Are you looking for what’s probably the largest collection of photographic store and supply ads that you can get in a magazine? If you decide to purchase an issue of Shutterbug that’s exactly what you are going to get.
Shutterbug is a monthly magazine that retails for $3.99 an issue and a 12-month subscription would cost $22.95.
In the past, Shutterbug was a large magazine, literally! It was both wider and taller than most magazines out there (about the same size as the old format of Computer Shopper and the other large format magazines). Today, they have shrunk it down to the normal magazine format size, so it won’t be sticking out of any mailboxes, or be difficult to carry.
Shutterbug’s biggest strength (and weakness at the same time) is the amount of ads in this magazine. At least 75% of it is devoted to advertising. If you’re looking to price equipment or want to find the best deals on just about anything, you’ll probably find it in one or more of the advertisements. However, if you are more interested in reading some of the articles, they are interspersed with the advertisements so that following the articles can sometimes be tricky and annoying.
What Makes Up Shutterbug (other than the ads)?
The magazine is broken up into different sections; the Features section the Test Reports, Columns, Departments and Reader Services.
Features
Shutterbug usually has five to six larger articles focusing on various photographic techniques or ideas. The April 2003 issue has six of them running from how to get a good print from an inkjet printer to digital wedding photography. The features are usually several pages long (broken up somewhat by advertising) and are useful, entertaining and helpful. The writing is generally clear and easy to follow, even if you aren’t a photographic expert.
Test Report
This is where Shutterbug journalists get to try out the latest equipment. Focusing on a few different items each month, the equipment is objectively reviewed and the articles are clearly written and helpful when it comes time to choosing if you would want to purchase an item for your own use.
Columns
Thoughts on new technologies, tips for specific situations, and quick reviews and hands-on ideas make up most of the columns in Shutterbug. The latest issue has columns on different background ideas, the creation of panoramic images digitally and shots you can get while you’re on your way somewhere else, to name just a few. Generally these are all well written but suffer again from being broken up by the copious amounts of advertising in the magazine.
Departments
Your run of the mill magazine sections; book reviews, digital help, editor’s notes, news and notes, picture this, talking pictures and web profiles. Quick takes, or short sections follow each of the proceeding sections.
Reader Services
The reader services section contains quick news and listings to help readers that are scattered throughout the magazine. Includes sections such as an advertisers’ index and a service directory.
Web Stuff
Shutterbug has an Internet version of itself (www.shutterbug.net) and offers further information on the articles that were in the latest issue. A good resource after you have finished reading the magazine and might want to know a little bit more about something that one of the features talked about.
I’m not sure what my ultimate feelings on this magazine are. I do not subscribe to it and I pick it up maybe 2 to 3 times a year, usually when I am looking for equipment and want to get an idea of its availability and it’s price. I clearly don’t buy Shutterbug for the articles and the writing. However, it is a well written and informative magazine that shouldn’t be slighted in that regard, but if all you want to do is read the articles, you will be frustrated by having to get through all the advertisements.
My biggest issue with the magazine is all the ads. For a magazine with so many, you would think that it would be significantly cheaper or almost free. I can’t see spending the money for this magazine other than the few times a year I get it, just to get a collection of bound advertisements.
As for the recommending Shutterbug to a friend thing below - I would recommend it if they were looking for a resource to look over equipment and prices. If they were looking for a photographic magazine, I would not recommend it.
Want to go shopping? Then go and pick up Shutterbug. Want to read about photography? Then go and get yourself a copy of Popular Photography, it’s got ads too, but not so many and the articles are not overpowered by advertising.
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