The 6 Modern Films That Changed My Photography
My favourite rewatchables from the 2010s
This week, I want to share six films from the 2010s that I keep coming back to. These are the ones that sit on my personal list of rewatchables: films that hooked me from the first viewing and continue to bring me back year after year.
Why six? I wanted to keep the list tight and cut out most of the obvious picks.
Why the 2010s? This felt like a natural starting point, with other decades to revisit in future posts.
Why films? Because, like many of you, I draw a ton of creative inspiration from movies. Whether it's a documentary, a thriller, a drama, or a comedy, films have been a key part in replenishing my creative energy.
What ties the films below together is that, in some way, they’ve shaped my journey as a photographer. And this week, I want to share that with you.
Chasing Greatness
Burnt (2014)
I honestly don’t remember the first time I watched Burnt. It feels like a movie that just slipped into my consciousness, and ever since, I’ve watched it at least once a year—sometimes more.
This isn’t high art. It’s not a deep, thought-provoking drama that got snubbed at the Oscars. It’s a straightforward redemption story that happens to be incredibly watchable. The cinematography is delicious. Bradley Cooper is intense. The supporting cast is even better. And the themes of perfectionism, redemption, and growth make it relatable to anyone chasing mastery in their craft. Just don’t watch this on an empty stomach.
How has this film changed my photography?
Burnt is a cautionary tale about perfectionism. It reminds me to focus on process and people, not just the results. It’s also a film that underscored the importance of respecting others’ agency in the creative process.
Whiplash (2014)
Unlike Burnt, this film is a modern classic and one I’m sure many of you have already seen. But for those who haven’t, I had to include it on this list.
This film is an unflinching look at discipline and sacrifice. It’s about the relentless pursuit of mastery, and it delivers that message with the intensity of a sports film. Except this is all about jazz.
What sticks with me most is how Whiplash defines the gap between being good and being great. It’s a theme that stands out the most to me. Whether you’ve seen it before or not, make it a point to watch Whiplash this month. And if you do, let me know in the comments.
How has this film changed my photography?
Whiplash serves as a reminder that great work demands an even greater effort. If we want to create work that matters, we have to push beyond our comfort zones. Constantly. And to do this, we may need find those greater than ourselves.
Haunting Visuals
Cartel Land (2015)
In his recent book, The Message, Ta-Nahesi Coates talk about words that haunt. Writing passages that don’t just inspire, they haunt the reader in a manner that lingers. I feel like this concept can be extended to other art forms, including films. One film captures this feeling is Cartel Land from Matthew Heineman.
There are frames in this documentary that transcend the genre; moments that feel like they were put together by a massive, Hollywood crew. Watching this movie is like taking a masterclass in natural lighting. And then, of course, there’s the subject matter itself.
Heineman crafts an incredible story around the war on drugs and elevates it with powerful compositions that stay with you. This is also the film that inspires so much of the visual language behind Sicario and you quickly understand why. If you haven’t yet, clear an afternoon to check this film out.
How has this film changed my photography?
Cartel Land made me more conscious about capturing portraits and scenes that can stay with people. Images that have the depth and humanity to haunt viewers. Images that linger.
The Raid: Redemption (2011)
When listing the greatest action films ever made, The Raid is a non-negotiable. It took fight choreography to another level and wrapped it in a tight, claustrophobic visual ride that ramps up the tension. It opens with one of the coldest scenes in action cinema, setting up our protagonist with precision. And within minutes, we’re thrown into the heart of what feels like hell for our heroes.
The lighting. The camera work. The movement. You could write a dissertation on how The Raid is shot. It’s an experience you don’t forget, so make your first watch count by enjoying it the best way you can.
How has this film changed my photography?
This film, with each watch, pushes me to get closer in my street photography. It’s some that just drives me to create moments that immerse the viewer in the world I’m capturing. More importantly, to ensure there’s still story within the frame. That the images aren’t just pretty postcards or shock factor.
Fatherhood
Chef (2014)
Whenever my wife catches me watching this, her first question is always, “Are you okay?” Chef is comfort food—an easy, feel-good film about creativity, second chances, and the role of social media in an artist’s journey. And one that I come back to when I want to be in a good mood again.
The cast has incredible chemistry, and the father-son dynamic really hits home for me. The stakes aren’t high, and much of the plot feels like wish fulfillment, but none of that matters once you know that going in. Chef is a film that just works. And much of the time, that’s enough.
How has this film changed my photography?
Chef is comfort food. It’s not looking to push boundaries. It’s a safe film that works for the artist striving for greatness. Especially if you’re a parent. With each watch, I’m reminded how trivial the realities of our journey can become and how often the most important things in our life are all within reach. So long as we’re willing to get out of our own way.
Kodachrome (2017)
At its core, Kodachrome is about family, legacy, and the sacrifices we make for our work. It unfolds against the backdrop of the final days of Kodachrome film, using the iconic film stock as a metaphor for our own mortality.
The story is predictable. The supporting characters don’t have much depth. And some moments play it too safe. But as a father, I get what the filmmakers were aiming for, and that makes it resonate with me.
How has this film changed my photography?
Kodachrome is another film on this list that serves as a cautionary tale. It should make us all examine the relationship we have with art and ultimately ask ourselves, “Is the pursuit of the next great image worth the toll it takes on our loved ones?”
Quick Recap
In case you’re the type of person that likes to see the list all in one place, here it is along with brief explainer:
Burnt – A cautionary tale about perfectionism and the importance of process.
Whiplash – A brutal reminder that greatness demands great efforts.
Cartel Land – The power of haunting imagery and storytelling that lingers.
The Raid: Redemption – Immersive, high-intensity visuals that pull you in.
Chef – The value of making the art you love with the people you love.
Kodachrome – A meditation on legacy and the cost of obsession.
If you’ve seen any of these, let me know which ones resonated with you the most. If you haven’t, pick one, dive in, and then let me know what you think.
Streets of India: North & South Workshop
It’s official, I’m hosting my first workshop in India and I’m designing it to be the ultimate street photography experience. What does that mean? It means I’m curating a one-of-a-kind journey that you won’t find anywhere else—an experience rooted in creativity, expertise, and adventure.
Here’s what’s included:
Three cities in 10 days — A fast-paced, immersive experience
Unique shooting opportunities — A carefully curated selection of scenes
Key logistics covered — Hotels, drivers, and inter-city flights, all taken care of
Multiple instructors — Gain insights from diverse perspectives
Guest lectures — Learn from a variety of industry experts
Limited to 8-10 guests — A small group for personalized learning
This workshop will take place from September 20th through the 29th this year. From the moment you land in India, you’ll be guided through a street photography adventure like no other. My fellow instructors and I will be there every step of the way to share our knowledge and techniques with you.
A few seats are still available so visit the link below to learn more.
Previous Favourites
March Contest
This month, I’ll be giving away a $200 gift card to the Moment Shop where the winner can save big on their next camera, lens, bag, or courses. Moment has so many creative products to choose from and $200 can absolutely make for a great deal.
How will I pick the winner? Make sure you’re signed up for this newsletter then leave a comment on at least one post from this month. I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
Once again, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
My thanks to the team at Moment! Not only for this contest but for being the longest supporter of my work online. They’re a lean team of passionate creators that truly believe in supporting other creatives on their journey. Whether it’s a new camera, lens, workshop, or just some great articles, visit ShopMoment.com today.
What’s Next?
Back to work.
GB
Of the movies in this list, the only one I’ve seen is The Raid. Thanks for the recommendations!
I haven't seen any of the movies in this list...so it may be time to check them out.