Watch National Geographic Masters of Photography

2014
1 Season

National Geographic Masters of Photography is a captivating show that delves deep into the art of photography. It is a collaboration between National Geographic and The Great Courses, which brings together some of the finest photographers from around the world to share their expertise and insights into the craft.

The show is divided into 24 half-hour episodes, each showcasing one master photographer. These photographers represent a diverse range of styles and approaches, from landscape and nature photography to portraiture and street photography. Some of the featured photographers include Erika Larsen, Joel Sartore, Steve Winter, and Gerd Ludwig, among others.

The show's host is Joel Sartore, an award-winning photographer and a National Geographic fellow. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the show, having worked on numerous photography assignments around the world. With his engaging and informative style, he guides the viewers through each episode, providing context and insights into each master photographer's work.

The format of each episode is similar, starting with an introduction to the master photographer and their work. We then travel to a location where the photographer is currently shooting, and we see them in action as they explain their process and techniques. This is followed by a more in-depth look at their portfolio, with the photographer discussing their favorite images and what they were trying to convey in each shot.

In addition to showcasing each photographer's work, the show also provides valuable insights into the technical and creative aspects of photography. Viewers will learn about the importance of composition, lighting, and exposure, as well as more advanced topics such as editing and post-processing techniques.

One of the highlights of the show is the intimate and candid conversations Joel Sartore has with each photographer. We get to learn about their backgrounds, their inspirations, and the challenges they face in their work. We see how they push themselves creatively and experiment with different approaches and styles.

Throughout the show, we see how photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling and documenting the world around us. We see how each photographer has a unique perspective on the world and how they use their art to communicate their vision and create an emotional connection with the viewer.

In addition to the episodes focused on individual photographers, the show also includes several thematic episodes that explore different genres or approaches to photography. For example, there is a fascinating episode on night photography, which looks at how different photographers capture the beauty and mystery of the night sky.

Overall, National Geographic Masters of Photography is a must-see for anyone interested in photography or visual storytelling. It is a beautifully produced and inspiring series that showcases the work of some of the world's most talented photographers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, you will find something to inspire and challenge you in this series.

National Geographic Masters of Photography is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 24, 2014 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

24. Raising Awareness (Storytelling)

October 24, 2014

The digital revolution has radically altered both the media and journalism, and here, you'll see the impact mobile photography has had on Mr. Kashi's work. But first, examine advocacy journalism, another development in visual storytelling, through projects on sustainable development in Madagascar and on the devastating effects of kidney disease among sugar cane workers in Nicaragua.

23. Engaging the World (Storytelling)

October 24, 2014

Ed Kashi, who has photographed in difficult locations from Syria to Nigeria, expands your education on storytelling by sharing how he captures political issues, cultures, landscapes, a sense of place, the daily life of the people, and, ultimately, a cohesive feeling or mood in his work.

22. Moment, Gesture, Place (Storytelling)

October 24, 2014

Dive deeper into the matter of visual storytelling and get background on Mr. Allard's process. Consider how to craft photographs that show a sense of place, find lead images, capture often-photographed subjects such as the Eiffel Tower in new ways, and take strong portraits--be they "found" or "produced."

21. 50 Years of Telling Stories (Storytelling)

October 24, 2014

How do photographers put pictures together to tell a story? What needs to be included for a photo essay to be successful? William Albert Allard answers these questions in detail using examples from his 40-plus photographic essays for National Geographic, including his groundbreaking first assignment on the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

20. Write with Light (Color & Light)

October 24, 2014

Light is the most elemental part of any photograph, yet it's easy to neglect. Study how light leads the eye through an image and unifies a composition, then learn how Ms. Griffiths uses light to add drama and interest to portraits, nature shots, and special event photos. Also, find out why you should limit the use of flash.

19. Compose with Color (Color & Light)

October 24, 2014

What is there to know about color? Plenty, as you'll discover in this enlightening discussion with Annie Griffiths. Watch as she demonstrates how to use the different "personalities" of colors--including black and white--to communicate emotions. Get practical tips on shooting at different times of day, using backgrounds, creating silhouettes, and more.

18. Wait and Work the Shot (Color & Light)

October 24, 2014

What is it like to go on assignment for National Geographic? Find out as Mr. Melford takes you through his process during shoots in Death Valley, Glacier National Park, New Mexico, and other locations he's been assigned. Learn to anticipate the right shot--and be prepared to wait for it.

17. Good, Bad, and Magic Light (Color & Light)

October 24, 2014

Join Michael Melford, a landscape photographer and expert in natural light, for a discussion on lighting fundamentals. Take a deep dive into the four kinds of light he specifically looks for--diffuse light, side light, back light, and "magic" light--in addition to the types of filters he uses to control the available light.

16. Use the Background (People)

October 24, 2014

To capture a moment, you have to be ready. Mr. Block shares how he stays prepared as he walks you through various ways to approach people and produce pictures with impact, including going for less obvious shots and photographing from different angles. Learn how to find the "right" image once you return home.

15. Build Relationships (People)

October 24, 2014

Find out how Ira Block learned to incorporate people and interact with subjects even when conditions--be they language or weather--were against him. Discover how to make visual connections that advance a story; take advantage of intriguing backgrounds, lighting, and atmospherics; and capture people in authentic moments.

14. Uncover the Human Condition (People)

October 24, 2014

How do you approach people and get their permission to be photographed? How can you ensure you're telling a story in every image? What's the difference between a photographer and a tourist? Get answers as Ms. Cobb guides you in a close examination of individual photographs that explore the human condition.

13. Gaining Trust (People)

October 24, 2014

As you trace the diverse career of Jodi Cobb--who has photographed everyone from famous musicians to the highly shrouded women of Saudi Arabia and geisha of Japan--discover how rewarding it can be to photograph people, particularly when you get behind the public persona. Conclude with a heart-wrenching photo essay on human trafficking.

12. Moment in Landscape (Landscape)

October 24, 2014

Continue to investigate what makes a great landscape photo by looking at the three key elements of any great photo--light, composition, and a moment--and how these ingredients factor into this genre specifically. See how Mr. Yamashita uses negative space, sense of scale, leading lines, S-curves, and the rule of thirds.

11. Guide the Eye (Landscape)

October 24, 2014

As Michael Yamashita walks you through his body of work--which includes everything from a Zen garden to New Jersey traffic--pick up tips for shooting simple but effective landscapes. Go inside his story on China's Jiuzhaigou national park to understand how he approaches landscape projects and creates an air of mystery.

10. Exploring Landscapes (Landscape)

October 24, 2014

Return to Boreray, the Callanish Stones, the Isle of Muck, and other locations Mr. Richardson took you to in the previous lesson, so you can go behind the scenes to learn the "messy" process of how his remarkable landscapes were made. Also, get advice for preventing a "sedentary" feel in your work.

9. The Joys of Nature (Landscape)

October 24, 2014

According to Jim Richardson, "When we tell the story of the Earth, we are telling the story of ourselves and our relationship to the Earth." Here, the veteran photographer takes you from the Hebrides of Scotland to his native Kansas as he illuminates how he approaches telling tales in a graphic way.

8. Go Back, Get It Right (Wildlife)

October 24, 2014

These days, good equipment isn't hard to come by and many people are able to take tight, standard shots of wildlife in focus. So, how can you do something original in a world awash in pictures? Find out as Mr. Sartore delves deeper into the art of building photo essays and the mechanics of making exquisite images. Gather tips on lenses, where to photograph animals, and more.

7. Make a Difference (Wildlife)

October 24, 2014

Good light. Good composition. A moment. Explore the key ingredients of a great photograph with Joel Sartore as you continue investigating what makes an ordinary picture extraordinary. Get pointers on using storyboarding, remotes, and additional tools in wildlife photography, then see how his images have "gone to work" on behalf of endangered species and other animals.

6. Use All the Tools (Wildlife)

October 24, 2014

Photographing a bird in the jungle is no different than photographing a bird in your own back yard. Learn how you can use the skills wildlife photographers employ in the field at home to make the ordinary extraordinary, including panning, using eye contact, and incorporating the environment into your portraits.

5. Understand the Animal (Wildlife)

October 24, 2014

Jaguars. Snow leopards. Rhinoceroses. How do wildlife photographers such as Steve Winter capture once-in-a-lifetime, emotion-filled images of such elusive--and dangerous--animals? Find out as he takes you through the essential tools and techniques he relies on, from shutter speeds designed for sports photography to understanding and anticipating an animal's behavior.

4. Set the Scene, Get Close (Adventure)

October 24, 2014

Conclude your lesson on adventure photography by applying the skills you've acquired to the broader world. See what works and what doesn't as you explore how to craft a great "scene setter," zoom in or out for maximum impact, and shoot images of the night sky. Also, learn the importance of good lighting and doing your research.

3. Show What No One Has Shown (Adventure)

October 24, 2014

Head underground with Stephen Alvarez, a photographer who specializes in subterranean spaces and extreme terrain. Travel to breathtaking locales via his portfolio, including Oman on the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, the catacomb passages of Paris, and the Myo Lake Room in Papua New Guinea--a place no human had previously been--as he shares tips for lighting and finding adventures close to home.

2. Broaden Your View (Adventure)

October 24, 2014

Continue your exploration of adventure photography by looking deeper at ways to create dynamic results. Look closely at compelling shots from Mr. Richards's portfolio as he illuminates techniques for drawing viewers closer, creating a studio-lit effect in the field, finding the unexpected, focusing on details, and taking a picture of "people" --without the people.

1. Redefine Adventure (Adventure)

October 24, 2014

Follow how Cory Richards's approach to adventure photography has evolved beyond capturing the pure danger of climbing into something larger. Discover ways to reveal the human element in and culture of a locale by using to your advantage techniques including silhouette, leading lines, the vastness of a landscape, and anticipation.

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Where to Watch National Geographic Masters of Photography

National Geographic Masters of Photography is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch National Geographic Masters of Photography on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.