I finally watched 'Photographer' on Disney+ and I wish I had sooner!

In dense vegetation, hummingbirds must dodge and weave around branches and vines. Marc Badger of UC Berkeley elicits such acrobatics in the lab by having birds fly through small apertures, a situation the photographer recreated here (from Anand Varma's episode Hidden Wonders)
In dense vegetation, hummingbirds must dodge and weave around branches and vines. Marc Badger of UC Berkeley elicits such acrobatics in the lab by having birds fly through small apertures, a situation the photographer recreated here (from Anand Varma's episode Hidden Wonders) (Image credit: National Geographic / Anand Varma)

Whether you’re interested in photography, storytelling, or beautifully crafted documentaries, Photographer on Disney+ is a must-watch.

I had been meaning to sit down and check it out since its release in 2024, but I kept putting it off. Now that I’ve finally dived in, I can’t believe I waited this long! This series is a visual feast, a masterclass in image-making, and a deep dive into the minds of some of the world’s greatest photographers, all wrapped up in immersive filmmaking.

Photographer | Official Trailer | National Geographic - YouTube Photographer | Official Trailer | National Geographic - YouTube
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Above: Trailer for Photographer

Each episode follows a different photographer, taking us into their world and creative process. We see them in the field, chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments, and through interviews and archival footage, we get a glimpse into how they became the artists they are today.

The lineup of photographers is nothing short of spectacular and includes Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, Dan Winters, Campbell Addy, Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen, and Anand Varma. What’s even more exciting is that their stories are told by some of today’s best documentary filmmakers, such as Jimmy Chin, Academy Award-winning director of Free Solo.

(Image credit: National Geographic)

While every episode has been incredible, the one that truly struck a chord with me was the Dan Winters episode, Dan Winters: Life is Once. Forever. Winters is on my personal Mount Rushmore of photographers, so getting a behind-the-scenes look at his process was a real treat.

Known for his iconic portraits, scientific photography, still life, and NASA imagery, Winters is a legend in every sense of the word. Seeing him work at Kennedy Space Center, Iceland, and Bangladesh, all while reflecting on the balance between career and family, was both inspiring and surprisingly emotional. It was a reminder that even the most accomplished artists grapple with the push and pull of ambition and personal life.

What makes Photographer so compelling is its range. Each episode focuses on a different genre and approach to photography, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to conservation photography, high-end portraiture, extreme adventure shots, or photojournalism, you’ll find an episode that speaks to you. More than just a show about taking pictures, it’s a celebration of curiosity, passion, and the drive to see and document the world in a way no one else has before.

If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it! Photographer is currently available to stream on Disney+.

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Kalum Carter
Staff Writer

Kalum is a professional photographer with over a decade of experience, also working as a photo editor and photography writer. Specializing in photography and art books, Kalum has a keen interest in the stories behind the images and often interviews contemporary photographers to gain insights into their practices. With a deep passion for both contemporary and classic photography, Kalum brings this love of the medium to all aspects of his work.

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