Polaroid and Magnum Photos, two giants in the world of photography, have joined forces for the first time, launching an open call to discover emerging photographic storytellers. This initiative features celebrated Magnum photographers Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian, who will share their expertise and insights on the art of instant photography using the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera. The collaboration aims to highlight the powerful storytelling capabilities of black-and-white photography, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and detail made possible by the Polaroid I-2. Renowned for their empathetic and intricate storytelling, Magnum photographers Jim Goldberg, Newsha Tavakolian, and Enri Canaj bring their unique perspectives to this partnership. Canaj’s “Albania Homecoming” project, Tavakolian’s “Mount Damavand community” series, and Goldberg’s “Augusta community” project each explore different facets of cultural, societal, and economic shifts, inspiring the next generation of instant photographers.

Marine Merindol, COO of Magnum Photos, expresses excitement about the partnership: “Combining the distinct visions of Magnum photographers with the tangible, meaningful medium of Polaroid photography allows us to explore new creative realms. This collaboration will redefine instant photography, offering unmatched authenticity and immediacy in storytelling.” The initiative also introduces the concept of “Imperfectionism,” which encourages photographers to embrace the authentic, unfiltered aspects of life. Newsha Tavakolian emphasizes, “There’s no such thing as a perfect life, nor a perfect image. Analog and instant photography evoke authenticity because they can’t be photoshopped or filtered.” This philosophy underpins the launch of the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera, the first instant camera with built-in manual controls, celebrating real experiences over polished perfection. Jim Goldberg adds, “Beauty isn’t just in perfect moments; it’s in the unplanned, the mistakes, and the everyday. That’s where true beauty lies.”