Abstract

Specialized articles aimed at the professional art photographer; profiles and portfolios; product reviews; computerized photography; digital imaging.
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Reviews (12)

Hackneyed
American Photo began as a magazine devoted more to photography than to gear, as an alternative to the gear obsessed magazines like Pop Photo and Photographic. It has evolved into a magazine that divides its pages between equipment obsession and cheesy "glamour" photography that tries for art and delivers soft core porn. No stars.

Arrives Tattered and Torn
I wish they would concentrate more on the art and reportage aspect of photography rather than spending so many pages on fashion-related fluff. It probably has a lot to do with who gives them the most income. I can't recommend subscribing, because each and every issue I ever got arrived tattered and torn as if someone used it to line the bottom of a hamster cage. It's no fluke; Popular Photography arrives in my mailbox in pristine condition, so why not American Photo? And forget about calling customer service to get a replacement issue. This publication is all too busy making the big bucks to listen to the little people.

Glam and Gear: Unexciting
The magazine is mostly glamour photography and gear reviews.

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
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
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. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great design ideas
This is a fabulous magazine! Every issue I enjoy the vast number of designs and techniques within each magazine. The directions are always clear, concise, and correct. Each issue always has a great variety of patterns. I gave this magazine only 4 stars (it probably deserves 4.5) because I enjoy reading about the individual quilters, how they came up with the designs, and how they chose the fabric. Qulter Magazine only gives each pattern a very brief, 1 or 2 sentence glimpse about the quilt. I think I would enjoy it more if the magazine gave more background information. It is a wonderful magazine nonetheless. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

simply the magazine for photographers
This is the best photo mag for those of us passionate about photography. It has long in debth articles on technique and equipment. Moreover it features "how to" examples from some of the best fine art photographers of our time. It is thus quite different from other magazines that feature some no name staff writer pretending to be Paul Strand. This does make this magazine perhaps less than ideal for the first time casual shutterbug trying out his/her first pocketcam. But for all of us striving to do good photography this magazine has no peer. It is not a glossy magazine and its print quality is rather low. It is a far cry from Phototechnik International or Spoon, but it is about the creating of rather then the displaying of photographs. Having read every photomagazine in the english and german speaking worlds in the last 15 years this is the best.

Great Magazine!
While this magazine may not posess the high gloss pages, and gorgeous images taht are typical of photgraphy magazines, they are full of good information that rarely, if ever repeats it's self. They cover a broad range of artists so you also get views of photography from many angles. I Highly recomend it!

The fift star comes when I get all the back issues!
This is a Techniques Magazine! They do not repeat themselves, so if you can find older issues around, buy them too.

Do not expect lots of inspiring pictures, only writers who know what they are talking about.

The topics are different and well chosen. They are important for the serious amateur, if he is using digital or large format.

"Shoppers' disease" is one of the many topics that other magazines stay away from. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great ideas for all levels
From the first time I picked this magazine up until now, I have been impressed with it. This magazine, unlike others, has great articles about quilters, techniques, fabrics, and everything else you can imagine that has anything to do with quilting. This magazine also showcases, in every issue, different quilting events that take place around the world. As a quilter, I've found that it is really great to see what other quilters have done to fabric. When it comes to the designs within the magazine, what I like best is that there are always a great variety of designs and techniques. Some magazines focus on the beginner level and throw in a couple of intermediate designs from time to time. I keep all of my magazines to use in the future, it is always my hope that I will, in the future, no longer be a beginner. I want those more challenging designs available to me--QNM does just this.

QNM is a wonderful magazine which is able to encompass all aspects of quilting, from beginners to more expert/challenging designs.

Something I look forward to reading
I, too, have been subscribing to QNM for several years. I look forward to finding an issue in my mailbox. The magazine is a good mix of patterns, techniques, and products, and always a bunch of readers' quilts, too.

Inspiring Quilters
I have been subscribing to QNM for several years now and am
always inspired by every issue. I especially like "Photo Finish"
(picture of an exquisite quilt on the last page). Each issue
also has a featured artist and pictures of some of their
creations which is very inspiring. I sometimes wish artists would
include some information on how they actually construct their
quilts, so I could try them too.
All in all, this magazine is well worth its subscription price. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wood-Simply the Best
I have been a woodworker for over 20 years and I believe that "WOOD" is the best woodworker's magazine on the market. They always give the woodworker a load of helpful tips, including: jigs, finishes, tools and advice from other readers. I find the section on solutions to reader problems interesting and informative. The tool reviews are very helpful when shopping for the best value and features for your dollar. The plans and projects are written clearly and full of helpful hints. If you are a novice or seasoned woodworker, and only buy one magazine, "WOOD" is the one for you.

Informative Magazine
I dable a little in woodworking, but am gone alot and unable to sit down and work on them. The way the magazine lays out different projects step-by-step helps alot. The reviews are very informative. Overall a good magazine in my book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The best of knitting magazines!
This magazine is the best there is. There is page after page of beautiful designs and excellent instructions. I have bought some books that don't have as many beautiful knitting projects in them as one issue of this magazine.

For exciting design and technique articles, this is a must
I think this is becoming my favorite knitting magazine. Though not as thick as "Knitters", the articles in Interweave Knits are interesting and useful. The editors often take one project, sometimes a small one like hats or mittens, and knit it in many variations. This was also the first magazine in the US to publish patterns by Vivian Hoxbro (Domino Knits) and got everyone going on this addictive form of modular knitting.

My favourite of all knitting magazines
This magazine possesses very aesthetically pleasing design and patterns. I have only been knitting for less than a year, yet I made my first sweater from a pattern from this magazine. The directions are accurate and straightforward.

The only frusterating thing about this magazine is most of the patterns showcase an advanced skill level...

INTERESTING PATTERNS
Many patterns covering all types of fashion. I love to knit but the more interesting patterns and textured yarns are pricey. This magazine uses a wide variety of yarns, mostly high end. Some projects from the winter 2002 issue run $$$/ball. They also have a very comprehensive list of vendors. Over all love the magazine and my only complaint stems from my own pocketbook because the end result are worth the expense. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent magazine
This is probably one of the best quilting magazines you can buy! I look forward to receiving this magazine in the mail every issue! It is loaded with great articles and tons of designs--all with a great variety. This magazine has patterns for all levels and all types of quilters (appliquers, hand piecers, machines quilters...etc.).

If you can only have one, subscribe to this one!
This is a great quilting magazine - the instructions are clear and concise, there is something for everyone in this magazine. The only thing I wish they would add is a skill level indication. As a relatively new quilter, the projects I'm drawn to seem to be the most difficult! If it weren't for my quilting instructor (I decided to take a beginner's class), I'd be trying to do things that are way out of my league at this point in my obsession.

Overall, the magazine is absolutely wonderful!

Best Quilt Magazine Ever
If you've never seen this magazine, there's a very good reason: those of us who know about them snatch them up as soon as they hit the stores! You will find the highest quality paper, fabulous designs, complete instructions and patterns. The articles are extremely interesting. I hesitate to call them magazines - they are really softcover quilt books! ... Read more

Abstract

Presents articles dealing with international antiques, historic houses, artists and the fine arts.
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Reviews (1)

Great Magazine
Keep in mind that this is info for the serious collector. I found the articles to be thorough and accurate. This magazine is targeted at the collector of museum quality antiques. They include a great deal of information on construction, how to identify styles, as well as individual makers. Many of the topics covered here are rare and expensive, but the info provided gives one great insight on how to evaluate what's readily available. ... Read more

Abstract

English magazine of the arts featuring painting, photography, sculpture, architecture and exhibition reviews.
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Reviews (1)

Talking WITH artists vs. about artists
My favorite of the art magazines because the interviews outweigh the pontifications by art critics. Artists share ideas and vision which are almost always more accessible than critics trying to make sense of their work. Contemporary art from the source. Bravo! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An absolute must for any serious filmmaker
Whether you are a technical guru or someone who's emphasis is on the words, any serious filmmaker who takes his or her craft seriously will love American Cinematographer. The official magazine of the American Society of Cinematographers, this magazine gives you in depth interviews with DPs and Directors on the technical approach towards the shooting of the picture. They cover not just lab soups and lighting techniques, but also the approach to the script, design notes on how to visually approach the script - in other words, a great detailed overview of how this particular crew of filmmakers went about creating the visual language of the film. And not just film - as technology advances, and more films are shot on video, this magazine gives the same great coverage to those pictures as well - from Star Wars to Anniversary Party. While it's true that there are only so many films that AC can cover each issue but I think you'll end up feeling like I do - that I wish they could cover them all! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best of the watercolor quarterlies
The quarterly magazine "Watercolor Magic" features well-known artists such as George Gibson, Carolyn Lord, Stephen Quiller, and Janet Fish, who share their inspiration and techniques with the readers. There's always something in each issue for both beginning and advanced watercolorists. The magazine is packed with color photographs--even the advertisements are interesting. I only wish it were published more than four times a year.

One of my favorite features is the "Swipe File" where readers share tips and techniques, such as how to apply frisket with a feather, transforming plastic Christmas light separators into brush holders, and constructing a mini-sketch kit.

Here are examples of some of the features, taken from tenth anniversary February, 2003 issue:

"Ten Tales of Passage: Past and Future Perfect" - Ten artists talk about their careers: how they started, where they're going, how to connect with people who might enjoy their art. Paintings from each artist illustrate this article.

"Freedom of Choice: The Best Paintings of 2002" - artists honored by various watercolor societies, along with photos of the winning pictures

"Ten Tips for Mixing Media" - artist Stephen Quiller discusses the use of acrylics, casein, gouache, etc. in watercolor paintings.

"Painting Snow Scenes" - step-by-step instructions for painting a winter landscape.

"Watercolor Magic" also lists upcoming shows and museum exhibits across the United States. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Magazine: Don't buy through Amazon.
I've purchased this magazine in grocery stores and liked it, so I subscribed through Amazon. The company actually responsible for seeing the subscription is filled is FW PUBLICATIONS. I ordered in March of 2003. September rolled around and I still hadn't seen and issue. After several phone calls to FW Publications, I finally received an issue. I've received four issues total. Here it is, March 2004, and they've stopped sending magazines. Apparently they think my subscription is finished after I've received half the magazines I've paid for. It would have been cheaper for me to buy them from the grocery store. Go ahead and subscribe to this magazine, just don't do it through Amazon. Their partner company is VERY UNRELIABLE.

Not one of the better ones
Some months it's great and others, blah. I had a subscription, but I won't renew. I will pick it up on the months it looks good and skip it the rest of the time.

Love it, Love it!
This is a great magazine for scrapbooking. Full of fun, fresh layouts that gets your creative juices flowing. My only complaints would be that I like to read the journaling on the layouts that people have done and MM doesn't shoot the photos of the layouts so you can do that, and they frequently showcase layouts that are too much work. Who has time to do some of those pages?

If you want a 5 star magazine, check out Creating Keepsakes Magazine. CK has just gone to 12 issues a year and usually has a freebie clip art page with each issue. You can read the journaling on the layouts, and CK has Becky Higgins, Scrapping Diva!

Or, do what I do and subscribe to both!

Happy Scrapping!

BEST ON THE MARKET!
I'm not big on magazine subscriptions, but being an avid scrapper this magazine is a MUST HAVE! The scrapbooking craze has taken off and of all the different magazines out there - this is the one to have! The ideas are beautifully portrayed and are sent in from all over the world. The presentation of the layouts is pleasing too. Other scrapbooking magazines tend to be too cluttered, but MEMORY MAKERS is hands down a quality product! Living overseas we don't get our choice of magazines and I look forward to getting my MM every-other month! It's the only magazine I ever read COVER TO COVER!

Disappointing
I had a subscription to this magazine for a year. Issue after issue, I would go through searching for layouts I wanted to copy and ideas I wanted to incorporate into my own layouts, and time after time I would come up empty. I found very little that challenged me creatively to go beyond what I could come up with on my own. I also found the format of the magazine very disorganized. There would be sample layouts published for occasions that seemed unrelated to each other or the season/month. I would definitely suggest that if you are considering subscribing to this magazine, you should purchase individual copies from your local newsstand or scrapbook supply store for several issues until you are sure you will be satisfied with Memory Makers' format and content. This is not a magazine to purchase "sight unseen" just because it is a scrapbooking magazine. I found it to be very disappointing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Updated Crochet
I currently own at least one issue of about 8 different crochet magazines and Crochet! is my favorite of all of them and the ONLY one that I subscribe to. The designs are always current and unlike some magazines are not re-publications of designs that were originally published elswhere. Ladies wearables, accessories, and afghans are the staple of this magazine though you will occassionally also find wearabes for other family members as well as a variety of other interesting patterns such as crochet for the kitchen and bathroom, crochet for spicing up the holdiays, etc. What's more is that they always try to include patterns from some of the "newer" (or newly revived) techniques such as thread painting, crochet'n weave etc. The instructions are quite thorough, often with diagrams and yes...you will find some patterns in here that will cater to the plus sizes. Another interesting feature of this magazine is that they spotlight on what's new in the crochet world so you always feel like you're on the cutting edge of what's current in crochet.

Unfortunately, there is no pic up for the visual types such as myself but you don't have to take my word for it. Just follow this link to visit the magazine's official site and for a sneak peek inside the latest issue:

http://www.crochetmagazine.com/

Enjoy! ... Read more

Abstract

Combined issue for Jun, Jul, Aug.Fully illustrated magazine devoted to all aspects of the fine arts. Reports on the art, personalities, issues, trends and events that shape the international art world. Predominantly edited for art collectors, dealers,
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Reviews (1)

keeping up with the trends
As an artist, I need to be "in the know" a bit, and ARTnews is one of the 3 magazines I subscribe to for this purpose.
I use it primarily for: # 1, the ads, which are mostly gallery ads, and let me know what is showing, and where. # 2, the exhibit reviews (N.Y., National, International), for the same reason as # 1, and the classifieds, which sometimes give a competition notice not available elsewhere.

Regular departments include: "ARTtalk", which is the lighter side of the news, and "National/International News", which has more of a business slant, obituaries, etc.

Each issue has a "theme". The November 2001 for instance, has fashion design, with 3 articles on art/fashion, and one on Mary McFadden's sculpture collection. It also has "The New Climate", about art after 9/11, from a response by several artists to the loss of a 100 million $ in art.
Also included is a large section on new art books, and the obligatory "avante garde" piece. There are too many "shock art" articles in this magazine for my taste, therefore 4 instead of 5 stars, but I guess some people still consider this a "trend".

Good quality paper, excellent color reproduction, and the wide range of art represented make this a useful magazine for both artist and collector. ... Read more

Abstract

Helps readers discover the gemstones & minerals that go into jewelry making & provides information & workshops for projects readers can create, or smply marvel.
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Reviews (5)

"Lapidary Review" - What a total misnomer!!
I expected this magazine to cover articles related to rocks, cabochons, semi precious stones etc. I have just received my second issue. At least 50% of the 95 pages are simply advertising - which I think is, to put it mildly, far too much. Their features this month are: "Dreaming in Metal," "Improving you Opal cutting," "2004 AGTA Spectrum Awards." The Step by Step projects include: "Forged hinged bracelet." "Ancient Vessel" - using glass, foil, and lampworking skills to create this "fun" pendant!!" , and how to make a pair of bell earrings using PMC paper!!

Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines lapidary as:"a) sculptured in or engraved on stone; b: of or relating to precious stones or the art of cutting them; c) having elegance and precision." This review deals with nothing even close to this definition. I wish I could cancel my subscription, but there is no place on their website where one can do this.

gone downhill
This used to be a great magazine but in the past year they have changed format, and have cut their articles by a third. The projects they go over have become less challenging, more for crafters then for jewelers. A third to half the magazine is advertisements, and they are always, the same.

Top of the line...
Lapidary Journal Magazine is #1 in my book as far as a magazine geared for people in the jewelry field. Covers just about all aspects from creating to selling and even has project plans! Has a lot of great advertisers if you are just starting out as a hobby jewelry maker. This magazine will help you locate just about anything jewelry related you are searching for.

eyecandy plus content
This is a great magazine full of inspiration and wonderful full color photos of jewelry masters work!
There are tutorials for polymer clay,lampworking glass beads,PMC,jewely intruction like bezeling ,gem cutting etc . Instructions for beginners as well as intermediates. Each year there's a special issue dedicated to beads.
I subscribed to this magazine before I even knew why. I was and still am not a jewelry maker.I believe it is great for anyone who is creative and loves inovative art.

Rockhound
This is the greatest lapidary magazine on the market today. ... Read more

Abstract

Special features on art, motion pictures and actors, motion picture reviews, book reviews and exhibition reviews with an international scope.
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