Helmut Newton. Polaroids

US$ 60

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Polaroids occupy a special place in the hearts of many photo enthusiasts who remember a time when “instant photography” meant one-of-a-kind prints that developed within minutes of clicking the shutter. What was once a crucial tool for photographers to test their shots before shooting on film has now become obsolete in the face of digital photography. Luckily for us, legendary photographer Helmut Newton saved his test Polaroids, allowing a privileged and rare chance to see the tests from a selection of his greatest shoots over a period of decades, including many from the TASCHEN titles SUMO, A Gun for Hire, and Work. Selected by his widow, June Newton, from over 300 photos featured at the 2011 exhibition “Helmut Newton Polaroids” at the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin, this collection captures the magic of Helmut Newton photo shoots as only Polaroids can.

The artist

Helmut Newton (1920–2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time. He first achieved international fame in the 1970s while working principally for French Vogue, he became celebrated for his controversial scenarios. Most striking was his ability to make a throughly planned photograph seem fresh and dynamic. His many titles and awards included Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Helmut Newton. Polaroids

Helmut Newton

Hardcover, 8.3 x 10.8 in., 3.63 lb, 224 pages

"This rare and unique title showcases the work of Helmut Newton, possibly fashion’s greatest photographer. Spartanly designed with just one or two Polaroid-sized images per page, the book contains test shots used by Newton to help frame his subjects and refine the final images from some of his greatest shoots over a period of decades."

— Real Travel, London
"Découvrir ces Polaroids aujourd’hui nous permet de jeter un regard en coulisses, de voir comment se construisait un univers de fantasmes brûlants. Passionnants."

— La Dépêche du Midi, Toulouse
"La référence. Les instantanés d’Helmut Newton en une synthèse éblouissante. Des femmes immenses, longilignes, musclées. Des poses cassées, sensuelles, appuyées. L’attitude en trois cents photos instantanées."

— Elle Belgique
"Newton sous Polaroid. C’est un ouvrage aussi rare que précieux ... une sélection, sobre et épurée. Plus qu’un simple making-of."

— Le Monde de la Photo.com, Paris
"Le livre est empli de beauté, de sensualité et de mystère. À admirer sans modération."

— Le Soir, Bruxelles
"Esquises esquisses. Ce catalogue a le charme des arrière-cuisines…Le plaisir du spectateur à fourrer son œil dans le moteur se double ainsi d’une vraie redécouverte de clichés célèbres en pleine mutation, déjà touchés par l’œil pétrificateur de Newton, mais encore traversés par un dernier frisson de réalité."

— Weekend Le Vif L’Express, Bruxelles
"Chaque image en rappelle une autre et nous plonge dans l’ambiance extraordinaire de ces séances de photo."

— Photo, Paris