Polaroid and Magnum Photos launch Open Call to discover the next generation of photographic storytellers with renowned Magnum photographers Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian
Polaroid and Magnum, two icons of photography, announce their first ever partnership. Along with renowned Magnum photographers, they are celebrating the storytelling power of black-and-white photography and the new level of craft, detail and mastery made possible by the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera. Their combined expertise—including tips on overcoming perfection—will be shared with photographers worldwide via an open call.
The partnership features the photographic approach and craft of renowned Magnum photographers known for their deep, empathetic storytelling and commitment to capturing real life in all its complexity: Jim Goldberg, Newsha Tavakolian and Enri Canaj. Their works aim to inspire the next wave of instant photography storytellers. “Photographing with the Polaroid I-2 is a unique experience. Its slow process requires time to interact with the subject, light, and angle before pressing the button, making it special to me”, says Enri Canaj who explores the cultural, societal and economic shift in his “Albania Homecoming” project. Newsha Tavakolian captures a small region and the people unknown to most, in her “Mount Damavand community” project, while “two Arkansas Delta communities” by Jim Goldberg uncovers the hidden spirit of America.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Polaroid. By combining the unique visions of Magnum photographers with the tangible and meaningful medium of Polaroid photography, we are ready to explore new realms of creativity and spontaneity. This collaboration promises to redefine the boundaries of instant photography, bringing unparalleled authenticity and immediacy to our storytelling, and to more photographers out there.Marine Merindol, Magnum Photos COO
This movement seeks to reconnect us with our subjects, and lives, through instant photography. “There’s no such thing as a perfect life, nor a perfect image," says Newsha Tavakolian "Analog and instant photography evoke that feeling because they can’t be photoshopped or filtered.” Imperfectionism is an obsession with the craft of instant photography. It champions the idea that real experiences, mistakes, and authenticity are more valuable than polished perfection. This movement is what inspired the brand to launch the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera – the first-ever instant camera with built-in manual controls.
Beauty isn't just in pretty moments; it's in the moments you can’t plan for, in mistakes, in our everyday. It's everywhere. That's what I truly believe.Jim Goldberg, Magnum photographer
The open call invites all photographers worldwide to submit their photography portfolio (digital, analogue or Polaroid photography) and an idea for an empathy inspired story via polaroid.com until August 12, 2024. Selected photographers will be contacted by Magnum and can win a Polaroid I-2 Camera, Polaroid Film, and mentorship from Magnum photographers to capture real life in all shades of gray. Winners will be announced on August 26.
Magnum Photos is a cooperative of acclaimed, independent photographers who share an ongoing commitment to documenting world events. Founded in 1947, Magnum Photos has been telling stories of the past, defining the present, and shaping the future through photography for over 77 years.
About Polaroid
Polaroid was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land as an icon of innovation and engineering. The company’s launch of the Polaroid Land camera in 1947, which marked the genesis of instant photography, and subsequent introduction of the breakthrough Polaroid SX-70 camera in 1972 and many others, would firmly cement Polaroid’s standing as a technological pioneer and cultural phenomenon during its peak. However, at the turn of the century, the company would be faced with new realities surrounding digital technology’s swift rise and ceased the production of instant film in 2008. But that was short-lived; a dedicated group of instant photography fans would save the last Polaroid factory in the Netherlands under the name ‘The Impossible Project,’ paving way for the eventual rebirth of the original ‘Polaroid’ brand in the years following.
Today, Polaroid is in pursuit of unlocking the beauty in everyday life with instant photography tools that empower creators across the globe to capture meaningful moments. With recent introductions like the world’s smallest instant camera, the Polaroid Go camera, and the world’s first instant camera with built-in manual controls, the Polaroid I-2 camera, the company that we have come to know and love for over 80 years is rooted back in the spirit of analog innovation for the modern age.
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