Instants: Strange Views
In our series Instants, the Proof staff brings you a snapshot of recent dispatches from the @natgeo Instagram feed. Follow us to experience more from National Geographic on Instagram.
One of the marks of a good photographer is his or her ability to find a new way of looking at something. Oftentimes, that means getting higher, closer, or simply just tilting and framing differently. With the advent of drone photography, aerial shots are becoming more accessible to photographers who aren’t too keen on paragliding like George Steinmetz so often does. Sometimes the photographers even stumble across a sight so striking that it stands on its own.
This week we show you a variety of unusual views from all over the world. George Steinmetz in New York, Paul Nicklen in Antarctica, Shaul Schwarz in Afghanistan, Thomas Peschak in Canada, and Jimmy Chin in Chile.
As a farewell gesture on ending his satirical news program, The Colbert Report, on December 18, Stephen Colbert commissioned French street artist JR to create a mural for the roof of the studio where the show had been taped at West 54th Street in New York City. JR is known for his socially engaged portrait murals of people around the world. Explaining this one, Colbert said, “Just because I’m going doesn’t mean I’m gone. Now, thanks to JR, there will always be a little something special here on top of my studio to catch your eye—specifically, my eye.” —George Steinmetz
Adélie penguins catch a free ride on a massive iceberg as it drifts around the Antarctic Peninsula. —Paul Nicklen
An Afghan man in a floating chair, Kabul, Afghanistan, 2004. —Shaul Schwarz
Ochre sea stars cluster together in a narrow passage where tidal currents churn the ocean into a white-water river. Only when the currents abate do sea stars migrate into the adjacent mussel bed to hunt for prey. I made this image in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. —Thomas Peschak
Cajón del Maipo is one of the natural treasures of Chile. Sad to see the destruction of the area, its watershed, and landscape due to mining interests. There is a strong groundswell of local and national support to end the mining and decimation there. —Jimmy Chin
Follow George Steinmetz, Paul Nicklen, Shaul Schwarz, Thomas Peschak, and Jimmy Chin on Instagram.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
- See how ancient Indigenous artists left their markSee how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark
Science
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
- Every 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost timeEvery 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost time
- How do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tipsHow do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tips
Travel
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads
