreamed of being part of a production team? This documentary will take you on an incredible journey, to some of the most beautiful places on the planet, showing you the hard work and determination of a production team. You will feel part of this difficult process of creation and learn from their experience, you will understand what is behind these amazing images.
© Jack Harries
5. Dying To Tell
With this documentary, photojournalist Hernan Zin is looking for answers about himself and the incident in Afghanistan that changed his life forever. He does this through a series of interviews with other Spanish journalists, telling about the traumas, losses, and fears caused by this profession. An important testimony, not only to try to understand the impact these situations have on a person but also to remember those who have fallen in the war, working to keep the world informed. A “must” for students and lovers of photojournalism.
© Morir para contar
6. On Yoga, The Architecture of Peace
A really interesting documentary on yoga told through the experience of photographer Michael O’Neill, who at some point in his life suffers a shoulder injury that, according to doctors, would end his career.
Once healed through yoga, O’Neill realized that true and authentic yoga was not getting the attention it deserved. Thus was born the idea of this documentary, which accompanies us through the wonderful images he has taken during the 10 years he spent in the company of the great masters of this discipline.
© On Yoga Filme
7. Hondros
A documentary that follows the life and career of famous American war photographer Chris Hondros, driven by his commitment to witnessing the wars of our time. A journey through conflict zones such as Kosovo, Angola, Libya, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Palestine, Iraq, and Liberia. A short but intense career, with a tragic ending, Chris’ death in Libya in 2011.
© Freestyle Digital Media
8. Night On Earth
A must-see series for photography enthusiasts. The use of new ultraviolet technologies made it possible to document in high definition the beauty of nature at night in different scenarios on earth.
Also available on Netflix is an interesting “behind the scenes”, which shows the effort of the crew to capture the incredible images of the documentary.
© Netflix
9. Abstract (Platon)
This series is divided into 8 chapters that tell the daily life of 8 design professionals. Among them the English portrait and documentary photography Platon, which shows us in detail his creative process. A chapter that inspires, discovering the story of a photographer capable of capturing the soul of the greatest contemporary influential figures.
Platon is also the founder of The People’s Portfolio, a non-profit organization that uses storytelling to document humanitarian efforts around the world.
© Netflix
10. The Photographer of Mauthausen
This film tells the true story of Spanish photographer Francisco Boix, who was a prisoner of war in the Mauthausen concentration camp. He was a key witness during the Nuremberg trial, between 1943 and 45 he hid thousands of negatives with the help of other prisoners, hoping to show the world the atrocities committed by the Nazis. A film not to be forgotten, which highlights the value of photography as a means of documentation.
© What’s on Netflix
10 Must-See Photography Documentaries Netflix: Final Notes
Did you like the article?
Let me know in the comments below which Photography Documentaries Netflix you liked the most and why!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, read this article about the Bertolucci’s movies.
