Contact Sheets Reveal the Approach to Selecting the Perfect Shot

Magnum Photos was founded in 1947 at the initiative of the legendary photojournalist Robert Capa, by photographers of various nationalities including Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour. Its stated purpose was to protect and assert the rights and freedom of photographers. Today, it continues to be an international collective of active photojournalists, funded and operated by its members.

The "Magnum Contact Sheets" exhibition showcases works by photographers, masters of the candid shot, who captured fleeting, brilliant moments found in the subtle scenes of everyday life, displayed alongside their contact sheets.

Contact sheets, also known as "beta-yaki" (contact prints), are a compilation of captured images used by photographers for record-keeping and as an index for preserving negatives. They serve as a tool to understand how each photographer constructed an image and how they selected their best shot. By presenting the contact sheets alongside the final images, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the photographers' unique approaches and creative processes, revealing their composition choices and the expressions of their subjects.

From the timeless works of greats like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt to the compelling photographs of contemporary artists such as Jonas Bendiksen, these images transcend time and borders. The juxtaposition of their final, impactful photographs with the contact sheets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their selection process, allows us to re-appreciate the profound depth of photography.

Magnum Photos 65th Anniversary Exhibition: Magnum Contact Sheets
Dates | April 4 (Wed) - April 29 (Sun) *Closed Tuesdays
Hours | 11:00 - 20:00 *Last day until 17:00
Admission | Free
Venue | Ricoh Photo Gallery RING CUBE
5-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, San-ai Dream Center 8F & 9F
Tel. 03-3289-1521