jbmauser Loc: Roanoke, VA

I got a hair up my ... regarding the cover photo on the most recent issure of Pop photo. This is the email I posted on their web forum.

I want this message forwarded to the editor.
I wish my comments to be forwarded to the editor or another person in management.

I am a new subscriber to Pop Photo. I have returned to the hobby from years ago when I stowed my film gear for career, family and life in general. I am back shooting and I sought your publication out as I could not find it in any local book, magazine seller.

I remember you as being THE publication back in the ‘70s.

I feel compelled to make my repulsion and disgust of the current cover photo known to someone. That shot is disturbing and disgusting. The ring light reflection in the eyes makes the model look like some kind of alien.

I will not make any comment on the overall photo because I just can’t get past the glowing eye rings. I can’t believe your staff put such lousy work on the cover. I guess you all are oblivious of how un-natural this effect is. I may not be in the A list of photographers but I know a piece of crap when I see it and I don’t care who shot it or how much they were paid.

I will not cancel my subscription now as the content is worthy but I don’t keep this issue face up on my desk. If you were headlining a story of what not to do …… that would make sense. Try a bit harder anybody can put crap on their cover. I remember when you were better than this. You may need to review your staffing choices. Heck even I could do better...... John O’Connell

I would like the groups opinion. I can redact my comments, what do you think. Pics attacthed.

JB

murm Loc: Adelaide, Australia

Someone made money out of garbage, it's pathetic !!!!!

jbmauser Loc: Roanoke, VA

Thanks for the second. It really bugs me. I don't know why, perhaps someone starting out would see this and think this is cool.
NOT....It is like they don't have pride.... I can't believe it is me and I am not hip to the times. JB

nafplyr Loc: Chicago

OK I don't subscribe to any photo magazines,at least not yet, but as an artist I think they did the she rings on purpose to give the model a unique look. Frankly otherwise the photo is a bit ordinary.

jbmauser Loc: Roanoke, VA

Ok, I can entertain that idea. But do you think the image is weak anyway? this is Popular Photography for goodness sake this is supposed to be a publication that keeps the informed informed.
It did not move you, I guess this is my point and I count you on my side. If they can't put a wow on the front page, why bother.
JB

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Hopefully you got somebody's attention.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

Wait, what? You were 'disgusted' because they used a ring light? Get the f&ck over yourself mate

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Kind of reminds me of spot or selective coloring's next of kin.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

No, mate, because you can see the reflection in her eyes. It ruins her eyes. Who needs to see the flash of the strobe? Kinda like the family photo of my daughter's family. The light is reflecting off her bald husband's head like it was a mirror. Amateur production.

ziggykor Loc: East Texas

Pop Photo stopped being about the craft years ago and has become all about kitch. There's nothing glossy or cutting edge abut it, they've fallen below JPEG. Kinda makes ya wish Modern would make a comeback!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

DITTO!!!

FWIW, that photo only appears on the cover of subscription copies; the newsstand copy has a different cover.

:thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

jbmauser has just as much right to be disgusted by a lousy photograph as some people do to be disgusted by some people's choice of words.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I tend to subscribe to the concept of "art" I accept that others may like what I do not. While I agree the ring light reflection isn't appealing, someone else must have liked it. To each their own.

I expect there a folks out there who would write off much of what we accept as good photography to be boring and old school... that's ok too.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Pop photo sucked in the seventies and it still does

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup: