Must-watch Photography Documentaries & Movies
As photographers, we often seek inspiration not just from the world around us but also from the stories and experiences of other visual artists. Films about photography can provide fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the craft. Whether you’re looking for raw street photography energy, deep documentary storytelling, or just some inspiration in your photography journey, these films are worth adding to your watchlist.
DOCUMENTARIES
In no great hurry: 13 lessons in life with Saul Leiter.
A beautifully rendered and fascinating documentary portrait of one of the 20th century’s most beloved street photographers. Saul Leiter talks to director Tomas Leach about his family history, his first camera, his beginnings in fashion, and what drives him.
Finding Vivian Maier
This intriguing documentary shuttles from New York to France to Chicago as it traces the life story of the late Vivian Maier, a career nanny whose previously unknown cache of 100,000 photographs has earned her a posthumous reputation as one of America’s most accomplished and insightful street photographer
The Salt of the Earth
Photographer Sebastião Salgado has travelled the world documenting international conflicts, starvation, and exodus. He is now embarking on a search for wild, pistine landscapes as a tribute to the planet’s beauty.
Everybody Street (2013)
If you love street photography, this is a must-watch. Featuring legendary New York street photographers like Joel Meyerowitz, Bruce Gilden, and Mary Ellen Mark, the documentary captures the raw energy of the streets and the philosophy behind their craft.
The Impassioned Eye (2003)
Henri Cartier-Bresson is the father of modern street photography, famous for his “decisive moment” philosophy. This documentary provides insights into his mind, his approach to photography, and his legacy in shaping the art form.
Harry Gruyaert: Photographer
Harry Gruyaert has a rare ability to compose colour. He avoids the pitfalls of the genre by creating nuanced images, with a feeling of loneliness, of tender irony, of the “beauty of ugliness”. We also understand here that this silent hypersensitive is inhabited by photography.
Jamal Shabazz: Street Photographer
Brooklyn-born photographer Jamel Shabazz documented the pioneers of hip-hop in the early days of the music genre. This film pays tribute to his work and those instrumental in bringing hip- hop to the world.
The man who saw too much
A unique documentary by Trisha Ziff that charts the story of photojournalist Enrique Metidines, a man obsessed with photographing crime, death and accidents in Mexico.
Bill Cunningham: New York
A delicate, funny and often poignant documentary portrait of bicycle-riding octogenarian Bill Cunningham, the beloved New York Times style photographer who is world famous for his weekly “On the Street” column
Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable
A documentary about an important American still photographer who captured New York City in the 1960s (his work there is said to have influenced the TV show Mad Men) and later the West in Texas and Los Angeles.
MOVIESThe Bang Bang Club
A drama based on the true-life experiences of four combat photographers capturing the final days of apartheid in South Africa. Kevin Carter, one of the photographers depicted in the movie took the famous photo of the baby and the vulture that went on to win a Pulitzer prize.
The Mexican Suitcase
This film tells the story of the recovery of 4,500 negatives taken by photographers Robert Capa, Gerda Taro and David 'Chim' Seymour during the Spanish Civil War.
The Bridges of Madison County
Legend has it that it is based on Magnum Photographer David Alan Harvey and National Geographic even dedicated an issue in 1997.
A choice of weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
Follows Gordon Parks' stellar career from staff photographer for LIFE magazine, through his artistic development photographing everyday Americans, through his evolution as a novelist and groundbreaking filmmaker.
The secret life of Walter Mitty
This move is not really about photography, however it is about TIME Magazine whose role in defining photojournalism has been paramount.
