British Journal of Photography - October 2013 edition - National Geographic 125th Anniversary

Couldn't let October pass without commenting on the celebration of National Geographic's 125 years and the tribute to that event in this month's BJP.  The article begins with describing how the original photographers were in fact explorers, who happened to document their work, and this really describes the origins of photography now considered an art in its own right.  Many consider National Geographic to be the "Holy Grail" of photography, and I tend to agree with this.  Who can forget the 1985 cover image by Steve McCurry of the Afgahn Girl?

June 1985 National Geographic

The article also describes how the photographers are now financed - getting a assignment from NG now is like getting a loan or a grant - this is a serious investment by the magazine in the expectation that photographers will pay them back with magazine sales.  So no pressure then....