Tales by Light

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Netflix's Tales by Light sets out to display the sheer efforts behind varying types of photographers around the world; showing just how much work goes into capturing every photograph. The documentary, and photographers, aim to connect people with the wonderful scenes of nature and culture that so many fail to really appreciate.

Following photographer Richard I'Anson, Tales by Light's second episode takes a look at the culture surrounding the Himalaya mountain range, as Richard documents festivals of spirituality and attempts to find a rare snow leopard.

Richard is a photographer that doesn't just observe events from afar, but steps alongside the people as the events take place, allowing his photography to be as authentic and emotional as possible; covering his camera in protective gear as powders are thrown at him and his camera during a festival.

In this episode, we see the struggles of a photographer that must work alongside teams to track down rare animals, walking through the mountain range for hours for only the possibility of a sighting; a bit different to the previous episode where tracking the animals is significantly easier.

We see Buddhist rituals taking place, with Richard documenting the ways in which young Buddhists converse with each other, sharing different opinions and remaining free of any personal bias as they discover two sides to every story, freeing their minds and reducing the possibility of egotistical behaviour. Doing so for hours by the side of temples in the mountains.

This is probably my favourite episode due to the personal and more spiritual look at cultures across the world, rather than admiring the nature alone.

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The show's very first episode follows Darren Jew, an Australian marine photographer, set on photographing as much of the ocean and its inhabitants within. To do so, he has to get in with them first-hand, swimming alongside gentle giants. In addition, he searches for wrecks of ships and planes from World War 2, capturing the ways in which our failures have resorted in new ways for life in the ocean to flourish.

With narration by Darren himself, the episode allows itself to feel more personal, as we discover the ways in which the photographer's mind works; how his interest has led to decades of photographs and travels throughout the oceans, seeing and documenting life's biggest wonders.

With the crew following alongside him, we see the beauty in the areas of the world in which he visits, but also the danger that follows: volcanoes that erupt without warning, 30-ton creatures only feet away, and high altitude climbs. It shows the level of dedication these photographers have just to capture two or three photographs.

Despite being the first episode, Tales by Light has certainly impressed me. It feels like any other nature documentary but with a heavy focus on the overall production and the many complications being finding that perfect shot, the time spent searching for just a few seconds of opportunity. It's impressive, and wholesome.

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