The Netflix Original on one of photography's living legends is available for all on YouTube
(Image credit: Netflix / Platon)
Netflix' fantastic documentary on iconic photographer Platon has just been made available for free on YouTube.
If you aren't familiar with Platon, you will certainly be familiar with his subjects. Samuel L Jackson. Bill Clinton. Will Smith. Vladimir Putin. Daniel Craig. Tony Blair. Al Sharpton. Liam Neeson. Prince. Marc Zuckerberg. General Gaddafi. Stevie Wonder. Tommie Smith and John Carlos.
Celebrities, politicians, musicians, athletes, activists… some of the most important and influential figures of this generation have sat for Platon Antoniou – a British photographer, born in Greece, whose arresting images have graced the covers of magazines like Time and Esquire. Notably, he also replaced fellow luminary Richard Avedon as staff photographer of The New Yorker.
Platon: Photography is an episode of Netflix' Abstract: The Art of Design documentary series, which profiles some of the most innovative designers and visualists in a variety of disciplines.
Abstract: The Art of Design | Platon: Photography | FULL EPISODE | Netflix - YouTube
The piece looks at Platon's background and history, how he found his love for photography, and the horrific beating he took on London's streets that shaped the nature of his images.
In addition to highlighting some of his most popular and most powerful work, the documentary shows Platon's photographic process as he conducts a portrait session for General Colin Powell, providing a fascinating glimpse into how he works with his subjects – no matter how powerful they are.
There's also some wonderful photographic insight that will resonate with every photographer, of any genre and any ability level.
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“Taking a picture is very technical, but 99.9% is spent on this connection that allows me to reach someone, and through that connection, there’s just a chance you’re gonna feel something too,” Platon notes. “You’re looking for a moment when you feel as close to the soul as possible… That’s when you make an icon.”
High five to Petapixel for spotting it on the Tube!
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
