In a way, the Smithsonian Magazine could be called the illegitimate son of Life magazine. Created by ex editors of the legendary magazine, it took the approach to only write about what it liked. With, of course, a very heavy emphasis on great photography. The magazine was funded in April 1970 by the Smithsonian Institute, the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. After reaching more than million copies 3 years after its launched, it has , for the past 40 years, cruised as one of the most prominent and respectable publication in the world. Now, at over 2 million and after winning multiple awards, it is read by anyone or everyone that is curious about the world around us.

Throughout it's existence, the magazine has granted photography a place of honor. Somewhere in between the legendary Life magazine and the current National Geographic, it has seek to only expose excellence and innovation. And of course, it's website is right in line with this approach. They recently launched a new series, called the New stars of Photography. Instead of relying on the decision of the staff editors, they asked the most famous and iconic photographers of our time for their opinion and recommendation. Thus the great result : photographers you already respect introducing you other photographers that you probably had not had heard of. Until now. The result is a 13 photo galleries presented to you by your favorite photographer.

The list is impressive :
William Coupon,David Burnett , Donna Ferrato, Martin Parr , Mary Ellen Mark, Joel Meyerowitz , Sylvia Plachy , Bruce Weber, Cindy Sherman , Reza , Albert Watson , Steve Winter , Eli Reed .
The result is a captivating sets of images by lesser know photographers that beg to be discovered.

Paul Melcher