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.
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.
The issue is available online, but here is a scan of my page:
LINKS
Heather’s Viv photos on flickr: set | slideshow
Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim group on flickr.
My Viv photos on flickr: set | slideshow
Kristal — It was my pleasure to publish your work when I was the editor of JPG. You should never feed bad about your success – you deserve it.
I totally enjoy your photos. Your flickr stream is required viewing for me every day.
I feel worthless most of the time, as if nothing I do matters or no work I do is worth anything.
I like seeing your photos. I also like in-public.com, but you update more often, and actually respond to me.
Here are a few words that nobody has ever said to me – keep up the good work.