It must be months since I last bought a photo magazine, and this is the first time I bought a Japanese one. I saw Natural Glow mentioned on the web somewhere and decided to check it out. It is a bi-monthly, well-printed and well-designed publication, completely dedicated to black-and-white photography.

There isn’t much talk – and no ads. Some intro from the editor and then it is mostly pictures plus some words from the featured photographer, who this time is Herbie Yamaguchi. In the end they feature what seem to be reader submissions, all very nicely done.

As for Yamaguchi, I have seen some books of him in the library and wasn’t too impressed. I changed my mind; I quite like his work, it is gentle and quiet, at least the more recent work. I am struggling with reading (and understanding) the Japanese a little, but I get the essence more or less. Leicas feature prominently in images and text. He mentions that he bought his first Leica when 32 years old, “felt deep love” and decided to “re-take” all his photographs with it. It seemed a revelation to him, and while I am aware that a lot of baggage comes with this camera – your first challenge is to rise above it, which is best done on your own -, I can completely relate to it as I had the same experience last year. Of course this is not the magic Leica touch, but just the consequence of finding an environment or tool that one feels entirely comfortable working with.

Well, too bad it is just a bi-monthly. I see if I can find some back issues, although the previous one featuring Henri Cartier-Bresson is already sold out. I was thinking of including the mag in the shop, but it seems too much work really. I think I will keep this one for myself.

By the way, I have noticed great increase in the number of visitors to this page. Surprising. I don’t know where y’all coming from, but I am surely happy to have you here – unless it is automated bots or similar, who knows?