Used with permission –
Photo of Robert Capa, Copyright Cornell Capa / Magnum Photos
Several years after World War II ended, Robert Capa and a group of photographers including Henri Cartier-Bresson founded a photo agency in 1947. It was an idea that Robert had considered since 1938. Now, it was time to make it happen.
At a brainstorming meeting on establishing the agency, a magnum of champagne was popped open. Someone yelled “Magnum,” and the name of the photo agency was chosen. The name implies glamour but also a connotation for toughness due to a gun by the same name. Plus, the Latin definition means greatness.
The idea was to bring photographers together, where they would be stronger as a group, rather than as individuals. They advocated that photographers should own the copyright of the photos they take, much like book authors do with printed material.
The agency opened offices in Paris and in New York. In addition to the members, Robert created the idea of associates who were freelancers. These photographers would not own shares but they could use the Magnum name in their photo credits. . . .
After Robert’s death in 1954, his brother Cornell Capa joined Magnum to help ensure its survival and the preservation of his brother’s legacy. Like Robert, Cornell had also shot photographs for Life Magazine.
From 1947 to 2007, the Magnum photo agency (http://www.magnumphotos.com) remains a vibrant force. The photographers still go to dangerous locations, placing their lives at risk to provide a service they feel passionately about. They document moments of truth. And they live in the moment because they do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Also in memory of Robert Capa and other photographers who suffered untimely deaths, Cornell established in 1974 the International Center of Photography in New York City – a school and museum dedicated to keeping humanitarian documentary photos alive and visible to the public.
Cornell Capa is now retired from Magnum photos and lives in New York City. Here’s a toast to Magnum, and all of the great photographers and staff over the years who have kept alive the legacy of Robert Capa.
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(Note from the blogger Susan V. – Robert Capa is one of the leaders featured in my book “Legends, Leaders, Legacies.”)
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If you are fortunate to live in or will be traveling to one of the cities where a Magnum photo exhibit is showing, here is a listing for your reference.
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Magnum Cinema Exhibition
Acadiana Center For The Arts
Lafayette, LA, U.S.A.
11 August - 22 September 2007
Documentary photographs and a behind-the-scenes look at cinema and movie stars – including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Alfred Hitchcock.
http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/NEWS01/708110304/1002
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New Blood. Magnum Photos 60th Anniversary
Stills Gallery
36 Gosbell Street
Paddington (Sydney), AUSTRALIA
Now showing through 22 September 2007
As the name implies, New Blood features the work of five new photographers at the Magnum agency, including the first Australian photographer invited to join – Trent Parke.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/magnum-uncorks-champagne-moments/2007/08/20/1187462176523.html
Posted in Leaders
