Every month we run the Magnum Showcase competition on IdeasTap. It's a chance for you to get your work in front of the world's most prestigious photographic agency. Each month there's a new theme and you enter up to 20 photos that tell a story relating to that theme. The winner gets their work reviewed either by a Magnum photographer or senior member of their London team, showcased here on our website and personal feedback on their work from the Magnum judge. Apply to May's Showcase here.
Street Scenes
Winner - Christopher Bethell
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"After reviewing the May submissions for the Magnum Showcase, I found myself repeatedly visiting Christopher Bethell's page. I chose not to read the artists' statements prior to reviewing their photographs as I wanted to approach the images without any bias or expectations. Bethell's work stood out to me, but it took a few visits with his work to figure out why I was so drawn to his portfolio. The photographs have a cinematic element that is rather captivating. In reading Bethell's statement, it is clear that he strives to create this type of imagery and is successful in his development of narrative. I felt like I was looking at images that told a series of short stories. There is a strong sense of emotion in each of the photographs, which is what I was hoping to find when I chose "street scenes" as the topic for submissions. Streets are public places and yet people retreat into their own world, often oblivious to their surroundings. The movements and expressions of people on the street are fascinating, and Bethell's work is as dynamic and expressive as the people and moments he captures."
Lauren Simon, Print and Sales Manager - Magnum New York