10 Independent Photography Publications You Should Know
It's time we look beyond Instagram.
I really wish Instagram was still the go-to place for inspiration, but let's be honest —it’s turned into a bit of a mess lately. With the market being so saturated and the algorithm playing games that pit creators against each other, it's time we looked beyond the usual brands and big names and found inspiration outside of social media.
With millions of users and endless photos shared daily, it's tough to wade through all the clutter and discover new artists who truly resonate with us. But beyond the personal accounts, influencers, and brands we all follow, there's an incredible world dedicated to the art of photography.
Print isn't dead!
Publications are still kicking!
Zines are alive and well!
But I probably don't need to tell you that since we Substackers are all about supporting the vibrant world of words, art, and tangible details. And as a working photographer myself, I feel it's my duty to share some community publications that deserve a shoutout.
Here are 10 photo-first magazines and beautiful online reads I think you should definitely check out.
1. The Photographic Journal
First up, we have The Photographic Journal (TPJ), which started back in 2013. The editors had a clear mission: to create a platform where photographers of all levels could dive deep into the medium they love, to publish images that push boundaries, and to make the community feel more connected. They even have an open submission tab on their website with 100% creative freedom to submit whatever it is you want. TPJ has become a haven for serious amateurs and emerging artists who just want a place for their work to be seen by those who care. It’s a platform that inspired me to get back to creating self-assignments for the sake of telling a story I want to share.
2. The Field Mag
I love everything about Field Mag. Founded by lifelong outdoor enthusiast, design writer, and photographer Graham Hiemstra, along with developer and designer Chris Stillitano, this little corner of the internet was born in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, NY. They feature pieces from an ever-growing list of award-winning photojournalists, pro-athletes, and analog lovers to discuss where they go and how they capture it.
They create content for people like us — aesthetics-driven, adventure-loving city dwellers who live for weekend getaways and the next big plane ride. They're nature-loving, multi-talented men and women making content for all the other weekend warriors out there looking for inspiration for their next holiday, the coolest new gear, or a visual escape that pairs perfectly with that second mid-morning coffee.
I wrote my first piece with them back in 2018 and have been contributing to their seasonal zines and online database with other rad folk since. I love y’all!
3. Noice Magazine
NOICE is a newer magazine I’ve come across that I really dig. It’s a publication for all artists with a meticulous eye for humor, beauty, and curiosity. It focuses on patterns, light, color, and allegory — all things arts and culture from a humorous tone. They share familiar voices through informative news, opinions, and political essays. Whether it's visual or written, NOICE strives to unite the mediums, not divide them. Plus, their site is full-on Americana vibes, and I’m forever in love with that genre. You can also submit photos here!
4. Wild Sam
The dirtbag’s bible, Wild Sam, is inspiring and warm and feels like a hot pour-over next to the campfire. My friend, Brian Chorski, recently did a feature with these guys, and I can’t stop fawning over their online work. They feature an array of photo essays in the Wisconsin diners to long-form road trip itineraries for film photographer enthusiasts. They’re the golden child of telling good, honest stories about place, with stunning photos from an impressive pool of outdoor photographers, too.
5. Kinfolk Magazine
You've probably heard of Kinfolk Magazine — the perfectly curated editorial sporting clean lines, rich stories, and a wealth of inspiration for fellow writers, photographers, and designers. Kinfolk dives deep into home, work, style, and culture from London to Tokyo. They publish a quarterly magazine sold in over 100 countries and four languages, post daily on their website, have bestselling books, and even host international events and a gallery space in the heart of Copenhagen (I’ve got to go one of these days). They’ve been a personal fan-favorite and leader in the industry of independent print for years.
6. Cereal Magazine
Driven by simplicity and etheral photos, Cereal is a biannual travel and style magazine based in the UK. These guys are more poised and precise than the other fun reads on this list, with each issue focusing on destinations alongside engaging interviews and stories on unique design, art, and fashion. Their aesthetic is clean and super minmal, allowing the quality of each story to really shine. If you're passionate about travel, style, and appreciating the finer things in life, Cereal is a must-follow.
7. Aperture Magazine
What I love about Aperture is its unique flare on ideas, following a set theme per issue with a variety of images and unique avant garde narrative. Their creative direction is studio-meets-analoug-meets-rich lighting, colors, and tones. They even offer exhibitions, events or educational programs for those wanting to learn from curated teachers.
8. Ain’t Bad
Candid conversations with photographers, interpersonal photo essays, the bold, the weird, the cool. Ain’t Bad is a smaller photo magazine that publishes any kind of photos from train hops to dance studio portraits. Check out some of their online issues or order a book for your coffee table.
9. Pamplemousse Magazine
Lead by the talented film photographer Nora Lalle, Pamplemousse showcases some of the very best in film photography. Each issue centers around a specific theme — life, humanity, or interesting sub-cultures you’ve neer heard of. When a new issue is announced, anyone can pitch an image that fits the theme. It's a welcoming platform that gives photographers a fair shot at being featured, while still mainingint a quality baseline.
10. The Moment Journal
Alright, I must admit — even though I'm the Head Editor for Moment's online publication, I'm incredibly proud of how our blog has blossomed over the years. We've become a resourceful platform featuring a variety of articles from real photographers and filmmakers in the Moment community. We offer gear reviews, photo essays, product comparisons, educational content, inspirational campaigns, and more. It's a people-first journal written by creators, for creators.
Wild Sam is sweet. Checked out the Moment Journal too, I like it. Thanks for sharing
I love Field Mag, they are the best. I am starting an adventure magazine called Revelry Collection. You will have to pick up a copy and see if it deserves a spot on your “Top 10” list.