American Photo

Even if glamour photography is what you're interested in, however, the articles are generally biographical, not instructional, in nature.

The gear reviews are typical of magazine reviews in that the reviewers don't want to bite the hand that feeds them. Consequently, virtually all reviews will be very positive, which renders them fairly useless if you want an honest feature by feature analysis and comparison to the competition. If that is what you want, find a good website (like dpreview).

If what you want is to lust after all the almost-latest gear (without actually knowing what's best) and fashion photography that you can't do (because the magazine doesn't teach you), this is your mag. Otherwise, get your gear reviews online and your fashion photography and portraiture from pro mags dedicated to those topics.


THE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE ALMOST   March 9, 2004
 5 out of 9 found this review helpful

I say almost due to the fact that Aperture gives them a good run for the money. You know those photography magazines with about 10 pages of pictures and articles and the rest is advertising? This is not it! If you enjoy a magazine that delivers informative photographing techniques, get this one! If you are interested in seeing the work of other photographer's, get this magazine! If you want a hot collectible, GET THIS MAGAZINE!!! Yes there are ads in here, but not a ton of them. For you guys (and girls) out there who love to see the occasional beautiful star photographed, get this magazine. One of the aspects of this magazine that I like, is the fact that the photo layouts are sometimes full page, unlike some magazines where you have to get out a magnifying glass to view the photos. And this one IS a hot collectible, though the French version of it is an even hotter collectible. Whether it's nature, special effects, or provocative photography, this one is a superb magazine. In short, this one is a must get for the photography fan.


OK worth the price   September 21, 2003
 39 out of 43 found this review helpful

I think for the editors choice issues and equipment reviews this is worth $13 a year. I was pleased with all my purchases base on equipment review in this magazine.

The is a mostly about glomore photos and photo journalism. If you are not intrested in this area of photograpy than this is not the magizine for you. Lots of ideas about interior photograpy, and model photography. A lot of writing about the buzz in the photo world. Also quite a bit about photographes bios or resume, not a lot about there technique. Yet it is only 13 dollars a year and I see an image in each issue worth paying 13 dollars to see in each issue. There are a lot of ads, but good ads which are quite entertaining.

Not a techincal or method guide in any way.
good overview of the newest and best equipement.
Also good photo book reviews
Good political photoessays too.


Better titled "American Fashion Photography"   August 27, 2003
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I subscribed to this magazine hoping for a good, general overview of the field in this country, with product reviews, tips, etc. The product reviews and tidbits are helpful, but I've become increasingly tired of the fashion photography focus and more particularly with the glamour shots on every issue's cover. I'm not sure if they're trying to compete with Vogue, but there's a lot more to photography than yet another shot of a model or an actress. How about some landscape, portraiture, abstract, historical, architectural, aerial, or underwater photography? Please? They seem to have forgotten who their audience is, and frankly, the helpful and informative bits are outweighed by the narrow focus on fashion media and photography.