Press Review
Paul Melcher:
5 websites
Because of partnership and economical reasons, the images that you see on websites and in your magazines these days might not be the best available. But don’t despair. A lot of photo agencies are aware of this and have started publishing their own mini-mags online to showcase their most recent production. Here are some that are the most captivating :
1. Magazine VII
Probably the most sophisticated of them all, VII – The magazine, is almost of full blown publication on its own with a dedicated, yet small, staff. It is, however, only populated with images from photographers from VII the photo agency, which is certainly not a bad thing. However, do not expect to see either breaking news images nor all the major stories covered. Since it only showcases VII photographers’ work it is limited in its scope to what they shoot and what they can show. Most VII photographers are on assignment and can only reveal their images after the publication that has hired them has published.
Even with those restriction, it is full of jewels to be seen or re-seen.
2. Magnum Photos
Not to be outdone, the respected grand daddy of them all, Magnum, has also its own magazine-like website to showcase past and recent work from its prestigious members. It is however much more discreet than its younger siblings and it is obvious that they are more interested in licensing those images than showcasing them. However, they have slide shows ( usually current event related), showcases ( on specific topics, linking to their fabulous archives), archive related slideshows and the exquisite Magnum InMotion section. Worth the trip on its own, this section showcases multimedia creation done by various Magnum photographer and is a gold mine of multimedia treasures.
One of the best and most rewarding photo agency site.
3. Luz Photo
From Italy, the youngest of them all, Luz photo, has a special part of their website solely dedicated to their best photo features. Created by ex legendary Grazia Neri photo agency survivors, Luz Photo represents some of the most talented intentional photographers and photo agencies in the world on the Italian market. And it shows.
Every month, they proudly display on their “stories” page what they consider the most compelling reportage of the month. It is simple, yet effective: Full screen slideshow with limited captions. You can browse at your own speed the stories that you like. It is difficult not to like such a simple, yet powerful approach.
4. Reportage by Getty
In this category, the giant of licensing has nothing to be ashamed of : Getty Image, under the brand Reportage by Getty, offers a dazzling array of top talent photographer. Not the fastest site to load as it only uses large images on Flash, it is however worth the little wait: It is an incredible source of beautiful and outstanding reportages. From Eugene Richards to Veronique de Viguerie, from Tom Stoddart to Benjamin Lowy, and many, many more, almost all the top names of photojournalism today are here.
The best part ? You can freely navigate some of their features in an incredibly comfortable format. Be careful, as you might end up staying hours without even noticing it.
http://www.reportage-bygettyimages.com
5. Panos Pictures
Panos Pictures also likes to brag. This reputable photo agency based in the UK and specialized in high quality reportage around worldwide social issues also has pages of its website dedicated to displaying some of its best stories. You might not see the latest Middle-East uprising here but you will however be transported in current issue by photographers that take their time to explain to you , visually, how and why it matters.
There is a humanity in Panos photographers’ pictures that is seldom seen nowadays and a true commitment to their stories. If there is one place that you should visit regularly, this is it.
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