Celebrated Photographer David McLain Becomes Fellow of Blue Zones Institute
In an exciting development for the world of health and wellness, renowned photographer and filmmaker David McLain has been named a Blue Zones Fellow. This honorary position recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to research focused on enhancing the well-being of communities and populations at large. The Blue Zones project aims to improve longevity and quality of life by employing evidence-based strategies inspired by cultures where people live longer, healthier lives.
David McLain, celebrated for his captivating photography work, particularly with National Geographic, has captured the stories of some of the world's most intriguing communities. His experience includes shooting seven feature-length assignments for National Geographic, most notably the influential cover story "The Secrets of Living Longer." This project was a collaboration with Dan Buettner, the founder of Blue Zones, and it became one of the bestselling issues in the magazine's history.
Having traveled to various Blue Zones regions, McLain beautifully documented the daily lives and surroundings of centenarians—individuals who live exceptionally long lives. This effort not only showcased his photographic genius but also provided invaluable insights into the lifestyles and habits contributing to their longevity. The images he produced are more than just photographs; they serve as windows into cultures that prioritize wellness and community, echoing the core mission of Blue Zones.
Beyond photography, McLain is also noted for his role as Director of Photography for the documentary "Bounce," which premiered at the esteemed South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. As a pioneering member of the Sony Artisans program, he played a pivotal role in advancing digital photography techniques. Additionally, he co-founded Slipstream, a production company aimed at highlighting the most critical health issues through original storytelling and ethnographic research.
Dan Buettner, who leads Blue Zones, has expressed immense pride in McLain’s appointment, stating, "David McLain is one of National Geographic's greatest photographers, having shot many iconic stories. There's no one better to bring Blue Zones concepts to life." McLain will employ his storytelling prowess as a Blue Zones keynote speaker, enriching the mission's goal to research and share knowledge about extraordinary populations globally.
Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones, also welcomed McLain to the team, emphasizing how his remarkable talent will be crucial in bringing Blue Zones research and principles to broader audiences. "His ability to capture the essence of unique cultures and convey their health practices will inspire many to make positive lifestyle changes," Leedle noted.
McLain expressed his enthusiasm for this new role, stating, "I'm honored to join the Blue Zones team. For decades, I've documented the incredible resilience and longevity of people in the blue zones regions. I'm excited to share these stories and help others unlock the potential for a longer, healthier life."
The foundation of Blue Zones is rooted in the detailed explorations conducted by Buettner in various regions globally, where individuals experience extraordinary levels of happiness and longevity. The insights are documented in bestsellers like “The Blue Zones Solution” and its sequels, which have gained worldwide recognition. Moreover, an Emmy Award-winning Netflix docuseries, "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," was launched recently, further popularizing the initiative’s emphasis on wellness and preventive lifestyle changes.
With Blue Zones working actively with cities to make healthier choices more accessible, participating communities have reported significant declines in obesity rates and tobacco use while seeing millions saved in healthcare expenditures. As David McLain takes on this new honor, the collaboration promises to elevate awareness around health practices that can lead to enhanced quality of life for countless people worldwide. As McLain embarks on this journey, the fusion of his artistic vision and Blue Zones' mission is anticipated to spark meaningful change in public understanding and personal health initiatives.