Unique, I wish it was a monthly

I have two criticisms for American Photo. First, I wish it was a monthly. Six issues a year is too few. Second, I wish it had more pages in each issue. Fortunately, even though I wish it had more pages, the ad-line is relatively low. This is not a magazine that one buys for the ads.

The reason I love this magazine is that it focuses (no pun intended) on the photographic image, not equipment. You are as likely (if not more likely) to find a review of a photographic exhibit as a camera or lens.

The selection of photographs is incredible, bold and innovative. Each issue features a portfolio of famous (or soon-to-be-famous) photographer, a model, and/or a collector of photography. It traces movements in photography, and offers previews of upcoming important publications by photographers.

Most other photography magazines contain quite a lot of "fluff". Most issues of American Photo have a central theme, or a main article that critically discusses a concept. For example, the most recent edition centered on "Public Images and the power of personality." May/June's edition contained a discussion on "the importance of icons", and September/October 1999's edition discussed "the body" in photography.

Do not buy this magazine if you want camera or lens reviews, or a comparison of the latest tripods. It will not teach you how to shoot better snapshots. Definitely DO buy this magazine if you are interested in photography as an art form.