Magnum Photos

If you have a passion for documentary photography you will have heard of Magnum Photo, considered by many to be the world's most prestigious photographic agency.  This agency is a co-operative owned by its members, founded in 1947 by the masters of documentary, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and David Seymour. Their purpose was to create a means for photographers to have ownership of their own negatives and to control their edit. Being a Magnum member has many benefits, not just having reached the pinnacle of your profession, but the practical advantages as well.

Perhaps the biggest of which is the creative freedom. A magnum photographer can choose his own subject matter and decide how it should be represented. They are supported in their decision by a worldwide team of over ninety individuals, there to fund raise and promote their work, through books, exhibitions, print or editorial sales. The funding comes from different sources, normally grants, partnerships, museums, collectors or magazines. There is also "indirect financing" where funds are raised by the sale of reproduction rights or advertising assignments. Finally, there is "speculation" where the photographer themselves will personally fund part, or the whole, of the project. Self funding is of course easier with the commercial jobs that come through the agency.

When you read about Magnum, you feel a sense of community, prominent photographers exchanging views, discussing projects. The name 'Magnum' carries weight, it opens doors which would be otherwise inaccessible. So how do you become one of the elite? As you can imagine, it isn't easy! You can't produce a "masterpiece" and expect the door to swing open. Agency Director Diane Dufour states that "They are looking at an entire process and also the commitment, aesthetic qualities and guts behind a project. They are looking to identify a sense of coherence, a uniqueness in a body of work". Even if you produce a project that meets this criteria, the membership process is set over three stages, over several years, ensuring that a photographer is capable of "renewing their vision and applying it to a new project". Such vigorous screening ensures that the agency retains its prestigious standing, that it isn't full of one hit wonders without the vision to see beyond a particular movement or trend.

For those of you who still feel you could stand amongst these masters, here is an outline of the process:

First Stage

If you are based in the UK, you must send your digital portfolio to the London office ( Magnum Photos Inc./ Portfolio Review, 63 Gee Street, London EC1V 3RS ) towards the end of May. The 82 members meet once a year during the last week in June, during which a day is dedicated to looking at and voting on potential new member's portfolios. If successful, you become a "Nominee". This presents an opportunity for the photographer and agency to familiarise themselves with each other, without a binding commitment.
Bear in mind that it isn't just the images, but those oh so important editing skills, that will come under scrutiny. Remember as well that there are submission requirements that your work must meet to be considered in the first place. These requirements are listed below:

- Up to 80 images can be submitted digitally. Images only please. Do not submit images in a movie or slideshow format.
- The resolution of each image must be 72 dpi and cannot exceed 1200 pixels on the longest side.
- Images should be submitted on a CD-ROM as JPEG files with compression 8-10.
- Your images should be numbered in the order that you wish them to be presented, with the number coming first in the file name (to ensure the correct sequence use two digits, example: 01, 02, 03) and then your last name. (eg. 01Smith, 02Smith, 03Smith etc.)
- Please do not use any spacing in the name.
- Please include a statement about your work, resume, bio and current contact information as .doc or .pdf files on the same CD.
- Please test the CD before you send it to us and be sure to label it with your name and contact details.

Second Stage

Two to three years later, the nominee is expect to submit another piece of work or project. The members then vote again, and if successful the photographer then progresses to the second stage of membership, "Associate".

Third Stage

Another two to three years later, the associate is voted upon one last time, upon whether they can become a full member. Once a member, they have the full voting rights as any other member, irrespective of their short time with the agency.

So there we have it. Even if we never achieve it, we should always aim for the stars!