Feature Spreads

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Issues Viewed: 11/01/17, 04/01/18, 11/01/16

Most magazines have their feature spreads presented on the cover as an image with a short description that tells the reader who or what the picture is and what they do or what will be done with them. However, Shutterbug is unique and instead describes it as a small section they call the "Special Report" which is placed just above the title of the magazine. The "Special Report" is usually loosely described in small sentences such as "How four pros use social media to get their images out there.", which uses words such as "pros", "jump" (in other issues), and "adventure" (also in other issues).


The feature spread is then referenced many times all throughout the text, as most of Shutterbug's special reports seem to be informational and even didactic in nature. This informational concept is further emphasized through a plethora of equipment reviews that litter the magazine.

Throughout my various revisits to Shutterbug for further analysis, a few elements of their magazine style stood out to me.
The sleek organization,  the emphasis on the photos presented (with text as an aid), and the didactic nature of the magazine that presents a strong how-to presence.

My magazine, though also a photography based project, will not present as a how-to but more as a magazine appreciating the art form of photography and the beauty of the photos rather than teaching the audience how I took the shot and what camera should be used. However, the style of organization is appealing and I would benefit from the sleek yet wholesome-feeling design. I would also do well in presenting my images as the center piece and have any kind of text be second and only function as an aid.


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