Editor's Notes

While we at the magazine tend to get caught up in the exciting news about new products and technology, we also keep our eye out for topics we believe are of interest to photographers today. You might call these guiding lights that we will follow in the months and years ahead. We feel we owe it to you to occasionally state those topics explicitly, so you know where we are coming from and what you can expect to read in these pages.

In no particular order these are:
· Image quality: This covers both making images in camera and processing images in software. As you know we have stressed working with D-SLRs and using raw image file format, as opposed to point-and-shoot cameras and shooting in JPEG. Our how-to articles will continue to stress creative output techniques; our camera reviews always cover how to get the most from the camera in the field, not just a glossary of specifications, impressive though they may be. The aim of all is to extract the best image quality you can from each and every subject and scene.

· Enhanced workflow: Yes, the workflow word is overworked, but it speaks to a methodology that goes to the heart of any photographer's decisions about time spent and rewards gathered. You want to have more time to create and less spent on wrestling with the tools of the trade. This emphasis applies to all manner of capturing and creating images--be it in camera, in software, or when working with film.

· Printmaking: We are strong believers in the power of the print, and will continue to emphasize getting great color and monochrome prints using the best materials available. We'll continue to explore printers, papers, inks, and how to get the most out of every image.

· Using the web: The Internet has of course opened up new ways of communicating your vision to the world. We will grow our exploration of web business techniques, making better use of images on the web and how to create even more effective web pages.

· New products and technology: We have always prided ourselves on our incisive reviews of products, and each of our contributors is a working pro or someone who has deep knowledge of the craft. We don't cover products for their own sake, but with an eye on what's new and exciting, how the product might change the way you work, and how new technology advances the art and craft of photography.

· "Classic cameras" and film: We will continue to cover every new film as it comes out and will never forget that there is a strong and dedicated group of film photographers working today. We will also continue our reviews of film cameras and techniques. Our recent "Top 20 Cameras of All-Time Countdown" is a major work that will become a much discussed classic on its own.

· Lighting craft: One of our strong points has always been an emphasis on lighting tools and techniques, and we will continue to emphasize ways to improve your skills in the studio and in the field.

· Masters of the craft: We will continue to feature photographers who have made their mark in fashion, commercial, photojournalism, and fine art photography. We will continue to seek out new faces and images that speak to the state of the art and craft of photography today.

Our aim with each issue is to bring you a mix of all of the above and more, and to keep our guiding lights in mind as we assemble the words and images that make up the magazine. Of course, we always welcome your thoughts and suggestions.