Currently in it’s sixth issue, Purpose is an online photo magazine from France produced by Paul Demare, Gilles Raynaldy, and Francesca Alberti. Each issue has an underlying theme reflected in the work of a number of photographers. The content of the work and the photographers are diverse. Purpose is mostly bi-lingual (french/english) but some of the english translations are a bit sketchy — I was happy simply to have them though.

The format of each magazine is a somewhat familiar linear “two page spread” presented using Flash. I think that this works in this case by providing a good system for pairing images by drawing upon what works about magazine and book layout. But I do wonder sometimes if the format isn’t a bit of a gimmick. I also have to mention that the browser window resize (on every page refresh) is unnecessary. I’m also unsure about the ambient soundtrack with each issue. Both are often attempts to create an immersive experience but fail in my opinion.

That said, much of the work in Purpose is very high quality and certainly new to me. I’ll be following up on a number of the featured photographers and waiting for more issues. I do hope though that a bit more emphasis is paid to contextual texts in future issues.

Thanks to Muse-ings and Mrs. Deane for the tip.