Best Photography Magazine

[RobbieB]

My weekly photography topic!

What photography magazine is the best to learn from. A chap at work brought in one, the name illudes me though. What I found most appealing was not just the tips it gave, but every picture had the exact settings used written in the corner.

If I'm ever to catch up the top dogs of photography on PH, I need to learn more!

Thanks again

[nick_bbb]

Which ever one you get starts to repeat itself after 12 months so they seem to have alimited appeal. I used to like Digital Photographer personally but then I might be biased as they featured my work in one issue

[d1d215]

if it has photo gear on the cover - don't buy it. at least that's my rule.

[itsnotarace]

d1d215 said:

if it has photo gear on the cover - don't buy it

Nicely put

[Byker28i]

nick_bbb said:

Which ever one you get starts to repeat itself after 12 months so they seem to have alimited appeal. I used to like Digital Photographer personally but then I might be biased as they featured my work in one issue

Another vote for this - I have it on subscription. Good photoshop tips/tutorials, great photography articles and really nicely printed

[GreigM]

I bought an issue of "Digital SLR Photography" recently - very much liked it, SLR focus meant a lot of reviews of fixed lens snappers was missed out, which I liked.

[markmullen]

I've had a few issues of Canon Eos magazine (a neighbour is the editor) and it is very good.

[tog]

I like the new-look British Journal of Photography a lot, but it is not exactly a how-to magazine.

[ruaricoles]

GreigM said:

I bought an issue of "Digital SLR Photography" recently - very much liked it, SLR focus meant a lot of reviews of fixed lens snappers was missed out, which I liked.

+1 That's my preferred read also; I buy a copy every now and again (if the content looks interesting) but at the moment am on a 5 issues for £5 trial subscription which I will cancel afterwards. It seems reasonably intelligently written, and a good blend of product reviews and articles on photographers and the artistic side of thing. Doesn't seem to repeat itself too often either - it doesn't have "HDR made easy!" or "Perfect portraits!" or "How to use layers!" on the cover each month anyway

Ruari

[14-7]

Have being buying Photography Monthly since I got back in to photography about 8 months ago. Comes across as being more interesting than its competitors which has meant I always buy it whereas others I may flick through and buy if something catches my eye.

[K12beano]

nick_bbb said:

Which ever one you get starts to repeat itself after 12 months so they seem to have a limited appeal.

Agreed - whatever seems good for one or two months soon deteriorates into a complete waste of money.

You soon notice that the gear reviews are deeply flawed - the level of mistakes in, say, a review of a Nikon lens or body is absolutely staggering from some people who are supposed to know what's what. Really incredible basic stuff - I see is every time I pick up a mag, it seems ....

Save your money for a new lens/tripod/bag!

[andy-xr]

[JJM]

ruaricoles said:

GreigM said:

I bought an issue of "Digital SLR Photography" recently - very much liked it, SLR focus meant a lot of reviews of fixed lens snappers was missed out, which I liked.

+1 That's my preferred read also; I buy a copy every now and again (if the content looks interesting) but at the moment am on a 5 issues for £5 trial subscription which I will cancel afterwards. It seems reasonably intelligently written, and a good blend of product reviews and articles on photographers and the artistic side of thing. Doesn't seem to repeat itself too often either - it doesn't have "HDR made easy!" or "Perfect portraits!" or "How to use layers!" on the cover each month anyway

Ruari

+2 It is a very good mag, well recommend taking out the trial offer.

[RobbieB]

I bought two photography magazines Tuesday, can't remember what they were called but I was rather uninspired. A few helpful nuggets of information but nothing I'd bother with. So I've taken your advice and gone with the 5 magazines for £5.

[craigbunyan]

K12beano said:

nick_bbb said:

Which ever one you get starts to repeat itself after 12 months so they seem to have a limited appeal.

Agreed - whatever seems good for one or two months soon deteriorates into a complete waste of money.

You soon notice that the gear reviews are deeply flawed - the level of mistakes in, say, a review of a Nikon lens or body is absolutely staggering from some people who are supposed to know what's what. Really incredible basic stuff - I see is every time I pick up a mag, it seems ....

Save your money for a new lens/tripod/bag!

Couldn't agree more - if you're in the frame of mind to learn take a course, or, more const effective try to head out shooting with others - maybe join a local club etc. For me you can't beat watching someone work for leaning new things - Doesn't compare to a publication bent on making sure it appeases all its sponsors.

C.

[JJM]

Hey Robbie

Where about in Herts are you?

Hertford Regional College runs a very good evening course in Ware and Bishop's Stortford.

I have just started the 3rd term of the "beginners" year and have learnt a lot so far.

The course is split between very informal lectures and practical sessions, so far we have covered quite a few different aspects of digital SLR photography including: What the different settings do and when to use them, Still Life, Studio Lighting, Portraits and Night Photography. This term will be covering Macro, more portraits, landscapes and sports photography.

Anyway the year starts in September and is worth looking into (dates for the Sept 2010 term will be on the site in June / July).

http://www.hertreg.ac.uk/pages/courses/coursesearc...

Each term is 10 weeks and only costs £63!


Cheers,

Jon

[911newbie]

I stick to Amateur Photographer or British Journal of Photography to be honest.
As has been said already the other clone mags seem to endlessly loop the same articles from year to year.

[RobbieB]

Thanks Jon. Yeah I did hear about that, and I am very close (actually based in Hoddesdon). I'm just not sure I have the time right now so I just learn through practicing, internet tutorials and now magazines.

What I really need is an experienced photographer to take me under his wing! Or at least a fountain of photographical knowledge I can tap in to.

Any takers?

[K12beano]

RobbieB said:

Any takers?

Just stick around here for a start.

You can come down to my neck of Hertfordshire when I am around, but I'm pretty sporadic in my picking up of the "Brick" at the moment, as I am always looking for someone to help me photo the Moor better

I also find Flickr can be a good source of inspiration - link to a few people whose styles you like, for example. Then wonder about how they do it, rather than trying to learn a basket of techniques from mags which a) may not be your thing and b) are clearly following the general herd rather than setting an individual trend!

[andy-xr]

RobbieB said:

Thanks Jon. Yeah I did hear about that, and I am very close (actually based in Hoddesdon). I'm just not sure I have the time right now so I just learn through practicing, internet tutorials and now magazines.

What I really need is an experienced photographer to take me under his wing! Or at least a fountain of photographical knowledge I can tap in to.

Any takers?

If you head down the route of tuition, I did a 2 day portraiture course with these guys and highly recommend them: http://www.photography-courses.com/