A unique opportunity to be photographed by Martin Parr in Paris

It's not everyday that you can have your portrait taken by a Magnum photographer but, this Saturday (25 June), if you beat or brave the inevitable first-come-first served queue, you can have your portrait taken in an intimate studio in Paris, and leave with an exclusive signed portrait by Martin Parr.

The event is held in conjunction with the second annual Magnum Days, a series of events dedicated to photography lovers, organised to coincide with the Magnum Photos Annual General Meeting (23 - 26 June). This includes a week of photographic events in the heart of the Montmartre area.

Whether you opt for an individual portrait, a family photograph or a picture of your close posse of friends, this is a one-off chance to have a snap shot taken by Magnum photographer Martin Parr. Group portraits can be accommodated only as far as the studio space will allow, so don't come en masse with your local sports team. You can choose between two different backdrops and the size of your photograph as A4, or for a higher cost, A3. The event is open to everyone, with no reservations so arrive early or come prepared to wait your turn.

Parr's photographs often use humour and satire to present a distinctive and, at times, entertaining perspective on the world. From English idiosyncrasies, snapshots of seaside towns and tourist locations, he documents life both critically and affectionately. 'Most family albums are a form of propaganda, where the family looks perfect and everyone is smiling: we try to create fabrications about who we are', explains Parr. 'But if you're doing a portrait of someone, ask them not to smile. You will get a much more dignified, interesting portrait, and it won't look like a family snap.' Throughout his colourful and direct work, Parr exposes the way in which we live, how we present ourselves and what we value.

Parr's portrait style playfully seeks to expose an inner-nature. It is precisely this sympathy to who we actually are at a specific moment in time that makes such a photograph, and this opportunity, so valuable.

Rebecca Carr