November 10, 2024

This week’s Photo of the Week captures a moment between a prize-winning photographer and a young refugee. We also explore a hair-raising attempt to save historic images from destruction ... and learn how to photograph an elephant.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MUHAMMED MUHEISEN  

INVESTING IN A STORY: This is Zahra Mahmoud, photographed at 7 in a tent in Jordan in 2018, three years after she and her family had fled Syria. This Photo of the Week was no drive-by image; Nat Geo Explorer Muhammed Muheisen has kept checking in on the conditions of Zahra and her family since they fled war in 2015—and he has done nonprofit work to shed light on the plight of refugees. See this and other iconic images—and their behind-the-scenes stories--from seven award-winning photographers. 

Related: This photographer talks of helping animals trapped in war zones find a second chance 

Watch: The National Geographic series Photographer on Disney+. See the trailer

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOM JAMIESON 

ALMOST LOST TO ICY WATERS, these images made legends of the dogged crew of Ernest Shackleton’s doomed Antarctic expedition vessel, Endurance. The visuals, now classics, are featured in the new National Geographic film Endurance.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL NICHOLS 

HOW DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH AN ELEPHANT? While they may not resemble humans in appearance, they are like us—social, intelligent, playful, emotional, vulnerable. Understanding elephant behavior is key to capture—and appreciate—what makes them truly magical, photographer Michael Nichols tells us.

Related: 
- Take a photo, save a species: The power of wildlife photography 

- How to photograph wildlife ethically 

- Why we’re hardwired to love baby animals  

Today’s Soundtrack: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? She & Him 

Thanks for opening today’s Photo of the Week. David Beard edited and curated it, with contributions by Alexa Keefe, and Amanda Bryant-Williams produced it. Like what you see? Get this in your inbox next Sunday.