Pictures of the Year 2022 | Podcast | Overheard at National Geographic

TL;DR

National Geographic's deputy director of Photography, Sadie Courier, shares her experiences on assignment, the challenges of photo selection, and showcases some standout photographs from 2022.

Transcript

foreign I had just arrived and so I and I'm breathing hard 17 500 feet is no joke I mean I had gotten sick all of us had kind of gotten sick on the way up I'd gotten particularly sick I can barely get my breath that's Sadie Courier she's National Geographic's deputy director of Photography and she's talking about the time she went on assignment to ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The selection of standout photographs is based on emotional impact, capturing moments of surprise and connecting with the audience.
• 🤭 Adventure photographers need stamina and the ability to capture not only the exciting moments but also the quiet moments of exhaustion and downtime.
• 📷 Trust and communication between photographers and photo editors are crucial for successful photo shoots.
• 👻 New tools like drones have revolutionized photography, allowing for unique perspectives and greater control in capturing shots.
• 💦 Social media has increased the reach and impact of photography, enabling photographers to share their work with a broader audience and drive change and awareness.
• 🏛️ Photographers often have to build trust with animals to capture compelling wildlife shots.
• ❓ Personal connections and stories behind photographs can make them even more impactful and memorable.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Sadie Courier approach photo selection for National Geographic?

Sadie looks for photographs that move her emotionally, focusing on the emotions, moments, and surprises captured in the image.

Q: In terms of photo editing, what is the role of communication between the photographer and the photo editor?

Communication between the photographer and the photo editor helps in pre-planning for a shoot, discussing the shoot list, and familiarizing themselves with what has been photographed before. This helps in pushing beyond expected shots and capturing something special.

Q: What role do drones play in photography?

Drones have empowered photographers by providing more control in capturing shots. They are cost-effective, allow for precise framing of shots, and can be used in various environments, enabling photographers to capture images that were not possible before.

Q: How has social media impacted photography education and the appreciation of professional photographers?

Social media has turned up the heat in photography, with more people appreciating and understanding the art form. It has also allowed photographers to reach a wider audience and convey messages more effectively, positively impacting conservation and environmental efforts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sadie Courier recalls a challenging assignment to Mount Everest where she had to make a spontaneous decision to join a photographer in a potential rescue situation.

• She discusses the process of selecting standout photographs for National Geographic, emphasizing the importance of being moved by an image and looking for emotions and moments of surprise.

• The use of new tools such as drones has empowered photographers to capture unique perspectives and be more in control of their shots.