Product Description

The Photographers includes a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of National Geographic photographers and how they get the shot presented in a compelling one-hour program; plus the bonus half-hour film on wildlife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert entitled A Passion for Africa; an assortment of photographs in the Photo Gallery; biographies and photos of the photographers; an interactive trivia quiz; and trailers of other related National Geographic programs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19448 in DVD
• Brand: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2000-02-15
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 56 minutes

Amazon.com
Going behind the camera and on assignment with veteran photographers for National Geographic, this documentary answers the eternal question asked by the magazine's readers: "How in the world did they get that shot?" The photographers recount the grueling preparation that shooting for the magazine entails, from mundane details such as obtaining visas to preparing oneself for dangers such as severe climates, deep-sea dives, raging beasts, and local bandits. And don't forget insects, lots and lots of insects, a point made pellucid as photographers in a fast montage rattle off how many times they've battled malaria. Besides the physical ordeals, there is also discussion of the emotional toll involved in shooting in brutal conditions, such as one photographer's recounting of how distressing it was to continue shooting pictures in the famine zone of the Horn of Africa. Beyond all the hardships, the travel to the world's farthest flung places involves considerable loneliness, but the photographers interviewed speak of having the "best job in the world," and their enthusiasm for the work is abundant. It goes without saying that this video is a visual delight, as many examples of noteworthy National Geographic photographs, and entertaining explanations of how the shot was set up and snapped, appear throughout. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews

A Must See!
WOW! What more can I say! Just watching this was an absolutely extraordinary experience. This is a "behind the scenes" look at photography. It gets you up close and personal with the photographers and lets you know what is involved in trying to capture the "shot of a lifetime". I own many National Geographic books, but you won't be able to appreciate what goes into each photograph without watching this DVD. Even those who are not interested in photography will be able to appreciate it.

If you LOVE photography, you'll LOVE this DVD -- GUARANTEED!
If you ask any amateur photographer who they'd like to work for as a photographer, you would probably hear "The National Geographic Magazine". Their lives, as we see it through the eyes of the pictures that are published in the magazine, appear nothing short of glamourous.

This DVD not only shows some of NGM best pictures but also reveals the lives and visions of the photographers behind these stories and pictures. If you enjoy photography, you'll enjoy it for sure.

I've already watched mine more than 5 times in less than two months!

Not for photographers.
If you are expecting great insight into the lives of National Geographic's photographers or even revelations about what makes great photography then look elsewhere. This video greatly disappointed me as it is nothing more than promotional drivel. So fawning and servile is the narration that each sentence sounds as if it is about to collapse under the weight of the compliments for the organization. It reminds me of these terrible "the making of..." TV programs the have now to promote movies. It should be given free with subscriptions and not charged for. It is short and shallow and holds about 15 minutes in total interest for any photographer. Buy the magazine or one of their books instead.