Before I get to my list, first I have to tell you; I am just so thrilled at the response to our launch yesterday of our subscription-based online training. The first-day’s sign-ups were beyond what any of us had even hoped for, and we’re so excited to have you all on board. It’s going to be an amazing year ahead (with lots more surprises right around the corner). Thanks to everyone who came onboard, posted comments, and showed their support. It means a lot.
Now, if you’re looking for some last-minute Holiday gifts, here’s a list of my six favorite print magazines, and you can give gift subscriptions to any of these online at their Web site (I’ll include the links for each one). Here we go (not listed in any particular order):
> Outdoor Photographer
I can’t wait to see this one in my mailbox each month, and I particularly look forward to the monthly columns from people like George Lepp, Bob Krist, Bill Hatcher, William Neill, and Frans Lanting. Great stuff for the nature, landscape, and outdoor photographer on your list. Also, lots of great info on gear for outdoor photographers and they always end each issue with a photo that makes you smile. Here’s the link.
> PDN (Photo District News)
This is for the pro photographer on your list, but anyone will enjoy the wonderful images and article on industry pros. It has a heavy lean toward advertising and commercial photography, but here’s the thing; it’s amazing photography, the magazine is very well written, beautifully laid out, and is just slick from top to bottom (with a beautiful print job as well). Here’s the link to subscribe.
> Digital Photo Pro
The newest magazine of the bunch, but it rocks. A great layout, and lots of digital photography focused content (including Photoshop and Lightroom feature stories and tutorials), make this one of my absolute favorites. Good info on gear, on printing, and I really enjoy the Misinformation column on the back page. Lots of great photography and a layout that works beautifully to show it at large sizes that really make it hard to put down. Here’s the link to subscribe.
> HOW magazine
This one is for the graphic designer/art director on your holiday list, and nobody covers this market like HOW. As you might expect, the layout is just beautiful, but not the least bit “over the top.” It’s elegant, very readable and engaging. Lots of design-business articles, and one of my favorite columns has always been their “Workspace” column, which shows the interior of some of the coolest ad agencies, design shops, and creative companies in the world. Very inspiring. Also, lots of cool stuff on Type, which I dearly love. Here’s the link to subscribe.
> Shutterbug
In the last few years, I feel that Shutterbug has really moved to the next level, and it’s one of my favorite to sit down and read as soon as it arrives, because they focus on a lot of new gear, and I just love that. Of course there’s lots of great photography and feature articles, but when it comes to gear, this one has no peer (hey, that rhymes). A great pick for the photographer on your list. Here’s the link to subscribe.
> Popular Photography
The grand-daddy of all photography magazines still shows how it got to be that, with great articles, great photography, and perhaps most of all; really great in-depth product reviews. They also have a very nice online site as well. Great writing, a touch of Photoshop training, and lots of info on gear make it one of my favorites. Here’s the link to subscribe.
There you have it; my six picks for my favorite magazines. Now, I’m sure you probably noticed that I excluded the two magazines I publish (Photoshop User and Layers Magazine), because I’m kinda (very) biased about those two, and I figured those were implied. ;-)
Have a great weekend everybody. I’m going to take Monday (Christmas Eve) and Christmas Day off to spend with my family, so it’ll be “No Blog Monday and Tuesday.” I wish you all a wonderful joy-filled Christmas, and I hope Santa brings each of you a D3 or a Mark III (hey, that rhymes, too!).
Merry Christmas!!!!!
