Nowadays, creating or getting a photography magazine is very easy. You can either order a hard copy from the comfort of your home or access digital photography magazines in any part of the world. As a photographer, you can start your photo magazine as well. It was not always this easy, though. Some of the best photography magazines you know were made in the days of less advanced technology and with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Take Life, for example.
Robert Capa is renowned for taking the popular Omaha Beach Landings picture of 1944. This picture shot Life further into the limelight at the time, but it was taken with a 50mm lens Contact II camera, so it was very blurry. Yet, many believe that the picture's blurriness had less to do with the camera quality than with something else. That is the impact of the bombings at Omaha Beach. In other words, Capa got himself and Life international recognition, but he did it with very poor technology and at the likely risk of his own life.
Thankfully, the world has advanced. Drones can substitute for humans in the face of grave danger. You can also start a photo blog with a free website building platform like Strikingly. Besides, your niche probably doesn’t require you to take such risks if you are a photojournalist. Now, why do you need photography magazines?
Why Everyone Needs a Photography Magazine
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Whether you just love to buy them or you are looking to become a photojournalist, we would recommend photo magazines anytime. Here is why:
Photography Magazines are a Great Source of Information
Just like regular text magazines, most photo magazines share valuable information. Usually, this information is related to specific niches or industries. For example, Digital Camera focuses on wildlife, landscapes, and nature. They are, however, better than regular magazines because they relay information with graphics, leaving stronger impressions on the reader.
They are Good for Brand Story-telling
According to Research, people remember pictures better than words. This means they will remember your brand better with the graphics they can identify with it. How much more when you are a photographer? If you are trying to build a career in photography, a photography magazine can fasten your rise in the industry. You could contribute to already existing magazines or start yours. Even easier, you can begin one that runs entirely online. Start by using a free website from Strikingly. Ultimately, the goal is that you showcase your skills and your brand story. You can also learn more about brand storytelling from this blog post by Strikingly.
They are Effective for Opinion Shaping
Robert Capa’s Omada beach picture in Life did not only impress the world. It gave many Americans a near first-hand experience of the war. Never mind that it was a blurry picture. Furthermore, Life did a great deal to bring attention to the war and influence America’s involvement in it. That is how powerful a magazine can be. It all depends on the story you choose to tell with yours.
How to Start a Photography Magazine in 10 Easy Steps
1. Choose a Niche(s)
2. Study the Big Shots
3. Practice
4. Build a Portfolio
5. Intern or Volunteer
6. Collaborate
7. Participate in Competitions
8. Get a Publisher
9. Get Online
10. Start the Magazine
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1. Choose a Niche(s)
As we noted earlier, magazines photography is usually niche-specific. Thus, you must decide which niches you want to focus on. The best practice is to choose a couple of related sub-niches under one big niche. For instance, if you are a lifestyle photojournalist, you can share pictures about luxury foods, travel, and home ownership.
2. Study the Big Shots
Whatever your niche of interest, chances are there is at least one popular photography magazine. Look for them and learn all you can about them. Read books written by celebrity photographers and take their courses. You must, however, not copy them altogether. Pick their methods and lessons, but keep your unique style.
3. Practice
If you do not know how to start, take pictures of everything, everywhere. Some of them will come out bad. Take them anyway. Do not be afraid to seek second opinions. It's a plus if you are seeking the opinion of someone who knows a thing or two about photography magazines.
4. Build a Portfolio
As you take your pictures, some of them will be straight-up bad. Some will be good too. Choose the best and store them in your portfolio. You will need them when you are making applications or entries. Again, Strikingly has some really good portfolio website templates you can explore. Remember, they are free to use.
5. Intern or Volunteer
Big photo magazines will likely pick you after they know exactly what stuff you are made of. What better way to show them than as an insider? It may not bring in much money initially, but it is good for the long run.
6. Collaborate
When you work on a project with other photographers, you learn from them too. It could also give you easy access to your collaborators' network.
7. Participate in Competitions
Magazines photography contests are some of the best ways to challenge yourself. They keep you on your toes and challenge you to grow. Also, you can pick new tips from other competitors. The Nikon Small World Competition and the Andrei Stenin Press Photography Competition are free to enter and open to beginners.
8. Get a Publisher
Self-publishing is also an option. If you are looking for a faster route, get a good publisher. You want one who is familiar with photography magazine publishing. The more specialized they are, the better you can trust their expertise.
9. Get Online
Remember that you can start with a simple photo blog. Your next huge deal can come from the internet. Make sure you maintain an active online presence. If you can afford it, hire experts to manage your online platforms.
10. Start the Magazine
This doesn’t need to be said, right? Except that after all those steps, you could get the jitters at this point. If you already have cold feet, this is your cue to keep them moving. You can still make your mark in the industry even if you self-publish as a beginner. Just give it time. Starting an online magazine with a free professional Strikingly website is a cost-effective option.
How to Know Which Photography Magazine to Choose
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Whether you are a reader or creator, this depends mainly on your interests. For a photojournalist, pick the ones that are in your niche. This is not to say you cannot occasionally enjoy a good one outside your professional interest. Still, you need to focus. You will improve faster if you train your mind on a few niches instead of taking in many at once. This blog post from Strikingly shows you how to choose a niche for any business. You can apply the principles to your photo magazine.
This principle is the same for you as a reader. The good thing is there are photography magazines for you, no matter your interests. If you are a small business owner looking to learn business tips, for example, check out Entrepreneur Magazine.
Also, you don't have to get only the most popular ones. If you find what you need in a local magazine, go for it. Sometimes, deliberately explore the not-so-popular brands. They might turn out to be goldmines.
Best 8 Photography Magazines in 2022
1. Black and White Magazine
It is one of the best photography magazines of all time. Magazines photo are judged by their originality and creativity. The B and W magazine has exploited these concepts well. By taking and sharing only black and white photos, they present themselves as a unique and exclusive brand. Add that to the fact that they do not have an online version, costing around $72 annually.
2. Australian Photography
Apart from its quality, it is also popular for its commitment to helping photographers grow. To encourage creativity among photographers, the magazine organizes monthly competitions for newbies and advanced photographers. Depending on your chosen subscription plan, it can cost from $70 to $150 per year.
3. Photograph
It is a graphic tell-all about New York culture. The size of a medium-sized diary, it allows different photographers and other creatives to showcase their work. It also advertises gallery shows and other creative events around and outside New York City. We recommend this magazine if you want to update yourself about how modern technology and modern artwork are together.
4. Foam Magazine
When you pick up a copy of Foam, you immediately get a sense of excellence. This is not just because of its high-quality printing material. The magazine also adopts an organized, theme-based style in its publications. All photos and writings in each edition are about a specific theme. Periodically, the magazine features photo artists and their works, giving them visibility. Foam also maintains its standard as one of the most outstanding digital photography magazines.
5. Canadian Camera
Another theme-based photo magazine. Created by the Canadian Association of Photographic Art (CAPA), it shares information about photography clubs, gadgets, and styles from around the world. It is a valuable resource for photographers of all levels.
6. Aperture
Aperture is best known for its captivating approach to photo storytelling. The digital photography magazine combines high quality with engaging imagery to connect with its readers. It also takes on relatable topics, making it easy for non-photographers to enjoy it. It can cost from about £29 to £100.
7. Outdoor Photographer
As the name implies, its themes are about outdoor topics. While the larger niche is nature, it features stories on sub-themes like flowers, landscapes, and plant wildlife. If your interest is nature-related, it is a go-to material for you.
8. Chiiz
It is one of the most popular photo magazines in India. Chiiz exposes the reader to the technical aspects of magazines photography. It describes the camera and techniques with which each photo was taken. You can also find helpful tips from popular photographers in it.
The 4 Best Photography Magazines for Rookie Photographers
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Some photography magazines focus solely on helping beginner photographers grow their careers. If you are just starting, here are magazines you will find helpful.
1. Amateur Photographer
More than just a magazine, it is a valuable information resource on all things photography. From it, you will learn principles, tips, and tricks to help you improve your photography skills. It is arguably one of the best photography magazines for beginners and, perhaps, all photographers.
2. Digital Photo
Digital Photo provides an opportunity to pick the brains of photography experts around the world. It features lessons from some of the biggest names in photography. Readers can also send in their comments and reviews. This way, beginners are encouraged to keep improving their craft.
3. Popular Photography
It is for you if you are still testing your hands on different niches or just love to explore. Popular gives the beginner insight into photojournalism principles across many subjects. It is excellent as a general learning guide.
4. Shutterbug
Shutterbug is best suited for the beginner with little experience. Once you know basic photography, Shutterbug shows you how to take your photography career a step further. It features success stories and expository articles from experienced photographers.
Whether you are a professional photographer, a beginner, or just a reader, you should keep at least two photography magazines. Apart from expert tips and hacks, magazines photo are also helpful for retaining useful information. Remember, if you are starting a photo magazine, you must have an online presence. Get on social media. Build a business website with Strikingly. Create an email list and engage it. Just stay online.
