From Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Photographer takes viewers on a journey with the world’s most extraordinary visual storytellers, pairing them with today’s leading documentary filmmakers for an exhilarating and dynamic international adventure. Each hour-long episode follows the story of an iconic photographer—Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, Dan Winters, Campbell Addy, Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen, and Anand Varma—while they work to make iconic images that stand the test of time. Through vérité footage of their current mission interwoven with interviews and archived footage, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of each photographer’s process, learn how they became an artist, and discover how they see and experience the world.
Eight esteemed directors have masterfully brought each of the photographers’ stories to life: starting with the insightful vision of award-winning duo E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo) to the skilled direction of Marshall Curry (Racing Dreams), Pagan Harleman (The Trade), Crystal Kayiza (Rest Stop), Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI), Kristi Jacobson (Solidarity) and Rita Baghdadi (Sirens), each episode is a collaborative and visually stunning adventure that invites viewers into a captivating world where every frame tells an inspiring and evocative story.
National Geographic has provided a GeekDad exclusive behind-the-scenes clip where legendary photographers, Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, describe how, after posting their photography to social media, the response was tremendous. They mention how the emotional response to pictures can excite people to care about the planet.
Photographer premieres Monday, March 18th on National Geographic with the first two episodes and the remaining four episodes on March 25th and April 1st. The series will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on Tuesday, March 19th. Let’s take a look at the various episodes.
“Paul Nicklen & Cristina Mittermeier: Win or Die”
Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier fell in love on their first dive together in the Yucatan. Now, they use their images and millions of online followers to bring about change and protect the oceans. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, they begin a four-year global expedition in the Bahamas, where they are fighting to protect marine life from oil drilling.
“Anand Varma: Hidden Wonders”
Known for capturing the secrets of the natural world through his images, Anand struggles to figure out how to document the process of an egg developing into a baby chick. Meanwhile, he reflects on his own personal evolution, from a kid obsessed with fish to a young photographer making iconic images of hummingbirds, bees, bats, and jellyfish to launching his own educational space.
“Dan Winters: Life is Once. Forever.”
Dan Winters, one of the most versatile and celebrated photographers working today, is at the height of his craft, but his accomplishments have come with personal costs. Dan reflects on his illustrious career while he tackles both the apex of human endeavor, the Artemis launch, and a long-dreamed-of project, photographing the shipyards of Bangladesh.
“Campbell Addy: Feeling Seen”
At age 30, British-Ghanaian photographer Campbell Addy has ascended fashion’s stratosphere. He has worked with all the top brands and photographed icons like Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, and Meghan Markle. But Campbell fears becoming too commercial and repeating himself. In an effort to reclaim his purpose and his vision, he pivots back to his personal work and mounts his first solo art show in London.
“Krystle Wright: Heart Explosions”
World-renowned adventure photographer Krystle Wright is on a mission to rebuild momentum in her career after a three-year hiatus. While capturing one of the season’s most dangerous tornadoes and attempting to bring a personal vision to life in Moab, she shares the highs and lows of her extraordinary lifestyle.
“Muhammed Muheisen: Finding the Light”
A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who came of age covering conflict in the Middle East, Muhammed Muheisen left journalism at the height of his career to pursue advocacy. Today, he no longer ventures to the frontlines but instead embeds with families, using his work to both share moments of joy and shed light on the global refugee crisis.
Be sure to watch Photographer when it premieres Monday, March 18th on National Geographic and begins streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day. Here is a trailer to enjoy in the meantime.
