125 Years of National Geographic and their Stunning Global Photography
It was October 1888 when the National Geographic Society issued their first edition of National Geographic magazine. A century and a quarter later and people are still fascinated by the rich imagery it delivers. It has come a long way over that time span: starting out as a heavily text-based pamphlet that resembled a science journal, but is now renowned for its intense and spectacular images. The main influence in its evolution has of course been technology and developments in publishing, photography and the ability to travel to more remote places. What hasn’t changed is its familiar yellow-bordered design and the fact it never ceases to inspire and amaze.
The magazine became popular in the 1920s when it started showing colour photographs, a rarity at that time. During the 1930s one of the magazine’s writers and photographers persuaded the society to let the photographers use small 35mm cameras which took Kodachrome film instead of the large glass plated cameras that had to have stands. In 1959 the magazine lost its text based cover format and oak leaf border in favour of large colour photographs that captured people’s attention.
The effort that it takes just to capture a moment perfectly; that you can shoot and eternalise a sperm whale rising from the ocean, or snow geese racing through the air- that is what makes photography a joy. And although the moment of beauty or awe or sadness passes quickly, photojournalists freeze them time for generations to enjoy. Over the last 125 years the Geographic has helped advance the careers of the greatest photographers of the century; Frans Lanting, George Rodger, James Nachtwey all boosted their careers through the magazine, not to mention Steve McCurry who won awards for his iconic “Afghan Girl” which featured on a cover in 1985.
To celebrate National Geographic’s landmark birthday Taschen are publishing a collector’s anthology showcasing the most iconic images from the last century. The anthology is divided into three Volumes, arranged by continent: Volume 1 covers North and South America and Antarctica; Volume 2 Europe and Africa; Volume 3 Asia and Australasia. The collection displays the most iconic and striking images, handpicked from the years and tells the story of how photography developed. The years roll by with each turn of the page, evolving from black and white, to autochrome, Kodachrome and finally digital.
One thing that National Geographic does to affect you is it makes you want to go out and capture something wonderful too. It gives you a sense that anything is possible if you’re in the right place at the right time, and with the right gear. The Geographic have been running their annual photography competition now since 2006 which you can be a part of. Trade in your old digital camera to us this Christmas, and with the cash you earn treat yourself to a top of the range new device. For example if you sell a used Panasonic camera you could earn up to £150 depending on the model and condition. If you feel it’s time for an update and want to earn cash back for your used camera then Camera Exchange Store is the place to be.
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