TOP FIVE: PHOTOGRAPHY DOCUMENTARIES + BOOKS
TOP FIVE: PHOTOGRAPHY DOCUMENTARIES
This list is a film list but also a book list. As I was compiling my favourite documentaries I realised that often after I’d watched something about an inspiring artist I would then seek out more about them and often that involved buying their books – so this list also includes books I have enjoyed based on these phenomenal photographers showcased in these documentaries.
1. FINDING VIVIAN MAIER (2013)
This has to be one of my all-time favourite photography documentaries. One of my favourite documentaries on any subject and like all great art it leaves you asking questions. Vivian Maier was an unknown artist during her lifetime. A lifetime she spent anonymously photographing the world around her with an eye for the aesthetic that many photographers would kill for. The documentary is beautiful; containing many of Maier’s photographs, all found after her death. If you love Maier’s work as much as me then you might also want to get this beautiful book.
You can find the film here…
2. GREGORY CREWDSON: BRIEF ENCOUNTERS (2012)
This photographer is different from those I’m used to. I like those who take photographs from real life usually but there’s something about the production value and stories that Crewdson tells that is not only fascinating to see in his photographs but also mesmerising to watch come together. This book is great.
You can find the film here…
3. WILLIAM EGGLESTON IN THE REAL WORLD (2005)
Ever wonder what inspires a photographer to take a picture, what it’s like to follow them around and get insights into their process. This documentary does exactly that with William Eggleston and it is a joy to watch. I bought this book immediately afterward but it was also the book I borrowed most from the art library at university.
You can find the film here…
4. THE WOODMANS (2010)
This documentary is not just about photography; it is also about family and tragedy and it’s fascinating and moving in equal measure. Francesca Woodman was an imaginative photographer and her art is shown here in all it’s glory but in a way that she was so good makes it almost more heart-breaking. This book is a great accompaniment to the documentary.
You can find the film here…
5. STANLEY KUBRICK: A LIFE IN PICTURES (2001)
This is a little bit of a break from out and out photographers. Stanley Kubrick started out as a photographer and I think this is clear in some of the way he frames and films his shots. I think this documentary is interesting to see someone transfer from shooting stills to making some of the most visually stunning films of all time. This book shows a lot of his early work.
You can find the film here…
