Photography mags - which are good?

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Never bought one in my life, so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I've been listening to the Photography Monthly podcasts with interviews with people like Colin Prior and Ian Berry - really enjoyed them so I was wondering what the magazine is like? Can't seem to see it in any local newsagents.

I see they do a 'turning pro' magazine too - useful or a waste of time?

Any others that are any good - or is it better just to use websites like this one these days?

Ta. :thumbs:
 
I got the Digital SLR Photography magazine on an offer where you get 6 months for like....£5 I think it was? Search this forum for info on it. Beware though, after the 6 month trial ends you get auto signed up for more unless you cancel. I haven't read the mag yet so cannot comment on the quality.
 
Ooops - sorry I normally think to search but I'm ill in bed and my brain isn't functioning. I even posted in one of those threads. :lol:

Will check out BJP though - also just got the 5 issues for a fiver thing for Photography Monthly.
 
To be honest, searching for "magazine" or "magazines" doesn't really work anyway. The results are diluted by everyone and the cat's mother reporting publication of their photographs! I had to go at it sideways and search for "BJP" to get any meaningful results.

What's really needed is a sticky somewhere for magazine reviews to be collated into.
 
I get the Digital SLR Photography magazine and find it very informative with loads of tips, how to's etc I got it on the same deal as clicktor, if it carry's on in the same vein I'll keep on getting it.
 
I tried a few last year. Some seemd very basic, others were way too 'pro'
I'm currently on the 5 quid deal with Digital SLR Photography.
Seems a good mix of news, articles, projects and tips.
The only problem is I just subscribed. Caught up with Jan 2011 but still missing Feb 2011.
Anyone have an issue to part with? (Even the publisher said they have no back issues!)
 
Are magazines good for (complete) beginners to read, or would it be more beneficial to read a book, Understanding Exposure I think is the title of one I've seen recommended everywhere?
 
Dadofsam said:
Are magazines good for (complete) beginners to read, or would it be more beneficial to read a book, Understanding Exposure I think is the title of one I've seen recommended everywhere?
Click to expand...

Depends what you want to learn.

Personally I'd suggest reading the following if you're starting at the very beginning:
  • Understanding Exposure (Peterson) - great for covering the basics of exposure quickly, concisely and in a way that will make it easy to remember. However the style of writing can get on some peoples nerves.
  • The Photographer's Eye (Freeman) - opinions are divided on this book, I rate it highly as your camera is very good at figuring out a reasonable exposure all on it's own, but it won't help you compose an interesting image.
And try a few different magazines. Try a couple from the mainstream WHSmiths racks (something-Photography, Photography-something, Digital-something, something-Digital, they all tens to run into one another) but make sure you read at least one issue each of Amatuer Photography (unusual in that it's a weekly and the cheapest per issue, but better than most monthlies) and the British Journal of Photography (pricey, but in a different league).
 
I have tried lots of mags but I have settled down to Outdoor Photography, it's the only mag I find so interesting I read it from cover to cover, it has great articles and interviews.
 
BJP - the one and only . other good ones pretty much cover the same stuff.
but then again - it depends on what u're looking for.
 
To be honest it's really not worth it, I used to buy hundreds of magazines and still have them and it's about £300 worth but are all useless now and while they taught me a bit about photography and some articles were an enjoyable read it just didn't seem worth paying out £5 a month on a magazine only for it to be used within an hour and then most likely never see the light of day again. I learn more from the internet and forums like this and Digital Photography School, there's no point in paying for magazine info any more when millions of results are at the touch of a button.

Save the £5 in a savings jar and put a new £5 in every month and you will eventually see how much money you could have wasted ;)
 
Something someone said on this forum was a good tip. Buy one of each and subscribe to one you like. After a year, cancel the subscription because they'll just start repeating everything.
I currently subscribe to digital camera. It's a good mag with quite a bit of info that's good for a beginner, but I really don't think I'll be a lifetime subscriber.
Another reason I choose that mag is that it had the best subscription freebie
 
I would recommend Digital SLR & PhotoPlus Inspirations as I'm in both this month :D
 
Thank you for all the tips on this thread, in the end I plumbed for the £10 for 6 issues offer that appeared in these very forums!
Hopefully it will finally make my mind up as to what / when I get a dslr!
 
Hi,

I buy a Mag called PhotoPlus it's aimed at Canon users, last Months edition featured a review of the New 70-300L Lens.

Regards.
 
Just picked up a copy of BJP - only flicked through so far but it looks really good, some amazing photography in there.
 
Brought PhotoPlus when I went away last month. Thought it was ok, but nothing special. Might have to give BJP a try as it seems popular on here.
 
BJP is great :thumbs:, well worth the asking and just about the only photo mag which doesn't operate on a rolling anual pattern of articles. Black+White (I still hate the + they now use) used to be very good, but has pretty much gone the way of everything else now ;(

It can still be worth a read though, but I certainly won't be renewing my subscription
 
Razzle, for the cheap glamour portrait stuff........
 
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