JPG Magazine
By Kristal Armendariz
12 Oct 2008
It's been almost a year and a half since the scandal surrounding JPG Magazine and its creators, Derek Powazek and Heather Champ, hit the internet. Like many other loyal subscibers/contributors, I was shocked and disappointed in the way the split was handled. At the time, I compared it to a bad divorce. This month, I have an article published in Issue 18 of JPG Magazine. So what changed my mind? How did I get here from there?
First of all, right after I deleted my account I got a copy of Issue 10 in the mail. I realized that the web address listed for me no longer existed. What if someone else created an account using kristyk? Not good. I signed up again and secured my username, but the joke was on me. Not only did I no longer get credit for the photos that were published, but I didn't get the $100 for Issue 10's photo. Ha, ha.
The biggest reason that I started posting photos was that my kids kept asking when one of my pictures was going to be in a magazine again. I know that what I do [wife, mother] is important, but there are times that I feel absolutely worthless. I have nothing to show for what I've done. No money coming in. No tangible proof that I even exist. Those first few issues, as important as they were for Heather and Derek, were just as important to me. Finally, I had something to show my children. Something I had helped to create. They were proud of me... and I wanted that feeling again. I truly love the idea behind JPG Magazine. I love that normal everyday people have the same opportunity as 'professionals'.
It is ironic that the photo that was published was one that was completely inspired by Heather. It was taken with the Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim, a camera I bought after seeing photos she had taken with it. Ironic because none of my shots are remotely close to achieving the nirvana that seems effortless in her photography. I'll participate in JPG Magazine because the idea is still one that I admire, but seriously? It just isn't the same.
I uploaded the photos that I've had published previously so that they can be archived on the site.
1 response
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! :) Billie Jo Blevins said (13 Oct 2008):
I can really relate to your post. I too am a mommy of a teen and a almost teen. A wife for 15 years to a often deployed successful sailor. No career for me yet... although I have had jobs here and there, Mommy is my job and it is important, yet not really highly respected. I have an Associate's degree which today is just a glorified high school diploma. Not much to show for my life so far. Which leaves me wondering who I am, from time to time...
I have heard many people talk about JPG before the "divorce" and I often wonder what is was really like, I have found that JPG has been a great outlet, yet there is somewhat of a love/hate feeling from time to time. I often wonder if JPG is too modern for me... My shots are simple and are mostly landscapes and macros. I would love to be published... to leave my mark. I know the odds are against me and so I am just happy to have a few hot photos but there will come a time, I am sure, when that is just not enough. I am told I am good at taking pictures and that I have the "eye"...maybe I do or maybe I just get lucky from time to time. I guess until I am published, I will continue to be my worst critic.
Thanks again for your post!!! I am glad you came back!!
