Customer Reviews

National Geographic's The Photographers

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

WOW! What more can I say! Just watching this was an absolutely extraordinary experience. This is a "behind the scenes" look at photography. It gets you up close and personal with the photographers and lets you know what is involved in trying to capture the "shot of a lifetime". I own many National Geographic books, but you won't be able to appreciate what goes into each photograph without watching this DVD. Even those who are not interested in photography will be able to appreciate it.

If you ask any amateur photographer who they'd like to work for as a photographer, you would probably hear "The National Geographic Magazine". Their lives, as we see it through the eyes of the pictures that are published in the magazine, appear nothing short of glamourous.

This DVD not only shows some of NGM best pictures but also reveals the lives and visions of the photographers behind these stories and pictures. If you enjoy photography, you'll enjoy it for sure.

I've already watched mine more than 5 times in less than two months!

If you are expecting great insight into the lives of National Geographic's photographers or even revelations about what makes great photography then look elsewhere. This video greatly disappointed me as it is nothing more than promotional drivel. So fawning and servile is the narration that each sentence sounds as if it is about to collapse under the weight of the compliments for the organization. It reminds me of these terrible "the making of..." TV programs the have now to promote movies. It should be given free with subscriptions and not charged for. It is short and shallow and holds about 15 minutes in total interest for any photographer. Buy the magazine or one of their books instead.

If you want some inspiration to throw all and become a photographer, this can help a lot. It show how some of the most recognized photographers work and they insights on working as a National Geographic photographer, mostly the nice things and some of the bad.

Thrilling and insightful on the life and times of the NG photograther. It will make you appreciate what they do even more. Also motivating for those who are interesting in Editorial, adventure, or photojournalist photography.

Not a "how to" dvd per se, I thought it gave more inspiration for the the budding photographer than anything. If you are into photography and especially photojournalism then I highly recommend this one!

This is great DVD. I watch it more for inspirational and motivational purposes. Though the more and more I watch it, the more and more I pick up on things. Listening to the photographers, their stories, and seeing their work. It helps motivate me to achieve their level of work. Not that that's going to happen anytime soon, but I have noticed a difference, all be it a small one.

This is not an instructional video. It's a pragmatic account of what it's like being a National Geographic photographer; the pitfalls and the promise. It covers all facets of their industry in a very aesthetic way. Even delving into the detail of their work sporadically.

Overall, it's a great way to jump start yourself if you have "photographers block"!!!

cheers

Jake - Lajes, Terceira, Azores, Portugal

This is a book about several people who happen to work for a company that sends them around the world to take photographs. The terrible conditions that they have to work under for months on end, clearly shown in order that we must be impressed by their efforts when we buy a magazine, is the main story of the DVD. I really didn't see any 'remarkable' photographs, just a few 'good' ones. The only technical info given is that one guy likes 1/2 sec shots to convey motion, and another's shot of a charging elephant was a 1/250th exposure. The DVD is pretty dated, 1995. Doesn't seem long ago, but it's pretty entertaining to see someone sitting at a table labeling about 100 rolls of film. The cameras look small, and the lenses diameters are really small, they must be pretty slow compared to today's standards.

I'd say that the only useful thing about the DVD would be showing it to recent graduates to aid them in making a career choice, the glamorous side of this business is not shown, assuming there is any. Another thing that comes through is that a great photograph usually requires a great deal of luck, being at the right place at the right time. Of course it also emphasizes that it's hard long work to make sure you are at the right place at the right time.

As other people have said, save your money and buy a subscription instead, or donate it to an organization that helps third world countries like the ones shown in this DVD. Maybe Afghanistan to help the woman on the cover of the DVD or people like her.

The video was an interesting look into what really goes into making those amazing NatGeo photographs. However, there is some propaganda here: showing the courage and dedication of the photographers as they brave difficulties so that you and I can enjoy fascinating photographs, blah blah blah. And the photo technology is out of date. However, it does provide a glimpse into the lives of globe trotting photojournalists and can help the viewer understand the reality of what it takes to be a NatGeo photographer. Personally, I enjoyed the video, despite it's flaws.

this video is an eye opener for all photographers and readers of national geographic magazine. we view these photographers as a glamorous profession but this video will reveal the hardships they encounter just to get those special shots. this is not a video about camera exposures and lighting effects but more of where,why and when did they decided to shoot a particular shot. you will see the inner workings of the magazine and how they choose particular photos for publishing. highly recommended video.