Description

Bio

Yael Martínez is a renowned Mexican photographer whose work explores fractured communities in his native Mexico. His photography is deeply personal and evocative, often symbolizing the emptiness, absence, and pain experienced by those affected by violence in his home country. The loss of three family members to organized crime has profoundly influenced his artistic journey, driving him to document the tangible and spiritual effects of violence on families.

Martínez became a full member of Magnum Photo in 2024. Martínez has earned a number of honors for his photography, including the 2022 Wayfinder Award from The National Geographic society, membership in Mexico’s National System of Arts Creators (SNCA), and the 2019 W. Eugene Smith Fund Grant. Martínez won The World Press Photo in the region of North and Central America in the Open Format category in 2022 and second prize in the World Press Photo contest in the Long-Term Projects category in 2019. He is a fellow of the Photography and Social Justice Program of The Magnum Foundation.

Mentorship

Yael Martínez offers mentorships in both Spanish and English, focusing on the emotional and conceptual depths of photography. As he explains, “Photography runs through everything in our present time. I am interested in seeing the images that stir something in you, knowing how they provoke you, how they shake your consciousness and depict your relationship with the world around us.” He seeks to provide photographers with production strategies and conceptual frameworks to generate impactful images that tell compelling stories. His guidance is designed to help photographers create works that resonate deeply, both personally and universally.

Recently, Martínez’s practice has evolved toward physical interventions on his prints, whether through drawing or collage. A key element of his approach to photography is deep collaboration with the people he photographs, aiming to get as close as possible to their emotions. This, in turn, informs how he intervenes on a collage or drawing. If you are interested in exploring a different way of storytelling using collage or interventions in your work, his teaching can guide you in this direction.

• Magnum Photos reserves the right to cancel this event. In the case of cancellation students will be given a full refund minus any charges. • Magnum Photos reserves the right to change or alter the program advertised. • Cancellations: No refunds will be issued after payment has been taken, but exchange on another portfolio review may be possible.
Magnum is committed to fostering a respectful and dignified environment that adheres to the highest level of professional standards. We strive to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone who works with or for Magnum and Magnum photographers, creating an environment in which each person’s rights, dignity and individual worth are respected. You can read Magnum Photos Code of Conduct here: https://www.magnumphotos.com/educational-safeguarding-policy/
The mentorship with Yael Martínez can be in English or Spanish.
Once we review your application, you will receive an email from the Magnum Learn team. Please note that we review application on regular basis.

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