I remember when I was growing up, I always saw National Geographic magazine in our home. We had the bookshelf downstairs, where each new issue was eventually added to the collection, just as if you had subscribed to receive one volume of an encyclopedia set each month, then would add it to the volumes you’d received so far, creating a great resource. I didn’t always go through each issue as a kid, but was very much aware of them and how it was definitely regarded as an important magazine.
I became more aware of National Geographic later in life as I got into photography. I enjoyed learning the history of how National Geographic and photography had such a strong and mutually supportive relationship throughout the years.
National Geographic | 125th Anniversary Collector’s Edition | The Photo Issue
October’s issue of NG is on the stand now. I picked up my copy last night and started looking through it this morning. Page after page of inspired and inspiring reading for any photographer. Great stuff! Articles like Why Photos Matter; a foldout cover featuring stunning and such relevant photography featured over the years; a poster of Classic Covers from the last 125 years.
Robert Gilka, Director of Photography
One piece I really enjoyed, Emperor of the Image – a nice remembrance about Robert Gilka, written by Cathy Newman. Gilka worked for the magazine for 27 years; 22 of those years as Director of Photography. One line from that piece really stuck with me:
Gilka wasn’t looking for photographers, he was looking for stroytellers.
Anyway, even if you didn’t grow up with National Geographic as a media staple, if you’re a photographer, you’re gonna appreciate this issue. They’re on newstands now. Stop by NationalGeographic.com for a lot more info and amazing stuff!
