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The Arts Intel Report

Helmut Newton: Polaroids

Helmut Newton, Cindy Crawford, American Vogue, Monte Carlo, 1991.

Mar 7 – July 27, 2025
Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Helmut Newton’s signature camera was a Rolleiflex. But he also loved Polaroids. Whenever Newton was organizing a fashion shoot, he would snap a couple—to get a sense of the light and color that would emerge in his final compositions. “There are no negatives,” he said of instant photography. “You’ve got it once and no more. That’s the charm and fascination about Polaroids.” Newton wasn’t alone. Arnold Newman and Ulay loved the small prints; Sally Mann does too. This exhibition presents Newton’s Polaroids alongside those of 60 other photographers. It’s a peek into the creative process. —Elena Clavarino

Photo: © Helmut Newton Foundation