Tales by Light

As an amateur photographer, I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look into some of the best photographers shooting today.

Observing the thought process of these guys and gals in regard to composition, lighting, creativity, and the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into getting one great shot is what really made this series. Yes the technology helps, as Art Wolfe stated numerous times, but the latest Canon gear aside, there are no great photographers that are lazy and unmotivated.

Being most interested in landscape photography, I especially enjoyed the Art Wolfe episodes. Gorgeous cinematography and incredible photos throughout the series were just an added bonus.

A couple of somewhat minor annoyances. Being a Canon funded series, the in your face advertising was a bit over the top. I almost expected to see a lion wearing a Canon branded dog collar or something. I also became rather worn down towards the end of the series by the "protect the environment" cliché. Unless this was intended for children, know your audience: we get it already.

Regardless, great series.

The Series was filmed in 6k and 4k with broadcasters capable of almost broadcasting it in HD. The film is nothing short of a visual festival that tantalizes your senses and keeps you inspired to watch further.

Each episode has it's own unique photographer taking us on a journey to a beautiful setting with worthwhile talent to capture the ultimate photograph.

This mini series is unique in that it uses modern technology to capture photographs in remote locations around the world.

From Nepal to Africa, the crew capture unique photographs deserving of a world wide audience, whether you have an interest in photography or not.

Haven't seen the whole series, to be honest. But the "tribes" episode was quite disturbing at times. How I see it, there were some serious issues concerning the objectification of the indigenous people ("my subjects", as the photographer -Art Wolfe- calls them). Some scenes in particular (but certainly not solely) where Wolfe was setting the "stage" for his photograph, i.e. the indigenous people, asked to perform their tribalism in front of the western audiences ("my audience", as Wolfe describes). There's your scent of cultural imperialism (and of an overambitious western professional), or of the colonization of the Other, if you prefer, the Other who is, only when in contact with the western and only as the western wishes to see her.

This objectification, however, is well disguised by Wolfe's ambition to keep a record of vanishing cultures for mankind, there is even a manifestation, where the photographer realizes that (I quote): "the western civilization was gonna slam into their culture." Without realizing that his camera does exactly the same thing: there's your tribe, as colorful and as primitive as you expect it to be.

There are of course some really powerful pictures and a very professional approach through every segment of the film, I just wonder whether it is really necessary to make this kind of docs, if this quest for the "perfect" and "powerful" photograph is really worthy. To me it just brings afront the same old power relations between the West and its Others. I could (or rather, I'm trying to) live without them.

One of the finest and spectacular documentaries ever created, although it is not a technical documentary about photography, the filming along with the video, make this spectacular documentary something unmissable, recommended for all those who enjoy freedom and nature. Simply excellent.

The short 30 minute episodes have been shot all over the world featuring different travel photographers who explain why they enjoy their profession so much. Great for inspiration, with lots of cultures and natural places covered. After watching the full first series I went out to complete some landscape and documentary photography myself!