Photographers reveal how they shot 14 of the most iconic images of all time
So over Christmas, Mantoani, who had shot with film for most of his career until then, decided to rent a massive 20x24 Polaroid camera, "knowing that the opportunity to shoot on this format would most likely be limited," he told Business Insider.
He knew he wanted to shoot something special with the massive camera, so he invited over two of his photographer friends, Jim Marshall and Michael Zagaris. "I asked each of them to bring in a few of their most iconic or favorite shots and I made my first portraits on this format. The process for both myself and subjects was special," Mantoani said. He knew he was on to something.
Since then, Mantoani has photographed 150 photographers from California to Boston. He says the process was organic and happened somewhat by chance. "One referral and shoot led to the next," he said. The subjects wrote about their experiences on Mantoani's Polaroid prints.
"My hope is that people understand that cameras don't make photographs, photographers do. Without the incredible dedication and passion of these image makers, these moments would not exist," Mantoani said.
His series, titled "Behind Photographs," has been compiled in a book which you can purchase here.