Magazines?

There seems to be a ton of photography magazines out there. Ugh.

I'm looking for one that is heavier on techniques and tips, but still has a FEW product reviews. NOT looking for one that is almost all product touting. Geared toward all three levels; beginner thru pro.

Suggestions?

Outdoor Photographer is the only one I still read. Portfolios, with commentary; tips and techniques columns; and "thematic" product reviews. They'll talk about a new camera, but most of the product pieces are more "here's what's available in the (x) category" or the broad range of items that may be useful for photographers under (y) conditions.

Saw that one in my friendly neighborhood soopermarket. Will look at it. Thanx.

Too bad there aren't as many machinists' magazines as there are photography magazines.

Check out "Digital Photo" or "Practical Photographer". They are both from the UK and run about $11. I get them from Barnes & Noble and found that they are well worth the bucks if you're looking for great articles and ideas. I'm not too impressed with the current crop of mags that we have in the US.

I've noticed that in many hobby and occupational areas, magazines have degenerated into blatant sales tools. If an author can make an advertiser's product look great, he gets published. If not, no. Keep in mind that in writing, it's all about getting published.

I'll look up Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo, and Practical Photographer. B&N, or Books a Thousand should have a copy to peruse.

Thanx, guys.

buffumjr wrote in post #15994854
I've noticed that in many hobby and occupational areas, magazines have degenerated into blatant sales tools. If an author can make an advertiser's product look great, he gets published. If not, no. Keep in mind that in writing, it's all about getting published.

My sentiments exactly. The "normal" photo mags are about 80% advertising with a couple of articles scattered therein. Digital Photo (from the UK, not the one published in the US) is my favorite. I always find a new idea or tip that I can use. 90% articles, 10% advertising. I know that Books-A-Million carries it. Good luck!

Bought two at Books a Thousand. Digital Photo, and Petersen's Photographic. EGAD! What's WRONG with those Brits? They must be REALLY proud of their magazines. Is same with machinists' magazines. Digital Photo wants $12 for a year, and one of the Brits wanted $40, and another $65. I don't subscribe to Model Engine Builder, either. The Brit publisher wants, I think, $65 for 4 issues. If they're THAT proud of them, they can stare at them, lovingly, in their warehouse. I wouldn't THINK of depriving them of their presence.

The excuse, "Needed for the bottom line" doesn't work. Most magazines are about 1/3 of page area is ads. I LIKE the ads. Sometimes as informative as the articles. Especially in machinists' magazines.

Reading the two I bought as we speak. Will subscribe to one. Will go back to BAM again, to look at more.

Thanx for the heads up. One day, with practice, determination, and luck, I may be competent. (bg grin)

When you buy a British magazine, you're also paying for shipping trans-Atlantic. That ain't cheap.

Jon wrote in post #16000191
When you buy a British magazine, you're also paying for shipping trans-Atlantic. That ain't cheap.

Also, Digital Photo and Practical Photographer contain a CD each month that contains in depth tutorials that go over some of the articles and techniques in the magazine. It's difficult for someone to comment on a magazine without actually reading it since they are enclosed in a plastic wrapper. I'm serious about my hobby and don't mind spending a bit more if I can garner something I can use out of it.

I guess the newsstand edition doesn't have the CD. Will get that Digital Photo subscription in the mail, today.

Jon wrote in post #16000191
When you buy a British magazine, you're also paying for shipping trans-Atlantic. That ain't cheap.

If the shipping is $5/copy, it would pay them to subcontract the printing here in the US, and other countries where thery have a large customer base.

Skip the magazine subscriptions. Read the bazillion great articles on the web or at your local library. Watch YouTube videos. Save trees...and money

CactusJuice wrote in post #16025481
Skip the magazine subscriptions. Read the bazillion great articles on the web or at your local library. Watch YouTube videos. Save trees...and money

Already doing that. E.g. this post.

I'm also a home shop machinist. Home Shop Machinist and Machinists Workshop come to my house regularly. I save them and return to them when the need arises to fabricate something for a relative or friend. Why reinvent the wheel?

If the photo mags have tips as good, they, too, will grace a bookshelf, and have those little colored 3M® tabs in them, so tricks in lighting, or lens reviews, or so forth will be ready for me.

I still have, in my attic, 1968-1974 AMA Journal (read Academy of Model Aeronautics) If I ever go back to that (expensive) hobby, I have many, many plans to copy and follow.