In a first-ever partnership, Polaroid and Magnum Photos have joined forces to launch a photographic call for entries aimed at nurturing a new generation of instant photographers.
‘Seeing life not just in black and white, but in all shades of gray.’ With these words, Polaroid and Magnum Photos announce their joint call for entries, marking the first partnership between these two iconic names in photography.
Until August 12, 2024, photographers from around the world, regardless of their medium (film, digital, or Polaroid), are invited to submit their portfolios. The reward: the chance to win photographic equipment and receive professional mentorship from Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian — ambassadors of this partnership between the renowned instant camera manufacturer and the leading photographic agency.
Participants can submit two series of up to 15 images each, accompanied by a 50-word presentation centred around the theme of empathy. ‘As our world becomes increasingly hyper-digitized, it’s crucial to preserve a fundamental pillar of photography: human connection. The ability to see things from someone else’s perspective. […] We are looking for stories about subcultures, subjects, professions, beliefs, or movements that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or could simply benefit from an empathetic eye,’ remind the organizers.
A Magnum Photos Mentorship
In exploring all the variations and possibilities offered by black and white photography, photographers have the opportunity to participate in a call that not only supports the completion of their project but also provides guidance in their creative process.
The 10 winners, announced on August 26, will receive a Polaroid I-2 camera and enough Polaroid film to bring their stories to life, which can be featured on Polaroid and Magnum’s channels. Additionally, they will have the chance to engage with photographers from the renowned agency.
Winners will undergo a mentorship consisting of three online sessions, during which they must create and submit at least five Polaroid photos on the theme ‘Real life is not in black and white.’ They will be inspired by the words of Magnum photographer Jim Goldberg, who, when discussing his project ‘Raised by Wolves,’ said, ‘For me, photographs are a way to stop time, but at some point, they also become a means to become aware and notice what we have experienced as human beings.’
This initiative offers a unique blend of technical support and artistic development, fostering a deeper connection between emerging photographers and the timeless art of instant photography.
More information
- Polaroid
- Polaroid Instagram
- Enri Canaj
- Jim Goldberg
- Newsha Tavakolian
