Photography Magazines and Subscriptions

A Selection of the Best Photo Mags on Subscription

Why photography magazines and subscriptions? As far back in my photography days as I can remember, I know that I always had a pile of photography magazines handy. As a 13 year old back in the 1980's, and a budding photographer, there was no internet or World Wide Web, so the photography magazines were my lifeline.

Photography Magazines and Subscriptions

Why subscribe to a photography magazine?

If you are reading this website, and you have got to here, I would say that you're a serious photographer. One who craves information. When you are not seeking information you should be out taking photos. However, when you are not out taking photos you should be at work, earning enough money to fund this beautiful hobby! When do you have time to visit the newsagents?

One thing that I have found lately is what with:

  • Photo and video work piling up
  • Writing this website
  • Taking stock pictures and video
  • Enjoying time with my wife and children

...very rarely do I get to anywhere that sells photography magazines.

When we lived in Spain, the nearest retailers of English magazines were in Gibraltar. A bit of a trek so welcome internet shopping! It is all too easy to miss issues of photography magazines which can be annoying. This is particularly so if you are participating in ongoing competitions month by month.

By subscribing, you never miss a trick. Whenever I get a new bunch of photography magazines, there is nothing nicer and more relaxing than sitting quietly, sifting through them all. Checking out the latest gadgets, gizmos, techniques and all manner of other interesting features.

Have a look through some recommended photography magazines and subscriptions below and sign up for any that interest you. By taking out subscriptions, you normally save a packet too!

Outdoor Photographer

Photography Magazines and Subscriptions Outdoor Photographer

The basic editorial emphasis of this Outdoor Photographer magazine is on the practical use of the cameras in the field, so to speak.

It encourages photography as part of an ongoing lifestyle by looking at the modern photographic world. “Outdoor Photographer” motivates readers to make use of their equipment and talents in conjunction with other recreational activities.

The basic editorial emphasis of this Outdoor Photographer magazine is on the practical use of the cameras in the field, so to speak. It encourages photography as part of an ongoing lifestyle by looking at the modern photographic world. “Outdoor Photographer” motivates readers to make use of their equipment and talents in conjunction with other recreational activities.

Reviewers of this magazine say;

"It is the best magazine for outdoor photography and covers all aspects suitable for all levels of skill and understanding. It doesn’t just cover nature photography, but scenic, travel, location, wildlife and even outdoor sports photography.

Outdoor Photographer also pays close attention to the new world of digital photography and incorporates digital into its techniques etc.

Basically, it does what it says on the front and is NOT packed with adverts."

Average Customer Review is 4/5*

Practical Photography

Photography Magazines and Subscriptions Practical Photography

A personal favourite of mine, I have been buying Practical Photography magazine for as long as I can remember! In fact I have the last 3 issues on the floor next to me now for reference! It offers great tutorials every month with a couple of sections dedicated to critiquing your hard work. There is a good balance between articles, advertising and reviews and I must admit, I have purchased quite a bit of equipment based on their reviews.

Practical Photography in my view, earns the right to call itself Britain’s best-selling photography magazine. Every issue includes tips on taking and producing the best pictures, with product and gear updates. It has all the answers to its readers’ technical questions, plus many articles which strive to inspire and motivate photographers of all levels, whether digital or film.

The reviewers gave it a thumbs up at Amazon with one suggestion that it was a bit pricey. In my opinion the cost is more than made up for by the knowledge attained through its pages.

Average Customer Review is 4/5*

Professional Photography Magazine

Photography Magazines and Subscriptions Practical Photography Professional Photographer

Professional Photographer Magazine is just that. Aimed at the professional photographer looking for upbeat articles on how to improve and increase your potential through related articles and reviews.

It is known for having helped readers advance their careers in the photographic industry for more than 95 years. That kind of longevity in the photographic industry speaks volumes. 

Professional Photographer contains practical, yet cutting edge tutorials for both the artistic and business sides of professional photography.

Expert photographers cover all the latest equipment and offer business management tips to people getting started or looking for fresh guidance.

Profiles of noteworthy professional photographers also frequently appear, as well as information on future special events within the industry. Professional Photographer is the official magazine of Professional Photographers of America.

Black and White Photography

Photography Magazines and Subscriptions Black and White Photography

The last in my photography magazines and subscriptions page is The Premier, high-quality black and white photography magazine for collectors.

Each issue showcases the work by at least 10 collectible artists and includes information on direct purchasing of the work from the artists or their representatives. The magazine also offers sections on auctions..

B & W is primarily, as a concept, a magazine for collectors of fine photography. At the centre of each issue are 10 spotlight articles featuring a selection of work by some collectible artists.

These include mature masters of black and white and fine art photography as well as promising and emerging photographers. All images in this magazine are for sale directly from the artists or from their gallery representatives

In addition to this Spotlight section, there are sections on news, auctions, book reviews, museum exhibition listings as well as in-depth interviews with photographers and collectors.

Each issue contains well over 200 illustrations and images and is therefore also an invaluable source of motivation and inspiration to both photographers and any other individuals interested in fine art or black and white photography.

If black and white photography is your thing, as one reviewer put it: "This is THE magazine for anyone into traditional B & W. This is a superb magazine. Period!"

Average Customer Review is 5/5*

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