David McLain, renowned photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller, was just named a Blue Zones Fellow. He is known for his profound and intimate explorations of the human condition and celebrated for his ability to showcase humanity’s diversity, resilience, and beauty.
McLain first gained significant recognition for his work with National Geographic, where he developed a reputation for capturing images that reveal the intricate connections between people, their environments, and their ways of life.
His work on blue zones regions – longevity hotspots characterized by exceptional longevity and unique cultural practices – was done alongside Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner. He was a key member of the exploration teams in Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. Through his lens, he has explored how these communities maintain extraordinary health and happiness, documenting not just the individuals, but the social structures, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices that contribute to their remarkable longevity.
Beyond his work with Blue Zones, McLain has a talent for finding extraordinary stories in seemingly ordinary places. He is one of the five founding members of the Sony Artisans program and a founding partner of the production company Slipstream. His photographic approach is deeply empathetic, focusing on the humanity that connects us all. He doesn’t just photograph people; he creates visual narratives that reveal the dignity, resilience, and complexity of human life across different cultures and contexts.
Through his work, McLain is a storyteller who reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary, inviting viewers to reconsider their understanding of human experience and potential.
Watch “The Other World” a New Yorker short film directed by McLain about narwhal hunting in Greenland.
Watch one episode of “In our words,” a docuseries directed by McLain for Walgreens that explores health equity in America.
Watch the rest of the episodes here.
Admire the power and beauty of Maine in the winter in “Bold Coast Dreams,” shot by McLain for Sony.
Want more? See photos of Maine fishermen and other photos by McLain here.
