National Geographic’s new series Photographer aims to flip the spotlight onto the lives, careers, and inspirations of some of the world’s most passionate and creative photographers.
The series follows seven diverse and groundbreaking photographers, filmmakers, and artists: Campbell Addy, Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, Muhammed Muheisen, Anand Varma, Dan Winters and Krystle Wright.
The Knockturnal spoke with Elena Gaby, a producer on the show at the premiere. Gaby explained that a takeaway she hopes the audience gets from the show is the inspiration to act with boldness and authenticity.
“If you want to make art that’s meaningful, you can relentlessly pursue [your ideas] without worrying what others are going to think.” The diversity of the photographers featured means that there’s a story on the show that will connect with everyone.
“We were really looking for people who were at the top of their game, doing something totally unique, and also making sure we were representing a really wide range of photography with a really wide range of different people.”
The premiere, held at the Directors Guild Theater on March 14th, featured an exclusive screening of Campbell Addy’s episode. Campbell Addy is a queer British-Ghanaian photographer who is best known for his high-fashion work photographing Naomi Cambell, Beyonce, Lizzo, Meghan Markle, and more. Photographer’s episode expertly conveyed the contrast between Addy’s glitzy and atmospheric rise in stature through the media world and his humble upbringing by his Jehovah’s Witness family in a poor community in South London. Addy’s identity, family, journey through homelessness, and complex relationship with religion all manifest beautifully and heartbreakingly in his photos, videos, and art pieces. Throughout the episode, Addy’s unwavering passion for the creative release of photography leaps through the screen.
National Geographic’s Photographer is an inspiring must watch for aspiring artists, creatives, and adventure seekers. The series premieres on National Geographic on March 18 and on Disney + and Hulu on March 19.