Punch the Camera
Eight young photographers share analog images of adventure and exploration
After debuting an experimental one-off issue in 2009, founder Justin Parkhurst has resurrected his publication, “Punch The Camera,” as a bi-annual photography zine. Expanding on the themes of travel and expedition that inspired the original, the revamped “Punch The Camera” is about “uniting known and unknown photographers with stories of adventure,” says Parkhurst. Issue 2 combines adventure anecdotes with inspiring images of outdoor exploration by eight budding photographers on various film formats.
After a brief introduction by Parkhurst, the zine opens with a dedicated section for each photographer with only their name, region and chosen film format provided up front. Locations documented in this issue stretch from the cold coast of the Northwest United States to the scorched earth of Nairobi, Kenya, and many in between. While each individual image portrays a unique experience, the clean layout and short written descriptions pull the work together to create a single, cohesive feel.
Spencer Davis’ image of a rope swing deep in the Northwest wilderness comes early in the issue, hinting at the spirited content to come. “I was immediately drawn to this image the first time I saw it,” Parkhurst explains. “He captured such freedom and escape, I love it. This photo really defines what ‘Punch The Camera’ is all about.” Shot entirely on film, a feeling of escapism underlies the 102-page edition.
While many lay claim to the “journey over destination” mentality, Parkhurst takes a characteristically realistic approach, admitting that “a lot of times, the journey is the destination, but sometimes the journey sucks and you just wanna get there already.” Either way, Parkhurst understands that a beautiful image—regardless of the time or context in which it was taken—can create a story all its own, one that inspires exploration, creation and adventure.
“Punch The Camera” is available in limited quantities online for $20. For more information about the zine and its contributors, visit the website.
