The first colour photograph to appear in the National Geographic Magazine was in the July 1914 issue, that of a flower garden in Ghent, Belgium, photographed by Paul G. Guillumette. [1]
National Geographic Magazine made its debut on 22 September 1888, eight months after the founding of the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC. Conceived as a scholarly journal, the magazine’s mission was to promote “the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge.” Its first issue, priced at 50 cents, was aimed at a small academic audience and featured six articles originally presented at Society meetings earlier that year. Early editions of the magazine were serious in tone, focused on geography and exploration, and entirely devoid of photographs, relying instead on maps and illustrations to convey information.
The magazine’s format remained text-heavy until 1905, when it published a groundbreaking photo-essay featuring 50 images of Tibet. At a time when most magazines used only a few illustrations, this bold use of photography marked the beginning of a transformation. By the 1910s, colour photographs began to appear, and the magazine steadily evolved into a visually rich publication.
This shift to photography reshaped how stories were told. Images became essential to the magazine’s identity, conveying the wonder of far-off places and the diversity of the human and natural world in a way print articles could not. The balance of beautiful imagery and thoughtful journalism helped National Geographic build a broad and loyal readership.
By the late 1980s, the magazine had reached its peak, with 12 million U.S. subscribers and millions more worldwide. Renowned for its stunning photography, detailed maps, and deeply researched articles, it covered topics from archaeology and wildlife to Indigenous cultures and environmental challenges, always with a tone of curiosity and respect.
Today, National Geographic is a global multimedia brand. While the print edition continues, the magazine also thrives on digital platforms, television, books, and educational initiatives. Its commitment to exploration, science, and storytelling endures, now with an added focus on sustainability and global awareness. From its austere beginnings to its present-day global reach, National Geographic remains one of the world’s most iconic and influential publications.
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