From Capa to Leibovitz, 10 Free Photography & Photojournalism Documentaries to Watch during Lockdown

It’s no secret. The world is on lockdown. By now, many have been forced home and are now wondering how they are going to fill their days for the coming weeks.

In light of this, here is a list of some of my favourite photography and photojournalism related documentaries that I have bookmarked and watched over the years.

Even though I have been in the photography business for 15+ years, I still like to learn from those master image makers that came before me. You can never stop learning and being inspired by others work who you admire.

Here, in no particular order, are the films that should provide you with roughly 10+ hours of time-killing viewing. Think of them as an at-home workshop during lockdown. I promise, this will be a much better use of your time than that latest series you just binge-watched!

— Sean Gallagher, Photographer & Filmmaker. Follow on INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

1) Henri Cartier Bresson – Pen, Brush & Camera

Widely regarded as one of the first pioneers and founders of modern photojournalism. This 50 minute documentary delves deep into the life and work of one of the true masters whose work every photographer, both amateur and professional, should know.

2) Robert Capa In Love And War

An interesting profile of the legendary war photographer, Robert Capa. Told through those who knew him, the film follows his life story.

3) Street Photography: Documentary | Joel Meyerowitz

This fascinating 1981 documentary follows the life and work of legendary American photographer Joel Meyerowitz, offering insights into his thought process and image making philosophies.

4) War Photographer in Sudan – Veronique de Viguerie

This HBO documentary follows photojournalist Veronique de Viguerie as she photographs conflict in Sudan. A raw and honest portrayal of the life of a photojournalist on the front line of the news.

5) The Life of a Photograph | National Geographic – Sam Abell

The veteran National Geographic photographer Sam Abell takes the viewer through a presentation of the images taken throughout his long career.



6) David Hurn A Life in Pictures – BBC

An entertaining look at the life and pictures of British photographer David Hurn, produced by the BBC. The documentary follows Hurn as he revisits images from his career and travels with him to the US as he meets Jane Fonda, 50 years after originally photographing her.

7) Jodi Cobb: A Life in Pictures

Another National Geographic legend sits down in an extended interview and discusses some of her most famous images taken during her career as a Nat Geo photographer.

8) Annie Leibovitz 1993 documentary

The legendary American portrait photographer discusses her work in this dated but still fascinating documentary about the making of some her iconic images.

9) Art of The Photographer – Michael Yamashita

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Michael Yamashita and he is one of my favourite photographers. Michael talks candidly about his extensive work in Asia in this sit down interview in his studio.

10) Mary Ellen Mark: Portraits & Portrayals

A presentation, rather than a straight documentary. Mary Ellen Mark speaks at the University of Michigan about her life and work throughout her incredible career.

SEAN GALLAGHER IS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER DOCUMENTING STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINE OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS & GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS WORK BELOW


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