Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Nat'l Geographic Vid
• VHS Release Date: June 9, 1998
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0792228677
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,403 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Going behind the camera and on assignment with veteran photographers for National Geographic, this documentary answers the eternal question asked by the magazine's readers: "How in the world did they get that shot?" The photographers recount the grueling preparation that shooting for the magazine entails, from mundane details such as obtaining visas to preparing oneself for dangers such as severe climates, deep-sea dives, raging beasts, and local bandits. And don't forget insects, lots and lots of insects, a point made pellucid as photographers in a fast montage rattle off how many times they've battled malaria. Besides the physical ordeals, there is also discussion of the emotional toll involved in shooting in brutal conditions, such as one photographer's recounting of how distressing it was to continue shooting pictures in the famine zone of the Horn of Africa. Beyond all the hardships, the travel to the world's farthest flung places involves considerable loneliness, but the photographers interviewed speak of having the "best job in the world," and their enthusiasm for the work is abundant. It goes without saying that this video is a visual delight, as many examples of noteworthy National Geographic photographs, and entertaining explanations of how the shot was set up and snapped, appear throughout. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

For a chosen few it's a dream job...a great responsibility...a crazy life. For generations, National Geographic magazine has revealed the beauty, variety, and mystery of our planet. And for most of that time, the stories have been told with compelling images as well as words. But who are the people behind the camera and what would it be like on assignment for National Geographic? Now this video takes you around the world to meet some of the world's best photographers as they reflect on their jobs and on their art. You'll hear the secrets of these remarkable men and women - how they get those breathtaking shots, the dangers they face, and the lives they lead for the love of their craft. So see the world as you never have before, through the eyes of THE PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must See!, March 31, 2002

By 

Kari (FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic's The Photographers (DVD)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you LOVE photography, you'll LOVE this DVD -- GUARANTEED!, December 29, 2001

By 

JR Geoffrion (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic's The Photographers (DVD)

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!

31 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not for photographers., May 9, 2005

By 

Michael Ryan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic's The Photographers (DVD)

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.