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Magnum. Hojas de contacto

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Contact sheets unveil the story of what went into a photograph. Was it the outcome of what a photographer had in mind from the outset? Did it emerge from a diligently worked sequence? Was the right shot a matter of being in the right place at the right time?
Here, for the first time, are the best contact sheets created by Magnum photographers. They reveal the creative methods, strategies, and editing processes used by some of the acknowledged greats of photography, from legends such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt to Magnum’s latest generation, including Jonas Bendiksen, Trent Parke, and Alec Soth.Events, places, and people from over seventy years of history are contained in Magnum’s contact sheets, including the Normandy landings by Robert Capa, Che Guevara by René Burri, the Paris riots of 1968 by Bruno Barbey, Malcolm X by Eve Arnold, and New York street scenes by Bruce Gilden.

With supporting texts by the photographers or by those selected by the estates of deceased Magnum members, and ancillary material such as press cards, notebooks, and filed captions, this landmark publication provides a depth of understanding and a critical analysis of the backstory to a photograph.

508 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

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958 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Lubben

6 books3 followers

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5 stars
477 (75%)
4 stars
126 (19%)
3 stars
24 (3%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
217 reviews
July 16, 2019
Many books have been made with 'the most iconic/best pictures ever taken', however, a book including the contact sheets of these 'best most iconic/best pictures ever taken' is something new. This books tells a broader story of all these pictures, as the photographers explain the proces of making these pictures and how they normally work. It shows how (often) many attempts were needed to make that 'one picture' and plays with the image we have of iconic politicians (often based on these iconic photo's), as they also show the rest of the contact sheet. Castro isn't so self confident when he is thinking, and the 'Iron Lady' isn't as confincing, a few minutes after her ivonic picture was taken.

I literally read the book one picture a day, before going to bed, and wish that it would have been even heavier!
Profile Image for Kate Crabtree.
350 reviews8 followers
Read
January 11, 2024
This took me 7 years to finish! It’s a thick, heavy book, not especially easy to read, but ugh, I LOVE CONTACT SHEETS. I could never give up culling to AI 🥹
Profile Image for Ясен В..
405 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2021
Took me more than 3 years to read through this book, so I had time to appreciate how well put together it is. It is such a great educational tool, that I wholeheartedly suggest it to anybody even remotely interested in photography to at least flip through it once in their lifetime.

The contact sheets included with each great photo give massive insight into the photographer's process and ability to work a scene. Was it hard work, serendipity, pure luck? The contact sheets keep no secrets.

A highlight of my small collection for sure.
18 reviews
Read
May 27, 2020
A must have for any photographers book self. Yes I know some people will say "how analog! A book about film photographers!" but we learn from those that preceded us and this is one of those photography books that you can learn some much from.

I look at this book often and I'm always reminded of things I've forgot and/or I find new stuff I never observed before.

Do yourself a favor...
Profile Image for Peter.
294 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2018
If you are a photographer and want to learn about choosing from contact sheets this is a must. Many iconic photographer and photos included. A nine pound book!
Profile Image for Franz Schuier.
23 reviews
February 20, 2020
Not as revealing or inspiritional as I hoped it to be. Felt thrown together but maybe it's me.
Profile Image for Huw Thomas.
117 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2021
Gives wonderful insight into the minds of the photographers featured - and the "misses" surrounding the historical gems they "saw" and photographed.
Profile Image for Hugo Moreira.
5 reviews
December 18, 2022
It's amazing to be able to see the process so many talented and legendary photographer had to go through to make the images we know today
Profile Image for Emilio.
11 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2023
Un “must” para todo aficionado a la fotografía social y al fotoperiodismo. La Historia del siglo XX y principios del XXI a través de las lentes de los mejores fotógrafos analógicos. Inspirador.
Profile Image for eve.
27 reviews
did-not-finish
October 16, 2025
Listen this seems amazing but it’s also so big and hefty and there is a due date for it so I just couldn’t do it
Profile Image for Sarah.
6 reviews
Currently reading
October 28, 2012
[from Cam & Ann]

A look at the contact sheets of some iconic images. Traces the process through which photographers work through the contact sheet to arrive at the final product.

"The contact sheet is a diary of experiences, a private tool that records mistakes, missteps, dead ends – and lucky breaks."

I haven't worked with contact sheets since I gave up black and white printing many years ago, but this book is helping me see how my experience has influenced my digital workflow.
Profile Image for Sara Staggs.
20 reviews13 followers
December 16, 2015
Finally bit the bullet and bought this. It's expensive but I return to it again and again rather than trying to read it all the way through. There's so much there-the stories, the photographic process, the iconic images.
Profile Image for Rob Smith.
86 reviews17 followers
April 3, 2022
I keep seeing dumbass YouTubers write off this book as overrated or a history book, and its just insane that people who claim to be into photography can't find anything of use in watching some of the greatest make their greatest pictures.
Profile Image for Allisonperkel.
863 reviews38 followers
May 21, 2016
Outstanding look into the mind of photographers. However the book binding is poor and there are only a few women photographers. So few it was noticed.
Profile Image for David Choo.
13 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2018
I didn't really enjoy the more modern examples of using a contact sheet, it felt like they were included for the sake of keeping up with the times. I wonder if the older editions have more older contact sheets. But overall I'm satisfied as there were some photographers I hadn't heard about and was fascinated by their work.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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