Incredible feature on the World Press Photo site where you can watch a video of the photographer describing the story behind their award winning shot (here).

The beauty of it all, in my mind, is the design. The video of the photographer occupies a small space in the lower left corner allowing the image to dominate the screen. There’s even a little magnifying glass feature on the right that allows you to closely inspect the image like you were holding a loupe, not that comparing the sharpness of Platon’s portrait of Putin to Tim Hetheringtons beautifully blurry photo of the year, will give you any added insight. It’s just cool

I haven’t explored all the photographer interviews but listening to Platon describe the chain of events that led to his award winning portrait of Vladimir Putin (possibly the only formal portrait he’s ever agreed to) reinforces my belief that great photographers will always deliver under any circumstance. I’ve not seen a picture of Putin where you can actually sit and contemplate his expression and facial features and while that may seem very trite sitting in your home or office in front of the computer under the circumstances presented I think it’s quite remarkable.

Regardless, hearing the stories behind the photos is an incredible addition to the World Press Photo event and certainly a huge step toward increasing the popularity in the future.

Via, Paul Melcher.

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14 Comments

  1. Platon’s story about the Putin photo is amazing! Best 10 minute story I’ve heard for a long time.

    Thanks for posting this, Rob.

  2. Yeah, it’s always an amazing combination when a great photographer is also a good story teller.

  3. There are some very compelling stories there. Thanks for sharing, Rob.

  5. I am struck by the seriousness of some of the photographers – it is beautiful – and the stories certainly are something in themselves – in their own right.

  6. Platon’s story of Putin was so engaging; he is SUCH a good story teller. I felt like as if I was there with him!

  7. Doh… my internet connection became slower… I can’t see the video smooth…

    :(

  8. Very nice sites, thanks for sharing

  9. I have to agree with all the responses here about Platon’s story. It’s probably the most interesting story I’ve heard recently, and very inspirational.

  10. Hardly a surprise that his favorite song would be Yesterday, since that is where he seems to living.

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    LP, Jay-Z, help me out
    Ladies and Gentalmen
    It starts with

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