Become a better, smarter photographer

SPS is announcing another innovation, this time in earnest education. The articles in this free issue (PDF) cover self-improvement and art history. Now is your chance to excel to be 2nd-best, just like SERIOUS Photo Stuff.

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Rare collector's edition

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Another first! The SPS collector's edition. The only one ever issued, available for download (PDF).

Due to limits in our budget (you get what you pay for), we cannot offer rich leather upholstery, burled walnut veneers, or German engineering. But that doesn't matter to Troy Colby. He makes interesting art from a minimum of materials. Find out more in this month's interview.

New guest columnist

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We are proud to offer a guest columnist to the pages of our austere magazine. Don't be surprised to not recognize the great Mr. Edward L. Wilson's name. He's almost 2 centuries old and has been in retirement for almost half of that. But he's back on the photographic wagon, ready to impart his wisdom.

You can read his advice in this month's issue (PDF).

Looking forward, looking back

Already nine months of morose photographic journalism. Surely a historic first. In this issue (PDF), we look at the history of the medium and reasons to celebrate it.

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Product review

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We strive to be 2nd best. So this time we've attempted another virtual coup against the photographic brotherhood with our 2nd product review! Unlike our competitors, we did not copy and paste a press release. No, instead we've produced an incisive, untrifling critique, a beacon in photographic pretend journalism.

A review of this month's episode

This month's issue (PDF) starts off strongly with an interview of Andrzej Maciejewski, creator of After Notman. However, the other articles don't have the same depth or insight, leaving this reviewer to daydream about going outside on a pretty August day, perhaps with a camera in his hand. Even though this issue is free, caveat emptor.

Summer reading

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On the list of relaxing things to do in the summer, reading must be in the top 10. Maybe 20. There's probably a 50% chance that reading is in the top 100.

While I research this question, take a look at our latest issue (PDF), which involves very little reading.

Not one interview, but two

OK, it's only one interview in two parts. But I got you to read this far. Achievement unlocked.

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I enjoyed interviewing Jessica Raetzke. She's talented, insightful, and aligned with SERIOUS Photo Stuff's mandate to discredit personal expression in photography. Thanks again, Jessica!

I hope you enjoy this issue (PDF).

Another achievement: this is our longest issue ever. I can't justify taking all the credit, but I have to disclose that I will (and just did).

A subversive issue

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Warning: there is graffiti in this issue. While SERIOUS Photo Stuff is always respectful of the rule of law, it doesn't hurt to assert our citizenly duties. Yes, "citizenly" is now a word.

Enjoy your rebellious May 2013 issue (PDF).

Spring is here!

Well, for half of the globe, anyway. My apologies to the other half. Enjoy your autumn.

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Please enjoy this issue (PDF). It's free as always but still constrained by all the moroseness that is necessary for proper photographic journalism.

So close, so far

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March is award season. I was thrilled and flattered to be nominated for this year's Grave Photo Journalism Award ("Gravy") for 2013. I just got the results and I'm sorry, so sorry, to report that we didn't win. We're still the second most austere, free, online photography magazine. But we have high hopes for Gravy 2014. Go SPS!

I'm sure your disappointment is as debilitating as mine. To console you, here's the latest issue (PDF). Let me know if it makes you feel better.

Serious changes

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To serve you better, I've made some changes to our editorial staff. This change moves us closer to being the gravest, sternest photography magazine on the internet. I hope you agree as you peruse this latest issue (PDF). If you don't, let me know.

First issue!

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Here's the first issue (PDF) of SERIOUS Photo Stuff, a new photography magazine. It's free (as in beer). Download it, look at it on your tablet or mobile, print it, leave a copy in the waiting area at your dentist's office. Knock yourself out.

What's my angle for this new photo magazine? Sadly, the serious angles are already taken. Come on, you can't throw a brick at a magazine stand or YouTube without hitting an occupied angle. It's a challenge: I can't promise that you can quit your day job or even moonlight. I can't charge you money for regurgitated press releases. I can't sniff new gear while opening the packaging. I'm not a professional. I'm not an expert.

But I do like photography art and photography gear. I like the things that I learn about them and what I do because of them. I'm sharing this with you so I hope you find it entertaining and informative.

Besides, I lost a bet and now I have to do this.