The Cover of Journey Magazine
(and a story about a photo)
Photo of Liberty Bell Used for the Cover of Journey Magazine
This photo I took of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is actually one of my favorites. But I was surprised and flattered that it ended up on the cover of Journey Magazine, AAA Washington’s membership travel magazine, reaching over 675,000 members in Washington State, Oregon and Northern Idaho. As usual, I have a story about the photo AND how it ended up on the cover.
One of the things I enjoy about taking photos is telling the story that goes along with it. Especially this one. We were let into the area where the Liberty Bell is located and it was swarming with tourists, as you can imagine. I admit I was mildly disappointed because I felt that would limit my view and chances for a good image. All of a sudden, for absolutely no reason, the horde of people who were surrounding the bell backed away, leaving the bell alone and unobstructed. I stepped forward and composed a photo of the bell when the young girl suddenly walked into my frame and picked her camera up to her face to take a picture. I instinctively and quickly pressed the shutter and captured the scene, looked up in the sky and said, “Thank you.” The crowd of tourists then returned.
One more thing to note is that I made it a black and white image. But I liked the actual blue color of the bell, so I “scraped away” the black and white treatment there to expose the hue. Voilà!
Journey Magazine Cover – May/June 2018
Around the beginning of March, I was notified by SmugMug (an online photo storage space) that one of my photos had been sold. I thought it was strange because I thought I had turned off that option. No big deal, though…it sold for 99 cents (plus tax) somehow. I laughed. But a week or two later, I received an e-mail from the art director at Journey Magazine to explain that they had found the image while searching online and bought it, but were prepared to pay much more if I agreed to their terms which, of course, I did. They explained that the magazine goes out to 675,000 subscribers in the northwest US…a bit more than my usual audience! The only changes they made, with my permission, were the removal of the camera strap and water bottle (compare to the original photo) and a stretching out of the top to facilitate the placement of the text.
Looks good! And it hit the stands today, May 1, 2018.
My thanks to Sue at the magazine. It was a pleasure to work with her and to have my photo chosen to be the cover of Journey Magazine.
I hope they keep me in mind for other travel photos!
Running up the “Rocky Steps” in Philadelphia
By the way, here’s another photo I like from that same trip. Two guys running up the steps as seen in the movie, “Rocky” (72 stone steps before the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art) with the skyline of Philadelphia in the background. I’ve got a story about this photo, too, but that will have to wait until another day.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin
www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
Instagram – sml_photo
stephen@sml-photos.com
Congrats and u did an amazing job!!!
Thanks much, Linda!
And, it’s fun…
Stephen, this is fantastic! It’s a great photograph and so deserving a spot on a magazine cover. I’m so proud of you!
I must admit that it’s fun for me to see it there!
Thank you, Merle.
How very exciting that you are getting this kind of recognition! Given the charity work you have done for my song covers, you more than deserve it. And it’s a great pic that says a lot.
Thx, Dave!
Now we’ve gotta get more coverage of your album covers.
(Check iTunes, Spotify, etc. for songs by “Dave Glatt” and “Conscripted.” to see Dave’s albums/songs and hear them!)
It’s a great photo when I first saw it. Even better on the magazine cover.
Thank you!
I agree…they did a very nice job. And, easy to work with them.
Outstanding recognition to a great image maker for a superb image. What makes the image for me are several things. First the Black and White goes with the Vintage Bell. Second the composition of the image. Third
the contrast of the age of the bell and the girl photographing it.
Yes, patience pays off in street photography.
SO appreciate your comments and observations, Stan. Glad you notice and appreciate those things.
Thank you so much!
The best 98 cents you’ve ever made. Isn’t is amazing how things work out when not planned. Loved the story as much as this picture.
I got taxes included in the payment! No kidding.
SO glad you like the story, too. I absolutely enjoy the prose part of this blog…and the stories that go with the photos. Don’t get me started! haha
Thanks, Lesley.
AWESOME!!! 675,000 more people will enjoy your outstanding photography!!
Photo has a Norman Rockwell feel to it.
Appreciated, Nan!
I hope many of them appreciate the photo. Maybe some will see more of my photos–that’s what I’m trying to do here: Share my vision and creative expression.
The girl really did place herself perfectly…and at JUST the right moment.
Another outstanding photo of yours! I love the angle which really highlights the crack in the bell and the blue highlight is eye-catching. This is truly beshert…the crowd leaving, the young girl stepping up to the bell and you at the ready to snap the moment. Congrats on the photo making it on the magazine cover!
Thanks so much, Suzi, for appreciating and noticing all the elements of the photo.
Yes…I am so glad to see it on the cover of Journey Magazine!
Great photo- deserves to be on the cover.
I appreciate that, Gayle. Thx.
Steve, this post has TWO things going for it: one is that you got the cover of a magazine with major circulation. The other is that, cover or not, the photo itself is just plain great. Look at the girl’s posture! A spontaneous, patriotic salute (one of those frozen moments you have a knack for) as she lines up her camera. Congratulations for these two achievements, the cover and the shot itself.
Yes…things really worked out for this image from start to finish. Glad you notice those things!
Thanks, Mike.
Very cool story Steve and I love the photo!
Every picture has a story. And I enjoy recounting the stories that go with my photos! Part of the overall experience.
Thanks much.
Sweet photo Steve. Hope you got at least an extra penny to round up the original sale 🙂
See you @ Goodman. Lynda P.
Yes, one might say it was rounded up! haha
Glad to be included in the magazine.
Thanks for stopping by, Lynda.
You are very welcome, Steve…and many more thanks to YOU!
We are so very happy with our new cover. Your photograph says everything we wanted to say about Philadelphia and it’s legacy. The image inspires a spirit of child-like wonder and respect for our country’s history… it’s really magical.
Thanks again, Sue Boylan (Art Director of Journey Magazine)
I’m so appreciative of your sentiments about the photo. And, of course, I’m glad you like it!
And I am so happy our paths crossed and that you selected the photo for your magazine. I’m very proud to see it there and be a part of the publication.
The magazine will be on its way to you next week!
WooHoo! Thanks SO much, Mari!
Steve, this is FANTASTIC!!! What a wonderful honor to be chosen for the magazine cover. That picture just grabs you! I liked it as a photo & it looks even better on that cover! You always have great stories to accompany great photos! Really really so proud of you & your work…WOW!!!
And your comments are FANTASTIC! Means a lot to me. Thanks so much.
I was there at the moment and it was special. We knew it then, and this photo was one of the first we framed for our gallery of Stephen’s “travelogue” hanging in our upstairs hallway. We have two upcoming trips scheduled – maybe another magazine cover in the making?
Yes…you were there! And you “saw” the story as it happened.
Another fun experience together. More to come.
Timing and composure is everything……great shot and congrats on the photo cover.
Yes…so true.
So glad you like the photo.
Fun to be on the cover!
Congratulations Steve!
I remember when you first displayed and discussed this wonderful photo. That image has always remained with me (as do many of your other photos–like the little girl on the trike in Buenos Aries, the Wisconsin farm images, the leaf in the glass, the girls in Brussels, etc.).
Now, will Chicago Magazine discover for a cover your great photo of Judy looking at the tall sculpture/statue in the Art Institute new wing?
Thanks, Paul! Makes me happy to read about some of my photos that come to your mind. That’s my motivation…to reach others with my images.
Yes…I also like that photo of Judy and “her friend” at the Art Institute (who is now relegated to “outdoor” duty in the new wing).
Very nice!
Thanks, Clive! And a surprise, start to finish.
What an honor! Congrats Dad!
Thanks, Jordan! I DO feel honored when my photos are appreciated!
Your pictures always tell a story that amazes me! Congratulations on this honor. You deserve it!
So nice to hear you feel that way! I’m always tryin’ to get my stories across to others.
Thank you so much.