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Popular photography magazine Shutterbug has announced that it is shutting down its print publication of 45 years, and will focus instead on reaching its audience online as a “web-only publication.”
The news was published earlier today by Shutterbug Editor-in-Chef Dan Havlik, who says the media landscape simply cannot sustain a photography print publication any longer. The best way to serve Shutterbug’s readers, says Havlik, is by dedicating all of the company’s resources towards becoming a “dynamic, web-only publication.”
Shutterbug magazine had a great run, but the media landscape has changed dramatically in the last 4+ decades, and we felt now was the time for Shutterbug to become a dynamic, web-only publication. Shutterbug.com has grown dramatically in recent years with record traffic and expanded reach to photographers around the world. We can now dedicate all our resources to further growing our online presence and expanding our video, social media, mobile and e-commerce channels.
Beyond simply shutting down the print side of the business, the brand has big plans for Shutterbug.com. In addition to continued how-to content, feature stories, and gear reviews, the website plans to expand its reader photo galleries and launch an online store where readers can purchase cameras, lenses, software, photo accessories, and Shutterbug-branded merchandise.
Press Release
Shutterbug Moves Forward as Web-Only Publication
Venerable Photography Media Brand to Focus on Website After Ending Print Edition
May 22, 2018 – Shutterbug is moving forward as a web-only publication (Shutterbug.com) after ending its print magazine after 45 years, Shutterbug Editor-in-Chief Dan Havlik announced today.
“Shutterbug magazine had a great run, but the media landscape has changed dramatically in the last 4+ decades, and we felt now was the time for Shutterbug to become a dynamic, web-only publication,” Havlik said. “Shutterbug.com has grown dramatically in recent years with record traffic and expanded reach to photographers around the world. We can now dedicate all our resources to further growing our online presence and expanding our video, social media, mobile and e-commerce channels.”
In the last four years since Havlik joined Shutterbug as editor-in-chief, Shutterbug.com’s traffic has increased over 700%. Shutterbug.com was also recently named one of the top five best photography news sites by Feedspot. Meanwhile, Shutterbug’s social media channels have grown exponentially in recent years, with nearly one million followers on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, Twitter and other social sites combined.
“The web, social media and video are simply the best ways for Shutterbug to reach the growing audience of photographers out there, including everyone who is graduating up from shooting with their smart phones and wants to learn how to capture photos with real cameras, to photo enthusiasts and seasoned pros who want to read the latest news and reviews of the hottest photo gear. Shutterbug.com offers it all.”
Along with continuing to post the best photography how-tos, video tutorials, feature stories and camera gear reviews on the web, Shutterbug.com will expand its popular photo galleries where readers share and comment on their images. Shutterbug.com will also open an online photography store where visitors can buy cameras, lenses, software, and photo accessories, along with Shutterbug-branded merchandise such as t-shirts and camera bags.
Shutterbug is owned by AVTech Media Americas Inc., a division of the UK-based AVTech Media Ltd (UK) company.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
