Polaroids

Running from 7 March to 17 August 2025 at the Helmut Newton Stiftung im Museum für Fotografie, this event celebrates the groundbreaking Polaroid technology that revolutionised photography. The exhibition explores the evolution of instant imagery, featuring works by Helmut Newton, Pola Sieverding, Charles Johnstone, Sheila Metzner, Stephen Shore, William Wegman a.o. 

Polaroids at a glance

The Polaroid process has revolutionised photography since the 1960s. Anyone who has ever used this camera will the smell of the developing emulsion and the fascination with the instant image. Sometimes it developed on its own, whereas with some processes it was also necessary to draw a fixing liquid over the image surface. In this respect, it is a forerunner of today's digital photography - not in photographic terms, but because of its rapid availability.

Polaroids examines how instant photography shaped both art and culture. Helmut Newton, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, loved using Polaroids during his fashion shoots. His impatience to see the results of his compositions mirrors the excitement and spontaneity these cameras brought to the art world.  


With works by:
Helmut Newton, Thorsten Brinkmann, Lucien Clergue, Barbara Crane, Alma Davenport, Toto Frima, Maurizio Galimberti, Luigi Ghirri, Erich Hartmann, Sally Mann, Sheila Metzner, Arnold Newman, Charles Johnstone, Marike Schuurman, Stephen Shore, Jeanloup Sieff, Pola Sieverding, Christer Strömholm, Oliviero Toscani, Ulay, William Wegman a.o..

Visitors will not only admire Newton's works but also those of other legendary photographers, including Robert Mapplethorpe, Mary Ellen Mark, David Hockney and Cathleen Naundorf. Each artist's group of works showcases unique techniques and creative interpretations of Polaroid technology. From intimate portraits to experimental compositions, the exhibition highlights the versatility of instant photography.

Polaroids highlights   

• Helmut Newton's creative process: Gain a rare glimpse into the artistic process of Helmut Newton, where Polaroids served as both sketches and standalone masterpieces.   
  
• Works by photography icons: Marvel at Polaroids by renowned artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and David Hockney, each bringing their own style to this instant medium.   
  
• Experimental techniques: Discover innovative uses of Polaroid cameras, from layering and texturing to hand-drawn annotations that add a personal touch to the works.   
  
• Technological wonders: Learn about the groundbreaking chemistry and mechanics that made instant photography possible, sparking a revolution in visual art.   
  
• Artistic artefacts: Examine Polaroids featuring original marks and notes from photographers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative methods.
  

Discover Polaroids

Polaroid photography began as an ingenious solution to a child's impatience. In 1948, Edwin H. Land unveiled the first Polaroid camera after his daughter asked why she couldn't see photos right after they were taken. This invention transformed photography, allowing both professionals and amateurs to instantly capture and review their moments.  

The Polaroids exhibition is a celebration of this cultural phenomenon. The instant gratification of Polaroids made them a favourite tool for artistic experimentation and personal expression. Newton, for instance, relied on Polaroids to assess and refine his iconic fashion compositions.  

This exhibition also highlights the object-like quality of Polaroids, which many photographers embraced. The unique physicality of each Polaroid – a one-of-a-kind image with imperfections, annotations and context – adds a layer of storytelling often missing in today's digital age.


Top tips for Polaroids

• The museum is conveniently located near S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten. Multiple bus lines also stop nearby.   
  
• The Museum für Fotografie is fully accessible, with lifts and barrier-free facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
  
• Reduced admission is available for students and individuals with disabilities upon presentation of appropriate documentation.
  
• Make it a full day by exploring nearby landmarks like the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church or the Berlin Zoo. You'll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants for a quick bite.
  

Helmut Newton Stiftung im Museum für Fotografie
Jebensstraße 2
10623 Berlin

#EMOP25