Photojournalism and the prime directive.
It is almost impossible to come from a country like America and speak of my travels to a third world country without sounding like a total bastard. Phrases like “they have it rough there” or “the conditions were challenging, but I didn’t mind” have such a colonial ring especially when I consider that my idea of life necessity is firmly wrapped around my laptop and having internet access. I’ve been thinking about what the proper behavior... Read More →
Pakistan. I’m a woman, I can prove it.
By Annie Griffiths Belt On a recent trip to Pakistan, I traveled to a remote desert region in the south called Cholistan, a land of semi-nomadic tribes where there were no roads at all. The day was a scorcher, well above 100F. We arrived at a desperate little enclave—a village of sorts. It was midday, so the sun was unbearable. Everyone was tucked away into any patch of shade they could find. My guide Raania and I joined a group of women who... Read More →
Family branding.
By Annie Griffiths Belt There is nothing in American culture more romanticized than the life of a cowboy. And although the pressures of modern ranching have reined in the free-spirited life we idolized in movies and ballads, there are still days when genuine, born-to-the-saddle cowboys are pretty darn romantic. On American ranches, traditions born of necessity have now become a precious remnant. Nowhere is that more apparent than at an annual family... Read More →
Look 3 Photography Festival This Weekend
This is the 3rd year of LOOK3 and it just keeps getting better and better. Nick Nichols, our founder and co-executive director, has been on assignment for NG in the Redwoods and has done his best from 3,000 miles away and 300 feet off the ground. But to help see our vision come to life we went out and nabbed a guest curator. MaryAnne Golon who left Time magazine last summer after being the Director of Photography for years has prepared for LOOK3... Read More →
Comfort food for better photography.
The heart of a Nat Geo photographer lies in their stomach which is usually full of the contents of the empty ice cream container on the floor. Now, before you accuse me of being a trashy tabloid gossip revealing the secret addictions of the photographers that populate the pages of this blog, let me explain. Being a photographer is a lonely profession. You spend much of your life redecorating the inside of your own head trying to conjure ideas, see... Read More →
Well, hello there.
Welcome to the backstage, inside scoop, behind the scenes world of an extraordinary league of commercial photographers. Adventure reigns in front of, and behind the camera on these pages. Best of all you’ll have an opportunity to tell these shooters what’s on your mind in the comments. Welcome to the National Geographic Assignment Blog. I’m your host Lou Lesko. Read More →