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An Independent Review of Issue 2
Photography is a hobby - a way of life to many - that everyone can enjoy; whether experimenting with that first compact - maybe a Christmas gift - or fumbling for the controls of a brand new DSLR, after moving up from a point and shoot camera - the excitement and wonder of seeing your finished work is something we can all relate to; it's a creative process, and WE have made it. Isn't it so very beautiful? So, I was pleased to receive a complimentary copy of MaVista magazine; a quarterly publication devoted entirely to beautiful images. And incredible they are too! The editor - Paul Dunn - says he is after that WOW! factor - and I think he's achieved that, as page after page (100 pages!) is dedicated to imagery that can - by turns - take your breath away, make you think, smile, and (probably the most important of all) make you go back to them a second, third, fourth time. Bottom line: this is a magazine that you don't throw away once you've turned the last page. Many of the photos come from people like you and I; Paul asks for contributions, and if you have a photo that cuts it, he'll consider publishing it; details later in this post. I found myself almost in orgasmic mood as I took the magazine from the envelope; the smell was delicious; quality paper, glossy covers; you know it's a work of art, rather than a top-shelf, 'read-it-once' magazine. MaVista is A4 size, in full colour (with some black and white photos included) with a 240gsm glossy cover and using 130gsm paper; all-in-all, a magazine that shouts: 'Quality' Paul used to be a computer programmer and decided to dive into this venture, because he 'wanted to do something different' - and because he loves photography. He chooses all the photographs himself, and is publisher, as well as editor, in what he calls a 'small venture' Having enjoyed (tremendously) reading the 2nd issue, I have to wonder how quality of this type can be sold for the miserly sum of £5. MaVista is not available in shops, as Paul indicates it would be prohibitively expensive to sell the magazine in this way; copies can be ordered through the website at www.mavista.co.uk (25% off at this time, 4 issues for the price of 3!) and you can check the absolute quality for yourself at the site. Issue One is still available through back order, at a bargain £4 + £1 P&P So, what's in the magazine? Nothing nasty, for starters. This is a mag that can be safely left on the coffee table, for the younger ones to look at - who knows, it might encourage them to take up the hobby! Some of the photos compelled me to 'try different things' next time, and I'm sure everyone will find something they'd like to emulate. As well as inspirational photos of wildlife, landscapes, and people, there are several special sections; in this issue, the Birmingham Royal Ballet feature, as well as an article on Sir Anthony Hopkins, book reviews, and Galleries of images - some of which had me salivating at the mouth. If pictures were food, these would be chocolate! Adverts are few and far between - I counted only 5 pages with ads on; whether these will increase as time goes on, I don't know, but they certainly didn't detract from an excellent read. And - just like chocolate! - I find myself going back to the magazine again and again and flicking through the pictures, seeing them afresh, almost, and finding new things to enjoy - a bit like a Dorian Grey portrait, revealing more and more each time! So, highly recommended, a joy to look through, top quality photos and that smell of good paper! It can't get better than this. I would have liked to see what settings the photographers used, but that's nitpicking at its best. As it is, most pictures have small captions that perfectly describe the photo, without detracting or imposing on the photo itself. So, good luck to Paul and MaVista - it's a magazine I'm going to subscribe to - and when a skinflint like me says something like that, you know there's something a tad special about it! To submit your photos for consideration, please go to www.mavista.co.uk and click on 'Submissions' for details. The site also contains sample images from the magazines, and other information. Globbits, moderator Photo Talk Community Forum, RPoints.com December 2006 Click HERE to Buy Online |
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If you love great photography, you'll love MaVista Magazine!! 
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