The photographer or videographer often remains an unsung hero, their craft overshadowed by the compelling scenes and subjects they capture. National Geographic’s new series “Photographer,” developed by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, seeks to pivot the lens back towards these visual storytellers, shedding light on the intricacies of their work and the profound impact it has on how we perceive the world.
Who Is Capturing The Moment?
Have you ever watched an amazing moment in a documentary and wondered, “Who recorded that video or took that photo?” I think about that all the time. I would watch Jacques Cousteau specials growing up, and there would an intimate scene with just Cousteau and a shark or whale or something, and then it would occur to me that, although the scene is designed to make us feel like Cousteau and the marine creature are alone in the ocean, someone else had to be there to record it.
The same is true for a production like “Free Solo,” the documentary of Alex Honnold’s solo free climb up the face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. We have drones now as well, but the reality is that there was a crew of photographers who also made that ascent (albeit with ropes and safety gear), so they could film it. Behind every captivating shot, there is a cameraperson, or sometimes a team of photographers, navigating the same uncharted territories.
The innovation, creativity and endurance of photographers, as well as their role as both a participant and narrator in these explorations is a central theme of this series.
Behind The Lens(es)
Chai Vasarhelyi and her husband Jimmy Chin understand the skill and sacrifice it takes to capture the moment. They led the team that filmed Alex Honnold’s climb of El Capitan, and produced and directed “Free Solo.” I spoke with Chai and Jimmy about the inspiration behind the series and what they want the audience to take away from the experience.
Jimmy told me that every year National Geographic hosts a sort of photographer summit, and that he is always very inspired by all of the different photographers. He shared the challenges photographers face, explaining that from capturing conflicts to wildlife, from scientific discoveries to adrenaline-fueled adventures, photographers not only document but also interpret the world through their lenses.
“I’ve seen other shows about photography, but I never felt like it really got to the heart of that intention and point of view that these photographers that I knew—that my peers and colleagues had, so we wanted to deep dive into into that world, because there’s so many incredible characters that are the photographers,” explained Jimmy.
He added, “You know, we want to turn the camera back on them.”
Ingenuity Is Essential
The quality of the equipment used is one factor, but it doesn’t define what makes some photographers stand out.
I compared it to golf. The technology behind the equipment continues to evolve and improve. An amateur using cutting edge golf clubs that have been custom-fitted to their build and swing style is most likely going to do better than an amateur using older clubs that are not properly fitted. However, the skill of the golfer is more important in many ways than the equipment. There’s a fair chance a golfer like Tiger Woods could beat both of them using only a 5-iron.
We talked about how this underscores a pivotal aspect of photography: the fusion of talent and technology. “Photographer” delves into this interplay, revealing how photographers, like engineers and inventors, often devise creative solutions to capture the perfect shot. It’s about the ingenuity required to overcome logistical, technical, and sometimes physical challenges to tell a compelling story visually.
Anand Varma stresses the point in one of the episodes, noting that the actual pushing of the shutter button and taking the picture is such a small part of what it takes to get those shots.
My chat with Chai and Jimmy focused on the multifaceted process behind capturing iconic images. They told me that from understanding animal behavior for wildlife photography to navigating the logistics of expedition photography, the series highlights the myriad layers of preparation, research, and creativity that precede the moment of capture.
Chin recounted using technology designed for remote wildlife photography to film Alex Honnold’s “Free Solo” climb as an illustration of the innovative approaches photographers employ to bring breathtaking moments to the audience.
Unsung Heroes
“Photographer” is not just about showcasing stunning images; it’s an homage to the individuals who make these images possible. It acknowledges their unique perspectives, their stories, and the personal motivations driving their work.
Chai and Jimmy, through this series, aim to celebrate these visual storytellers, not only for their artistic talents but also for their ability to connect us with worlds and experiences far beyond our own.
Chai emphasized, “We’re really proud of the series because I think it does to great lengths to celebrate the stories visually, as well as emotionally, understanding what motivates this stuff.”
“Photographer” is an amazing testament to the importance of the photographer in capturing and sharing the essence of the world around us. It challenges the viewer to appreciate not just the image but also the vision, dedication, and oftentimes courage, of the person behind the camera. In doing so, the series not only enriches our understanding of the craft but also deepens our connection to the stories being told, reminding us that every shot is a confluence of art, science, and human spirit.
