Ramblings...#8 Let’s talk about reading and inspiration. I am an inveterate reader, and I read almost anything I can get my hands on. It began, innocently enough, with cereal boxes almost before I could walk. That’s what I was told by my mother. And mothers never skew the truth, do they? All through elementary, junior, and high schools I always ranked much higher than my grade level in reading and comprehension. To this day, as I eat, I am constantly looking around for something to read. I usually have one or two novels I am reading plus a slew of magazines and other periodicals. You are probably wondering, how does this relate to photography? It’s simple. There are several reasons for reading (long after school studies are completed—no matter the level). Some read to relax. Some read for inspiration. Some read to gain additional knowledge. I read for all those reasons. In the 2008 book, by André Kertész, On Reading (W.W. Norton & Company), there are many pictures showing us the varied facets of reading: the image of a man reading on a rooftop, children reading in school, a priest reading in the park, a woman on a lawn chair, etc. It seems no place is sacred when it comes to reading, and there is no age limit.
In relation to photography, I subscribe to B&W magazine (www.bandwmag.com), Lenswork (www.lenswork.com), and Aperture (www.aperture.com), while I consistently read several others: Black and White (UK) (www.thegmcgroup.com/item--Black-and-White-Photography--1003BW.html), JPG (www.jpgmag.com), and FOCUS (www.focusmag.info). I read them because I like to see what’s out there in the world of photography. They are each significantly different, and each uniquely interesting. B&W magazine has recently launched a “sister” publication, COLOR. I have seen it on the stands, but I haven’t picked it up as yet. Even though it looks to be a good publication, there is only so much reading one can get to.
Actually, while it is important that one who is seriously, as well as professionally, involved in photography read as much as they can about that field, system overload can happen rapidly, and can almost seem to paralyze the mind. When that happens to me I pick up the other two magazines to which I subscribe: INC. (www.inc.com) and Fast Company (www.fastcompany.com). These are magazines that truly inspire me, and they appear to have nothing to do with photography. The pictures are clean, but they are not museum quality like those in Lenswork. The layouts are crisp, but there is little “breathing room” for the artwork to capture your attention. These are probably the only magazines I get that I actually read the articles, and spend little time viewing the pictures. If you call them (800-234-0999) and tell them you want the $15 one-year subsdcription to both magazines, you will get a great deal!
They are both filled with compelling information about running a business, inspirational profiles, and bits and pieces of relevant business news. There are stories about how and why some businesses work (even in this economy) and why some don’t; we find out how Facebook has become a household word, and then there is a profile on the people behind the Obama phenomenon, and informative reviews on what’s the most coveted gear to take with you when you travel. There is much to be read in these magazines, and their pages are usually dog-eared and rumpled by the time I finish with them. With my photography magazines, there are no dog-ears, no rumples. I treat them with much more respect, naturally. To tie this all together, one needs to read to keep the mind fresh, to examine the possibilities, to “see” what is out there. In that vein I would like to know what you see when you read. Drop me a line (tim@cygnetpress.com) and let me know how what you read helps you get through the day. Is it magazines? Is it novels? Perhaps the fantasy of romance writing is more to your liking. Maybe you don’t even read while you wait for the universe to unfold on its own. I just know I get a little bit of something from everything I choose to read.
------- As a reminder, don't forget to enter our first annual Red Dog Journal Photography Contest! We already have entries coming in, and the sponsor prize list keeps growing. It is only $25 to enter, and it's a terrific way to gain added exposure to your work. ____ As I mentioned in the introduction to Issue 16 of Red Dog News, we have been very busy in the last couple of months working with artists and others to create PhotoArts Collector, a program designed to promote and market photographers whose work deserves to be seen and appreciated. We offer selected open-edition prints of their work at a reasonable price. If you are interested in participating, click on the “PhotoArts” button on the left. If you are interested in seeing our first print in this program, it was done by Julie Meridian, and you can click on the “PhotoArts Collector” button on the left. One of my images has also been added. We are going to be making a BIG push on this program next week, with an email to 300,000 qualified contacts who are looking to buy art. Now is the time to consider joining the Red Dog Journal Portfolio Artist's Group, and take part in this GREAT program! ------- I also mentioned in the introduction that I have been working with an artist on a set (4) of poster-prints from his series, “The Color of Ireland.” The images are collages of paintings that the artist, Michael Downes, has done in the past and recent photographs. The resulting prints are compelling and depict the landscapes of Ireland in a very refreshing manner. We are offering this initial group at great introductory prices, including USPS priority mail and applicable taxes. Click here to see the images. Prices have been lowered! ------- While you're at it, don't forget to click on the Think Tank Photo button on the left for an opportunity to get a free bag! Off we go! |
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