Top 10 Documentaries About Photography

Description: While primarily a music documentary, it includes Daniel Johnston's photography, showcasing his unique perspective on life through his art. It's a poignant look at creativity, mental illness, and the intersection of music and visual art.

Fact: Johnston's artwork has been exhibited in galleries around the world. The film won the Documentary Directing Award at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Follow the life of Bill Cunningham, the legendary street photographer for The New York Times, as he captures the essence of fashion and life in New York City. His dedication to his craft and his unique perspective make this documentary a must-watch for photography lovers.

Fact: Bill Cunningham was known for his refusal to accept payment for his work, believing that money would corrupt his vision. The film won the Audience Award at the 2010 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Description: This documentary uncovers the life of Vivian Maier, a nanny whose extraordinary photographic talent was discovered posthumously. It's a journey through her hidden world, revealing her as one of the most intriguing street photographers of the 20th century.

Fact: Vivian Maier's work was found in a storage locker auctioned off due to unpaid rent. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, this documentary explores the work of Sebastião Salgado, whose black-and-white photographs capture the human condition in its most profound moments. It's a visual and emotional journey through his career.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Salgado's project "Genesis" took eight years to complete, photographing untouched landscapes and indigenous peoples.

Description: This film follows the life of Duane Michals, an American photographer known for his narrative sequences and surrealistic images. It explores his creative process and his unique approach to photography.

Fact: Michals often writes text directly onto his photographs, creating a narrative that complements the visual. The film was directed by Mark Lewis.

Description: This film follows James Nachtwey, one of the world's most renowned war photographers, as he documents conflicts around the globe. It provides a raw, intimate look at the dangers and ethical dilemmas faced by those who capture war through their lenses.

Fact: The film was shot over two and a half years, capturing Nachtwey in action in places like Kosovo, Indonesia, and Palestine. It won the Grand Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: This documentary offers an intimate look at the life and work of Annie Leibovitz, one of the most celebrated portrait photographers. It showcases her iconic images and the personal stories behind them.

Fact: Leibovitz was the last person to photograph John Lennon alive, capturing him hours before his murder. The film was directed by her sister, Barbara Leibovitz.

Description: Zana Briski, a photographer, teaches photography to children living in Calcutta's red-light district, giving them a means to express their world. This documentary captures their lives and the transformative power of photography.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This documentary series by National Geographic gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the world's best photographers capture their iconic images, from wildlife to war zones.

Fact: The series features photographers like Michael Nichols, who spent years photographing elephants in Africa, and Steve McCurry, famous for his "Afghan Girl" portrait.

Description: This documentary delves into the life and philosophy of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of modern photojournalism. It explores his concept of "the decisive moment" and his influence on photography.

Fact: Cartier-Bresson was a co-founder of Magnum Photos, one of the first cooperative agencies for photographers. He famously said, "Photography is nothing—it's life that interests me."