Netflix Documentaries That Will Get You Excited About Photography

You get home from a long day of work, pour yourself a glass of wine or grab and beer and you head straight to the couch. Let’s be honest; it’s the only thing you can bear to do right now. But you don’t have to turn on the same cop series you’ve watched 300 times (I’m guilty, I love a good Bones episode). Instead, why not decompress with a film that might inspire you and possibly teach you something knew about photography or give you ideas about the path you are heading down. Take a deep breath, now take a sip of that wine and let’s dive into a few Netflix documentaries about photography, while you decompress.

Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things

I’m not afraid to say I’ve watched this film over five times and read the book twice. Needless to say, it’s a great story with some valuable insight into the way we live, how we define success and what work should look like. It’s not a film about photography, but it’s still one that will change the way you look at the world and perhaps help you define what your ideal life looks like.  It all starts with the question “Does this add value to my life,” and the answer to that question should lead you to your next step. Check it out here. (For extra credit, read the book. It’s short and well written. I promise you’ll love it!)

Abstract: The Art Of Design

This Netflix series has blown me away. It’s the perfect place to get inspired and feel a little more creative. From Photographers to illustrators to shoe designers, each episode follows a different type of artist around as they do their job. Obviously, the photography episode was my favorite and gave me some new ideas and projects of my own, but honestly, each episode has something to offer you. Step inside the mind of an artist and see where it takes you. You might even learn you have more creativity to offer than you thought. Better yet, it might reveal to you some new ideas on how you run your business or how you want to approach marketing. Watch the series here.

Tales By Light

This series is unlike anything you’ve ever seen when it comes to photography. Already in its second season, each episode follows a different photographer around the world as they work on a passion project. Go into the ocean, learn about new tribes, travel on safari and so much more throughout this series. I can’t get over the cinematography and the subject matter in each episode. If this doesn’t make you fall in love with photography, I don’t know what will. Start the series here.

On Yoga: The Architecture of Peace

Take three of my favorite things, yoga, photography, and travel and combine them into a single film and you get On Yoga. When photographer Michael O’Neil develops a debilitating pain in his arm, he seeks out the power of yoga to transform his body. What he didn’t expect was for it to transform his life. This documentary traces the ten years he spent traveling back and forth between the U.S. and India while documenting the beauty and power of yoga along the way. On Yoga will not only give you ideas for amazing projects but will show you the power of breathing and moving your body, whether you choose to add the practice of yoga to your life or not. See what yoga does to this photographer’s life here.

Each of these films offers up different ways of looking at photography. They follow their own storyline and find things they are passionate about that they can continue to capture. Whether you are looking to become a photographer or simply want to get a little better at it for your business, all these films should teach you new tools to help you tell your stories. At the very least, they provide a great way to travel the globe while hanging out on the couch after a long day.

You may now go back to drinking your glass of wine. Enjoy!

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