Monthly Archives: March 2017

 

From PetaPixel;

 

Popular Photography, the largest circulated imaging magazine that launched its first issue in May 1937 in New York City, has ceased publication after being continuously in production for 80 years. The March/April 2017 issue will be the last in print.

 

When print magazines close, their online counterparts often live on, but in the case of Popular Photography, PopPhoto.com will also simultaneously close (though it may stay online for a while).

 

“I want to take this opportunity to share this news with the entire company and the reasons behind our decision. In our most recent Town Hall, I spoke of how the pace of disruption through digital and technological advancements is unprecedented. Unfortunately, the photo industry is an example of where this disruption has forever altered the market. The rise of smartphone-camera technology and its increasing ability to capture quality photos and video and instantly share them socially has dealt the photo industry formidable challenges. For our brands, these industry challenges have left us with insurmountable losses in advertising and audience support. Despite the extraordinary efforts of our committed colleagues at Popular Photography and American Photo, as well as our best attempts corporately to find a sustainable path forward, we are simply unable to overcome these market forces.”

 

Eri Zinczenko

 

During its run, Popular Photography developed a fine system of testing cameras. Former editor John Owens said more than 10 year ago that in excess of a million dollars was spent in setting up a state of the art testing lab. Pop Photo was one of the few places where you could read in-depth camera reviews, they have been doing bench tests for a long time, and produced pretty involved reviews and they were considered fairly authoritative.

At its peak, Popular Photography had a circulation of nearly to 1 million. Today, as per the 2017 Media Kit, that number stands at 320,000. The audience was always male dominated and stands at 60%. The median age is 49.9, so millennials are missing, and that could perhaps be one of the reasons for the demise.

 

While I no longer picked up a copy of the magazine, it was a staple of my photographic life for many, many years.  Sad news and a reminder of how our photo industry is changing, and will surely continue to change.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, last night I posted the third Vlog and I’m happy that some folks are watching them, to be honest, I enjoy doing them.  When I was taping lessons for KelbyOne, I went 6 straight classes without ever havaing to do a re-take!  One of my directors, Adam, on the first time out to shoot,  said, ” just pretend you’re teaching me and don’t see the camera!”,  it worked and I’ve never been nervous in front of a camera since.  I have to view them, after I tape them, and I don’t like watching myself very much, but the rest of the  process is actually kind of fun.

 

My dear brother Jim Haverstock had a suggestion and I’m going to try it!  He  had the idea that I might ask you to email me things you would like for me to address in a vlog, or a question you would like answered, I’ll collect some of them and do that for Vlog #4.  If it’s o.k for me to use your first name and initial, let me know!

 

I’m hopeful that theses insights are helpful, when you get to be my age, insights are among the few valuable things time has given you, and of course friends, like all of  you!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

First, thank you so much for your prayers a good wishes for Wesley and  his family.  He is doing great and his long trip to a cure starts this week.  We think his chemotherapy will start on Wednesday.  The form of T cell lymphoma that he has is aggressive and his treatment will be as well.   In the words of his doctor, “He is young and strong and ready for the fight, and we believe, and are determined to fight this enemy and win.”   Knowing that his chemo regime will be for three treatments a week for three straight weeks, and then rest for two weeks and then back to that pattern for 6 full rounds, each round being a 5 week period.

 

Sherelene came up with a great idea and I’m doing my part with this blog entry. We are going ot load up a backpack for him to take to the Cancer Center each day filled with things to help him pass the long days of receiving the chemo.  We will fill it with some good books, a few DVDs, to change out and we want to place a container in the bag with short wishes, prayers or even funny stories he can pull out one at a time when he needs enouragement, a boost in faith or a good laugh.

 

So here goes my request, if you could send me an email or two or three with words of encouragment, a favorite scripure or favorite joke, I will print them and cut them in strips to place in his “Encouragement Jar!”  Pleae sign them as I know he will want to pray for you!   Just emil them to me at:   [email protected]

 

For a parent there is no tougher time than when one of your children is suffering and you feel powerless to help.  But that is a lie from the enemy, I am praying constantly for him and Rhonda, Elijah and Abigail, and of course have, daily, placed him in God’s tender care.  My mantra is “God has this.”  I know in my Heavenly Father’s Hands he could not be in better care!

 

Wes, Rhonda, Sherelene and I and the entire Fortney family appreciate your prayers and good wishes.  Thanks for being with us!

 

Blesssings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Yesterday I recieved my new Fujifilm Graphite X PRO2 camera and the new 50mm f 2 Compact XF lens.  I went out today to run a test and compare the coverage of these three, beautiful, tack sharp, little gems!  I will post a new Vlog tomorrow to talk about these lenses and the new Graphite X PRO2.  I wanted you to see the quality of these new lenses and the video on Youtube makes it hard to show that.  Please go to Bill Fortney Photo Vlog 2 late tomorrow and you can see the video review.  Below are the samples with the descrition below each image.

 

The 23mm f 2 lens  (35mm equiv.)

 

The 35mm f 2 lens (50mm Equiv.)

 

The 50mm f 2 lens (75mm Equiv.)

 

Harlan Sanders statue with 50mm f2 @ f11

 

Harlan Sanders statue with 50mm f2 @ f2 moved in close.

 

Tree and Wall with 50mm f2 @ f8

 

The famous Dixie Cafe’ brick wall sign  50mm f2 @ f 8

 

Red barn in late light  50mm f 2 @ f5.6

 

Bottom line, I will speak at length about the value of these three lenses and their quality in the Vlog, but the bottom line is they are compact, solid, fast focusing and tack, tack sharp!!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Please see our  new    Bill Fortney’s Photo Vlog 2   on Youtube