Best 11 Movies About Photography Every Photographer Must See

Is there any better way to hone your photography talents than by watching outstanding photography movies? It's one of the ways to get knowledge and skills in photography.

Photography and filmmaking share many similarities. They both involve capturing frames. One is the art of taking a still picture, and the other is the art of taking a picture of moving stuff. Both, on the other hand, are decent ways to tell a story through art. Photographing yourself isn't the only way to learn and improve your skills. You can also be inspired by the work of other people. And movie about photography are the best way to learn more about different types of photography.

In no particular sequence, here are 11 noteworthy films about photography that every photographer should see.

Rear Window (1954)

This Alfred Hitchcock film is a must-see for everyone interested in photography. The dramatic film follows LB James, a wheelchair-bound photographer, as he documents the events that unfold in front of his lens.

James (James Stewart), a mobile photojournalist, is forced to stay at home after hurting his leg. Getting rid of his camera is difficult for him. A murder appears to be taking place across the street, as observed by the paralyzed photojournalist. The investigation continues in the film, but did he find anything? Or was it all in his head? One of Alfred Hitchcock's finest works is widely regarded as a masterpiece. If you're a fan of thrillers, this film is a must-see.

William Eggleston: In The Real World (2005)

In American history, William Eggleston is one of the best photographers in the world. Despite being a guy of few words, he has the impressive title of "The Father of Color Photography." Some artists simply do not enjoy discussing their work, which is why this documentary about photography is so useful and engaging. It's all about William, his work, and his contribution to photography. Throughout the world, he is an icon and an inspiration for artists.

Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters (2012)

When it comes to contemporary art, Gregory Crewdson is unquestionably one of the most revered artists of our day. His works are awe-inspiring, captivating, and demanding. This film dives into his creative process and how he brings his dreams to life through photography. This is a ten-year-old documentary that gives a glimpse inside the life of a gifted and extraordinarily skilled artist.

One Hour Photo (2002)

This creepy picture features Robin Williams, a performer beloved by many. It's about a picture lab tech who has a dangerous preoccupation with one hour of work.

As a Walmart one-hour photo lab clerk, Williams portrays Williams. He develops an unhealthy interest in the lives of a family while making their film, which leads to his character becoming a stalker.

We hope this does not encourage you in any way. As a horror film about photography, it's a blast. In addition to being funny, it also throws back to the simpler days of home movie films.

Double Exposure: The Story of Margaret Bourke-White

This intriguing film depicts the life of Margaret Bourke-White. She was the first female war photographer in the United States. A photograph of the Soviet five-year plan was taken by Burke-White for the first time by a foreign photographer. It was one of only a few shots taken by a photojournalist in the area. Eventually, she specialized in the oddballs and outcasts of society.

Nicole Kidman plays Bourke-White in this movie about photography. Enjoy a bit of escapism and learn more about one of the best documentary photographers of all time.

High Art (1998)

An independent art-house film that is dismal, melancholy, and exquisitely captured in the style of David Lynch. Radha Mitchell, the film's protagonist, is a teenage intern at a small magazine who falls in love with Ally Sheedy, a drug-addicted lesbian photographer who works at the magazine. The two take advantage of one another in order to advance their careers.

The Bang Bang Club (2010)

It's a heartfelt photography film about a challenging subject. The film follows the experiences of four photographers who went out to document South Africa's Apartheid regime. In order to bring back the stories of a war-torn country, the characters went to extreme lengths. This documentary is based on the documentary film The Bang Bang Club: Snapshots From a Hidden War.

City of God (2002)

Two young boys, one of whom becomes a photographer, are shown growing up amid the favelas and streets of Brazil in this harrowing depiction of life. It's not just the best film about photography, it's also one of the best current films.

Everlasting Moments (2008)

The drama follows the life of professional photographer Maria Larsson. She won a camera in a lottery despite being illiterate. The video, set in the early 1900s, demonstrates how giving someone a camera may enhance their life. "The gift of sight" has the power to influence practically anyone. Watch this highly rated photography film for some inspiration.

Tales By Light (Series)

The fact of the matter is that this is a Netflix series and not a movie. It's a documentary that should not be skipped. This superbly documented series looks further into the photographic techniques of some of today's leading contemporary documentary photographers.

A unique documentary photographer is featured in each episode as they work on a different topic, such as documenting endangered sharks in the Pacific or the plight of vulnerable people in developing countries. Each episode features visually beautiful cinematography and photography.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

One of this writer and photographer's all-time favorites is this stunningly filmed film. Life Magazine's negative asset manager Walter Mitty is shown in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It is Walter's life-changing mission to locate Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn) and collect the missing negative from Sean O'Connell's studio.

Cinematography and landscape aren't the only things this picture has to offer. The audio, on the other hand, is awe-inspiring. This is one of the best documentaries on photography I've seen, and one of the best overall. As well as an overlooked lighthearted flick.

Wrapping Up

People who make films and people who take pictures go together very well. So it makes sense that there are a lot of good movies about photography. There is a movie here for everyone, no matter what kind of movie they like. With so many well-known photographers on this list of the best movies about photography, we hope it makes you want to get out there and start taking pictures.

It might even make you want to get better at taking pictures, which is good for you. If you want to get better at something, we can help. You can see a lot more of our photography training videos on this page.