Comments on: Bill Black, Director of Photography at Readers Digest

By: Jason Grow

Jason Grow — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:35:12 +0000

Sssshhhhh!!!! Don’t let the secret out!!! I second Manuello’s post whole heartedly. Bill and Linda are simply amazing to work with.

Rob, thanks for shining a well deserved spotlight on their efforts to really push for and encourage new, good work. At a time when publishers are tightening the reins and pushing photo editors harder and harder with less and less, it’s exhilarating to see a commitment to photography and photographers.

By: musings from the photographic memepool [the shallow end]

musings from the photographic memepool [the shallow end] — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:39:10 +0000

Photography is not Dead….

Here we are 10 years alter and magazine shelves are brimming with more titles than ever, the computer publishing industry has exploded providing books on all manner of topics that people want to read and learn about. …

By: Erica Chadwick

Erica Chadwick — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:58:18 +0000

Nice to see Kevin Horan’s pictures out there. Great photographer and a great guy.

By: Julie Litrov

Julie Litrov — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:34:06 +0000

Like Manuello, I’ve known Bill for many years. I, too, found this article interesting.
What I like about Bill is his passion for photography, not for a photographer. And, it translates in to his work ethics. Meaning, the well know name doesn’t mean EVERYTHING to him. He always gives chances to new and fresh unestablished photographers as long as he sees substance in their work. To me, this is highly admirable! I really detest the attitude of “lets-use-well-know-names-to-shoot-everything.” Unfortunately, this type of lazy, unfair, but “safe” outlook is being practiced way too often among Art Directors and Photo Directors resulting in tons of new young talent getting discouraged or overlooked.

When I met Bill, I was a designer who liked to take pictures. Bill inspired me to become a designer with a passion for photography by sharing his knowledge and his experiences. I learned to “see” substance through observing and listening, Bill is a huge part of that transformation. I trust his keen eye and opinion as it proved to be on point on too many occasion.

By: Manuello Paganelli

Manuello Paganelli — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:16:42 +0000

This will sound ridiculously cheesy like a 2am home made TV commercial.

But this is the fact, for someone who has known , and works, with Bill Black for many yrs this was a WONDERFUL article to read.

At RD Bill and Linda Carter are a rare jewel to be found in the photography world.
There is nothing arrogant, brash or unfriendly about either one and their fair treatment towards photographer is like no one else.

Folks they are the real McCoy. And besides their talent, the creative freedom they give to photographers makes it the perfect formula.

I remember the first time I met Bill when he worked for T&L after reading an incredible article on him on a photo trade magazine. With all the cynicism and with the regular BS brush off “I love your book will be calling you soon BLAH BLAH BLAH…” my thoughts were “This is just crap for nobody can be this nice in our business specially in NYC.” One phone call and, boy! was I proven wrong!

If any of you ever get to work 4 ONLY ONE CLIENT then you will be LUCKY if his name is Bill Black

Great pix with the boys! This morning Ileana Bellovin told me about this article.

Manuello Paganelli
http://www.ManuelloPaganelli.com
Los Angeles California

By: Matthew Turley

Matthew Turley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:04:27 +0000

Great subject Rob. I must have read nearly every issue of RD throughout the 1990s, but never really considered it as a potential client until recently when a friend of mine shot for them and had nothing but good things to say…

By: A Photo Editor

A Photo Editor — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:06:45 +0000

When the largest magazine in the country decides that more original photography is what’s needed to prevent a slide in advertising and readership then I see nothing but blue sky for photographers.

By: Chuck Espinoza

Chuck Espinoza — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:50:04 +0000

Great interview. Always great to hear from the people making the decisions. Thanks

By: Darrell Eager

Darrell Eager — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:41:10 +0000

I was in the grocery the other day and saw up copy and was surprised by the the cover. And then walked away because for some reason it didn’t register
for possible contacts. There seems to be a lot redesigns going,but not only are they redesigning but also repurposing. I guess it’s time to take a new look at the news stand.