Watch National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photography Collection

National Geographic has been an iconic magazine for well over a century, but over the last 125 years, it's been much more than just a publication. It's been a source of adventure, exploration, and discovery, featuring some of the most remarkable photographs of our world. The National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photography Collection showcases some of the highlights of this incredible visual legacy, taking us on a journey that spans continents, decades, and even centuries.

The collection consists of 50 photographs, each one selected to represent a different era or theme in National Geographic's history. From the earliest days of black and white prints to the most recent digital images, each photograph is a masterful work of art that captures the essence of the people, places, and animals that make up our world. They are the product of the extraordinary vision and skill of countless photographers who have worked for the magazine over the years, some of whom are considered among the best in the world.

What makes the National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photography Collection so special is the way it combines historical context with stunning imagery. The photographs have been grouped into five main themes: exploration, wildlife, people, science, and environment. Each theme is introduced with a brief historical overview that explains the significance of the images that follow. The result is a captivating journey through the history of the magazine and the world it has documented so effectively.

The exploration theme features some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring images in the collection. From the iconic photo of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham to the first-ever glimpse of Mount Everest's summit, these are photographs that capture the thrill of discovery and the vastness of the natural world. Many of the images were taken in the early days of National Geographic, when exploring remote regions and documenting uncharted territories was a fundamental part of the magazine's mission.

The wildlife theme brings together some of the most beautiful and endearing images of creatures great and small. From a stunning portrait of a lion taken by Michael "Nick" Nichols to a mesmerizing sequence of images of sea turtles hatching by David Doubilet, these photographs remind us of the incredible diversity of life on our planet. They also show the extraordinary challenge of capturing the perfect wildlife shot, requiring patience, skill, and a deep understanding of animal behavior.

The people theme focuses on the human experience, showcasing the incredibly diverse cultures and traditions that make up our world. Some of the images are portraits of famous explorers and adventurers, such as Alexander Graham Bell and Jacques Cousteau. Others capture everyday moments in the lives of people around the globe, from the children of the Himba tribe in Namibia to the monks of Tibet. What these photographs share is a sense of empathy and understanding, reminding us of our shared humanity and the ways in which we are all connected.

The science theme brings together photographs that illustrate the incredible advances in technology and scientific understanding that have taken place over the last century. These are images that document everything from the smallest particles of matter to the most distant galaxies in the universe. They show how National Geographic has been at the forefront of scientific exploration and discovery, uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of what we know.

Finally, the environment theme includes some of the most powerful and haunting images in the collection. These are photographs that show the impact of human activity on the natural world, from the deforestation of the Amazon to the devastating effects of climate change. They are a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.

Overall, the National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photography Collection is a stunning tribute to the legacy of the magazine and the photographers who have made it such an enduring success. It is a celebration of the power of photography to capture the beauty, complexity, and diversity of our world, and an invitation to all of us to engage with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're a longtime fan of National Geographic or just discovering it for the first time, this collection is sure to inspire and delight.

National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photography Collection is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on October 14, 2003.