Educational Media Reviews Online

This video artfully weaves together a sort of history of Magnum Photos, one of the world's premier photo agencies, with a fresh look at where new Magnum photographers are taking the group. Magnum is more than a traditional photo agency, though, which is not widely known. It is a cooperative of photographers founded in 1947 whose original members tended to focus on documentary-style photography. This focus has developed over the years to become almost an ethos: to compassionately record the human condition.

Eschewing the deadline-oriented attitude brought on by the furious pace and sensationalism of television reportage and the news media in general, the goal of Magnum photographers is to "produce fundamental images, important historical records that are still valid ten years on." Magnum photographers may work months, even years, on a single project. This dedication and care make Magnum members unique.

Magnum Photos is changing, though, to include more photographers who are working in ways that challenge the traditional modes of documentary photography. Four of these photographers (Martin Parr, Larry Towell, Luc Delahaye and Donovan Wylie) are profiled in the video. The "new" Magnum remains dedicated to respecting the vision of individual photographers and it still cares most about honesty and integrity.

An excellent video because of its forward-looking, positive view of photography's changing role. It will inspire undergraduates and fire up bored professionals. Filmmaker Reiner Holzemar deserves a round of applause. Highly recommended.