Reviews For American Photo Magazine


It's As if You're in a Museum

I am a subscriber to various magazines, and one day I got a copy of American Photo in my mailbox. I don't recall requesting a copy, but it was sent to me on a trial basis. The cover featured model Heidi Klum, and when I opened up the magazine, I thought I stepped into a museum.

The photos in this magazine are a sight to behold. What I love most about American Photo is it focuses on the art of photography and offers many great images. There aren't that many articles on all the technical points of photography, and that's what I like about this magazine. You get to focus your attention on the actual images and a photographer is always profiled in each of their issues. You get an insider's view of the photographer and almost understand where they were coming from when they created their images. American Photo paid tribute to Helmut Lang, who I think is a great photographer and the images they chose to display were absolutely breathtaking. I'd love to see a profile done on Ansel Adams (if one hasn't been done already), because he's been my inspiration to become a photographer.

I'm a big fan of black and white photography. I just think they capture the image better and tell a touching story. In American Photo there are many black and white images (some with filters to give them a softer subtle image), and they seem to speak to me. In one of their issues, they focused on the human body. The images that were in black and white were absolutely beautiful. They were done with class and in a tasteful manner and that's how all the photos are captured in this magazine.

There are also articles on the latest cameras, films, photo contests and photo trips offered in American Photo as well. But, in my opinion, you will be more drawn to the images that are displayed in their magazine. Aperture is another magazine that focuses mainly on the photographs. Be sure to check out their magazine as well, but before you do that, give American Photo a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.




Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not sure

Unique, I wish it was a monthly

I have two criticisms for American Photo. First, I wish it was a monthly. Six issues a year is too few. Second, I wish it had more pages in each issue. Fortunately, even though I wish it had more pages, the ad-line is relatively low. This is not a magazine that one buys for the ads.

The reason I love this magazine is that it focuses (no pun intended) on the photographic image, not equipment. You are as likely (if not more likely) to find a review of a photographic exhibit as a camera or lens.

The selection of photographs is incredible, bold and innovative. Each issue features a portfolio of famous (or soon-to-be-famous) photographer, a model, and/or a collector of photography. It traces movements in photography, and offers previews of upcoming important publications by photographers.

Most other photography magazines contain quite a lot of "fluff". Most issues of American Photo have a central theme, or a main article that critically discusses a concept. For example, the most recent edition centered on "Public Images and the power of personality." May/June's edition contained a discussion on "the importance of icons", and September/October 1999's edition discussed "the body" in photography.

Do not buy this magazine if you want camera or lens reviews, or a comparison of the latest tripods. It will not teach you how to shoot better snapshots. Definitely DO buy this magazine if you are interested in photography as an art form.


Recommended:
Yes

All I Wanted to Know and More

I first read American Photo about six months ago and believe me it's one of the most informative photography magazines on the market. I work for a photography studio and wanted to take up photography as a hobby. One of the photographers turned me on to American Photo. It suggested the type of equipment a beginner should use and all about lighting, metering and aperture. It gave me basic little techniques to use that has helped more work improve. It suggests great little hints on how to get the perfect picture. It shows all kind of pictures from beginners to professionals. If you like taking pictures and want to learn a little more the articles, the advertising of new equipment and photos in American Photo is what you're looking for.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

Celebrates the art of Photography not the equipment

I like American Photo because it promotes good fine art photography instead of focusing on the equipment like most photo related magazines.

If you pick up and issue of Popular Photography, Modern Photography or whatever is out there, it becomes apparent that a lot of people are focused on the process of picture taking -- the cameras, the films, the gadgets etc instead of the end result.

American Photo takes a different angle. They cover the master photographers, the photography shows, the history behind photographs, photo auctions, what's new in photo journalism etc. Each issue is typically a theme issue behind some area of photography. And yes they do try to hit home runs on the newsstand with issues dedicated to nude photography at least once a year (much less then there European counter parts) but by and by if you are interested in photography beyond the equipment you should try this magazine.

If you really want to get into a serious magazine about the fine art photography world I would suggest Aperature magazine.


Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Photographs
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Recommended For: Professionals

Not for snap shooters

This is a magazine for serious photographers and others interested in the art of photography. There is little in it for techno-geeks, gadget-hounds or the snap shooter who only takes his camera to the annual family reunion. But if you're serious about photography, this magazine contains is a lot of good photography and excellent profiles of professional phtographers and how they work.

Great magazine, lots of good info

I can't think of too much to say about a magazine, but if you are a photographer (amateur or pro) or just interested in art, this is a good magazine with a good mixture of artistic insight, techniques, gear review, and artist interviews. Not cluttered with ads like some other photography magazines.

If you are into landscape photography, I would suggest another magazine like Outdoor Photographer.

Photography For Everyone

American Photo is one of the best magazines for photographers. If you are only interested in seeing beautiful pictures there are better choices; such as Aperture, but if you want technical articles, product reviews, profiles of photographers, and a few nice pics AP is the magazine for you.

Each issue is jam-packed with highly informative articles, covering everything from the best lenses for studio shots, to tips on metering. This magazine offers hints and tips for both the pro and amatuer photogropher.

One of the best parts of the magazine is the profile; each issue profiles a proffesional, and often famous, photographer. These profiles offer a wonderful look into the life and work of each photographer.

Overall if you are, or aspire to be a photographer this is the magazine for you. However, it should be accomanied by Aperture so you can get a feel for the beauty and art of Photography.


Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Articles
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not sure
Recommended For: Professionals

a good magazine that isn't always great

American Photo is a good magazine. The general layout is easy to follow, the photography news portions are always informative; the product reviews also. Technically, it's a nicely printed magazine that very accurately reproduces the photos featured.
Having said all that, not every issue is interesting. The publishers choice to have each issue focus on a specific area of, or theme in photography means that frequently I'm not impressed by the subject of the issue. They regularly feature a specific photographer. These are usually very informative and enjoyable issues. They also regularly focus on fashion or erotica. These CAN be informative and enjoyable, but aren't always. Likewise, they will produce issues about certain photographic themes, which aren't for everyone. I approve of this approach, since it means every issue will appeal to somebody, but not everybody. In other words, every issue may not be interesting to ME, but I applaud the risks they take in using this publishing approach.


Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Photographs
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not sure
Recommended For: Hobbyists/Enthusiasts

Slick Production, Good Reviews - Caution: A Lot of Nudity

"American Photo" is a very well produced magazine that focuses (no pun intended) on fashion, professional, and high end photography. Mixed into the pages are a lot of truely good photos, book and product reviews, and interviews with artists and professionals. If you are serious about photography, the magazine is worth the subscription price.

That being said one note of caution needs to be made, there are a lot "artistic" images that can be disturbing and there is a lot nudity mixed in almost gratuitously. I have no real problem with either for adults, but do not leave this one where my kids might pick it up.

Overall, a high quality magazine! Recommended

American Photo Magazine Review

I'm a armature photographer who uses photography as my creative outlet. I have browsed through American Photo Magazine while at Borders or Barnes and Noble and found it to be a very well written Magazine. After subscribing and being able to really take the time to sit and read the articles thoroughly, I find the articles and tips very helpful. One of the articles was about pinhole photography. I was so pumped by the article and images that I ordered one and started shooting pinhole photography myself, with great results. I think if a magazine can motivate you to become a better photographer and try new things , that it has done what it has set out to do. Great magazine and well written articles made to instruct and inspire!

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