One of my favorite photography magazines is LensWork–the work of Brooks Jensen (the editor/publisher).  LensWork focuses on the creative and philosophical aspects of photography rather than the technical aspects.  I am a bit of an equipment junkie and this offers a big counterbalance to just buying more equipment to improve my photography.  LensWork makes me focus on the photo itself and the work required to get a great photo.

Also, LensWork is a gorgeously printed black and white magazine.  The high quality duotone printing process results in art quality prints of the photographs–the tones and details are just so rich and vibrant that they jump of the page.   It has helped me discover several photographers early like Nick Brandt and better yet to get insight into their though processes. 

The magazine has great interviews of photographers and essays on art and photography.   A typical issue of LensWork includes three to four portfolios, two or three articles or interviews, editor’s comments and End Notes by Bill Jay.  The first section I turn to is Bill Jay’s "End Notes"–vignettes on photography and photographers. 

This magazine makes the perfect gift for you or your favorite photographer or artist.  You can find more information about LensWork at www.lenswork.com. 

We all love our shiny new gadgets out of the box but what happens when one of them breaks.  This from one of our readers (and occasional review contributors)–regarding Canon Warranty Service

I had a good experience with the "Canon Factory Service Center". My Canon Power Shot SD850 had been a great camera up to the point the focus stopped working. It stopped focusing right after being dropped. I’m calling it a coincidence.

The procedure for returns was easy to find on Canon’s web site, just 3-Clicks from the main page. Complete a short electronic form that required the Serial Number and asked what was wrong with it, and then ship it. I had to pay to ship it to them, but the return shipping would be free. They also had an 1-800 number call if I was having problems.

Based on the serial number they said the service would be covered by the Warranty, unless the problem was caused by misuse. A quote would be sent once they inspected the camera.

The camera was sent via UPS Ground. 5 days later an email from the Canon Factory Service Center indicated they inspected the camera and there would be no charge; The repairs would be completed within 7-Days.

The next e-mail, received 2-Days later, stated the camera had been fixed and included a Fed-Ex tracking number. The camera was returned via FedEx 2-Day service.

I could not ask for a more easy or quick process.