Magnum Photos, a cooperative of acclaimed independent photographers, and Polaroid, a brand that epitomizes instant photography, have aligned their missions to celebrate the storytelling power inherent in black-and-white photography, amplified by the craftsmanship of the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera. Instant photos possess a unique sense of authenticity that digital photography struggles to match. Their ability to capture moments is distinctive, with the decision to press the shutter being more deliberate than in any other form of photography. Instant photos evoke deeper memories, bringing back the tangible experience of photography and making images present in a non-virtual reality. No brand is as synonymous with the modern form of instant photography as Polaroid.

Two icons of the photography world, Magnum Photos and Polaroid, have teamed up to discover the next generation of photographic storytellers. Magnum Photos, a cooperative of acclaimed, independent photographers, had issued an Open Call in collaboration with Polaroid, encouraging photographers worldwide to submit their portfolios, whether digital, analogue, or Polaroid photography.

In addition to the portfolio, contestants had to pitch an idea for an “empathy-inspired story”. Magnum Photos, founded in 1947, is a renowned network of like-minded photographers passionate about documenting world events and has been an influential force in the industry for 77 years.

Mastery made possible by the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera 

Magnum Photos has enlisted renowned photographers Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian, who will use their combined expertise to find and inspire a new wave of photographers. All three are known for their deep, empathetic storytelling and commitment to capturing real life in all its complexity. The project aims to celebrate 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. “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 cultural, societal, and economic shifts in his “Albania Homecoming” project. Newsha Tavakolian captures a small, little-known region in her “Mount Damavand Community” project, while Jim Goldberg’s “Two Arkansas Delta Communities” uncovers the hidden spirit of America.

Marine Merindol, COO of Magnum Photos, has a clear vision for the project’s direction: “By combining the unique visions of Magnum photographers with the tactile and meaningful medium of Polaroid photography, we are ready to explore new realms of creativity and spontaneity,” she says. “This collaboration promises to redefine the boundaries of instant photography, bringing unparalleled authenticity and immediacy to our storytelling and reaching more photographers worldwide.

On Monday, the winners of the international photography Open Call were announced, with details now available on Instagram. The competition saw an impressive turnout, drawing 2,101 submissions from 104 countries. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 82, with 55% identifying as male, 41% as female, and 4% as non-binary.

The ten selected photographers will each receive a Polaroid I-2 camera and will be mentored by Magnum photographers. Their task: to turn their empathy-driven ideas into compelling visual stories that capture the complexities of real life. These works will be showcased in an exhibition later this year. In addition, Magnum and Polaroid are set to launch an online masterclass, making their expertise accessible to the public.