Stop Buying "How To" Photography Mags Now!

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I don't buy that many magazines anymore. I used to religiously collect Digital Photo, Practical Photography, and any number of how-to guides to making you a better photographer. The problem is that most of the images in these publications are commissioned purely for that purpose, to teach you how to become a better shooter and not for their inherent editorial, artistic or advertising value.

If you want to see what type of photographs it takes for you to actually get paid as a professional photographer, move to the other magazines at the news stand. If you want to get into fashion, get Vogue and Elle. If you would like  to make photojournalism your career grab the National Geographic or any quality newspaper. Nature? Nat Geo or any of the BBC nature mags. How about interiors? Homes and antiques. Photography is everywhere, but the good, paid for stuff is in the  paid-for publications.

I'm not saying that there isn't bad photography in the monthly magazines, but you'll know the quality publications and the images will speak for themselves. Really look at the images. What makes them interesting. Why was that advert for that watch shot that way? What sort of light was used on those models? What time of day was the photographer shooting that insect?

Stop buying the "how-to" magazines and buy the "this is how it's really done" magazines.

Thanks, Rob.

Comments

[Ecajoe - Joe Alfano]

There are a few I still read. They are; PDN, Rangefinder and Black & White Photography.