Darkroom on wheels: How photography is helping displaced children heal

It's easy to get caught up in the gear side of things with photography, but at its core, regardless of equipment, the medium can be a powerful tool for finding healing, hope and joy. Emmy-nominated filmmaker and photojournalist Ilie Mitaru explores this theme in his recent documentary, First Frames. dpreview.com »

2025-03-21 22:17

Documentary Photography Grant: Here’s Your Chance to Win $30,000

Documentary photographers have always been at the forefront of highlighting challenging issues in our society. From the living conditions in certain parts of the world to the challenges faced in conserving our environment, documentary photography continues to showcase the human condition in its myriad hues and shades. thephoblographer.com »

2025-01-28 23:00

Leila Saidane’s Work Is an Example of the Future of Documentary Photography

Earlier this year, students enrolled The University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism and Media (in the Moody College of Communication) were encouraged to apply for a six-month mentorship with a Canon Explorer of Light. petapixel.com »

2024-12-09 22:08

Documentary Will Explore Oscar-Winning Actress Jessica Lange’s Photography

An upcoming documentary will celebrate American Horror Story actress Jessica Lange's decades-long passion for photography.

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2024-05-17 17:31

Anna Bedynska Beautifully Describes Real Documentary Photography

Photographers tend to take two different sides on AI imagery. Some say that it's not photography. Others embrace it and try to learn the technology to add to their skill sets. In our interviews on this website, we've discussed lots of different opinions that photographers have on AI. thephoblographer.com »

2023-10-17 22:00

The Importance of Still Life for Documentary Photography

When I work on a blueprint for a potential documentary project most of my attention goes to unpacking whatever it was that drew my initial interest – usually a collection of themes, locations, and characters that I will visit in order to discover what direction the story will end up going in. [Read More] petapixel.com »

2022-10-10 21:29

Observation and Investigation for Documentary Photography

If the intention behind a photograph is to produce something photographic, weighted by aesthetic merit, or artistic expression, then it is your observation via the camera that you are most likely going to share in that image. [Read More] petapixel.com »

2022-05-05 20:14

Documentary Photography: The Truth Most of You Won’t Accept

Documentary photography is often a polarizing genre. Not only because of the topics. But also because of who photographs, and more so, where they photograph. Western photographers often lust after impactful stories happening in nations less fortunate than theirs. thephoblographer.com »

2021-08-26 01:00

‘Anti-Minimalism’ in Documentary Photography

Minimalism can be such an effective and beautiful way to present information, especially in photographs where there needs to be only one subject or central point of clarity. However, while many seem to subscribe to the “less is more” sensibility of minimalism, which can mean chiseling away at anything non-essential, I don’t find this a […] petapixel.com »

2021-05-26 17:36

Need a Good Photography Documentary? Check Out What’s on Netflix!

A photography documentary is a great way to consume the art form you love. From the educational to the eye-opening, there’s a photography documentary for all your wants and needs. Popular streaming site, Netflix has hours of awesome content for the photography fan. thephoblographer.com »

2021-02-01 08:00

Is Isolation Overrepresented in Street and Documentary Photography?

One of the byproducts of the new-wave approach to street photography, which champions anonymity, mystery, and a cinematic aesthetic, is that there is an absolute abundance of images featuring silhouetted figures and shadow play. petapixel.com »

2020-04-20 17:42

Travel Without Traveling for Street and Documentary Photography

Whenever I travel for photography, there’s a real sense of anticipation for the scenarios I might face, the feeling that the next great moment is just around the corner. As a street and documentary photographer, my intention when traveling is not to see “the sights”, or to eat the foods, or to hear the music […] petapixel.com »

2020-03-02 19:48

Are Street and Documentary Photography Art?

I think the question of whether something is or is not “art” is a bit disingenuous, often used more as a tool for gatekeeping than true analysis or critique. There is no objective standard for what makes something enjoyable as a piece of art, whether that’s a photograph, music, sculpture, or a blade of grass […] petapixel.com »

2019-12-27 18:10

Why Shoot Documentary Photography on Film?

Shooting a long term project, whether personal or professional, is a wonderful way to explore areas of photography you might not have previously considered. I know of photographers who have experimented with different types of filters, post-processing techniques, actual shooting methods (long exposure, panning, unfamiliar/conventional focal lengths), and so on, as their projects evolve. The […] petapixel.com »

2019-12-21 18:00

Lessons Learned After 250 Documentary Photography Assignments

Recently I hit a milestone in my photographer’s career: I’ve accomplished 250 paid assignments. It took me ten years and half a million frames to get there. I thought it’s a decent reason to reflect a little bit on what has been done and what the journey feels like. The A-ha Moment Just a few […] petapixel.com »

2019-11-20 19:27

Giacomo Bruno’s Documentary Photography of the Cinnamon Harvest in Sri Lanka

Whenever we take a look at the works of Milan-based Giacomo Bruno, he proves each time that he should be in everyone's list of exemplary documentary photographers. Today, we place the spotlight on another beautiful set from his visit in Sri Lanka, this time telling us about another of the country's raw gold agricultural products: cinnamon. thephoblographer.com »

2018-03-21 10:00

TEDx Talk: Two Views in Documentary Photography

Here’s an inspiring 14-minute TEDx Talk by photographer Billy Weeks about documentary photography. Weeks explores that specific moment in which a photographer and subject “intersect with a single point of view. petapixel.com »

2018-01-23 22:29

National Geographic Photographer Ira Block Gives Tips for Instagram and Documentary Photographers

Photographer Ira Block has traveled around the world and these days is both a National Geographic Photographer and a Sony Artisan. To that end, he's one of the perfect photographers to speak to about documentary photography. thephoblographer.com »

2017-08-13 07:00

The Perils of ‘Creative Documentary Photography’

Eyebrows were raised in the photojournalism community yesterday when World Press Photo — an industry stalwart — announced the creation of a new contest that would “not have rules limiting how images are produced. petapixel.com »

2016-10-27 17:26