My National Geographic Cover Photo – Notre Dame de Paris

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My National Geographic Cover Photo – Notre Dame de Paris

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Have you ever had one of those days? You know, where everything seems to be going the wrong way, no matter what you do? The kind of day that makes you wish that you had never got out of bed? Then, an art director at National Geographic emails you to ask to see some of your photos, because they are considering using one as the cover of the Hungarian version of the legendary magazine. Yeah, I’ve never had one of those days either… well, not until recently that is!

Ask any photographer, who they would like to work for? Who is the “dream client”? I’d bet you that 95% of those photographers would answer “National Geographic”. Needless to say I was thrilled. But cautiously so, since I am of the opinion that one should never get too excited about good news until it is a 100% sure thing. This is especially so for landing a dream job, or getting news of a potential sale to a world class client such as National Geographic. To be honest I thought that someone was pulling my leg at first. After a few emails back and forth with the art director and editor, I grew more confident that this was actually going to happen. I think I’ll try and save my feelings of denial for the bad stuff in life from now on.

At first, they were considering another one of my images, which you can see by clicking HERE.

Sometimes a good photograph will not work as a cover, considering the graphics that have to be added. This was why they didn’t end up going with my shot of the Eiffel Tower. In the end, the photograph of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris at night had the right kind of eerie feel for the National Geographic cover to accompany the story inside the magazine. The story is about the creepy Paris underground and you can read it online in English HERE or, if you prefer, in Hungarian HERE.

Different editions of National Geographic have different covers, so this month’s American, Russian, German, French, and Hungarian versions all have their own unique photograph on the cover of the magazine. I am very honoured to have one of my photographs grace the cover of National Geographic, it is a career highlight to say the least. What a great way to kick off 2011.

Okay… Pinch me now please, I must be dreaming!

 

Enjoy more travel photos and stories:

Comments (121)

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  9. Good-NESS Ken – that is soooo incredibly fantastic! Indeed, as a photographer, there simply IS no higher honor. And so very well deserved!

    And yes, I understand the requisites for text on a mag cover, but personally? Your shot of Le Mur pour la Paix w/ the Eiffel is… simply breathtaking!

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  10. Good-NESS Ken – that is soooo incredibly fantastic! Indeed, as a photographer, there simply IS no higher honor. And so very well deserved!

    And yes, I understand the requisites for text on a mag cover, but personally? Your shot of Le Mur pour la Paix w/ the Eiffel is… simply breathtaking!

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  15. Oh, Ken, I am so happy for you!! To received such an honour and so well deserved. You must be delighted. What an inspiration. It certainly does not happen to everyone who tries but it is nice to know that such things are possible. So … national geo just emailed you? Did you submit to them or did they find you on their own? Curious minds want to know!
    Congratulations again.
    Anne.

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  17. You are right. It’s pretty much EVERY photographers dream to get published in Nat Geo. From what I understand, the odds are quit small as well. Congrats! You must be soooo stoked.

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  18. OMG! You are truly living the dream right now!! Go out and do something really special to celebrate – that is an amazing milestone. You must be walking around in a haze – I know I would be! Congrats!!!!

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  20. This is fantastic, Ken! So very happy for you and happy for NatGeo to recognize your talent! Congratulations!

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  32. Congratulations man! That is really exciting. That is kinda the top of the top for photographers, right? I mean, that puts you among the ranks of some of the most memorable photos ever.

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  33. Congratulations man! That is really exciting. That is kinda the top of the top for photographers, right? I mean, that puts you among the ranks of some of the most memorable photos ever.

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  39. Wow, congratulations Ken! This is really exciting news. By far the coolest accolade for a travel photographer. Grew up with a subscription to National Geographic – heavily influenced my love of travel.

    cheers,
    ~Kelly

    hiptraveler

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  43. I am so grateful, for all your kind words of encouragement and congratulations. This is a very meaningful thing for me, and I feel so proud to be associated with such an iconic, and prestigious publication.
    –
    I used to get the magazine as a gift from my godmother when I was a boy. I’d spend hours reading and re reading each one. And then there was the maps! Ohhh how I loved those maps. I still have all the maps, but sadly gave the magazines away years ago.
    –
    THANK YOU all so much, I hope you’ll keep coming back for new photos and stories in the future. ㋡

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  54. Congrats Ken, that is so fantastic, and couldn’t have happened to a better person :) I remember my big thrill getting a full page in NG Adventure…then a re-license for use in the real deal Nat Geo (French edition)….but neither a cover! And kudos to you for composing a spectacular photo Ken, offering an original image of a highly photographed city. Well done!!

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  55. Such an incredible achievement…you must feel so proud! Congratulations =) We used to live in Paris and always loved passing the cathedral at night. It’s an incredible shot.

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  59. That is Huge Ken, congratulations!! I’m super happy for you, its basically the same as landing a a cover story for Nat Geo for a writer! And I’m very very far away from that (or maybe just a phone call) so I can imagine your excitement.

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  60. This is just awesome. I used to dream of selling stock and would still love too. It is a very competitive field and breaking in is hugh, but I would say you have definitely ARRIVED. Congratulations on such a coo
    peace n abundance,
    CheyAnne

    Reply

  63. “I think I’ll try and save my feelings of denial for the bad stuff in life from now on.” Way to go on all of it including the new outlook on denial. :-)

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  64. Amazing work, Ken! I can only imagine how awesome it must be to see your work with that famous yellow border around it. Here’s hoping it’s only the beginning!

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  69. Congratulations, I’m soooo very happy for you and I wish you all the best… you deserve this and so much more!

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  79. Congratulations Ken. We all know those days when things aren’t going so well – glad yours brightened up some! Great photo, though I love the one of the Eiffel Tower.

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  82. I thought you just being one of the top Travel Influencers was good – but a NG Cover!!??? That is ridonkulously amazing, and so inspirational. Well deserved moment of glory, Mr Kaminesky.

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  84. I have always been intrigued with the quality of National Geographic contents. They choose only the world’s best photographers, writers, art directors and all personnel. Congratulations, YOU have now been recognized as one of the top photographers.

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  85. I have always been intrigued with the quality of National Geographic contents. They choose only the world’s best photographers, writers, art directors and all personnel. Congratulations. “YOU” have at last been recognized as one of the top photographers.

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  86. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! Ken, you are so deserving of this. SO deserving. Try to believe the good. You have worked hard for accolades like these and your talent is worthy of a National Geographic cover. Very much so. Many blessings my friend. This is amazing news!!!!

    Reply

  90. Wow, How very cool of you all to leave me such positively awesome comments! I really am touched by the very kind things that you had to say. It makes it so much nicer enjoy good things in life, when you have such nice people to share the news with.
    –
    Thank you all, I’m grateful.

    Reply

  91. A bit late to the adoration and accolades party, but WOW this is fantastic! Gorgeous image (no surprise there) of my favorite city in the world, on the cover of the most prestigious magazine in the world. It’s what we all dream about from the first day we get a passport and a camera. And YOU DID IT! Congratulations–so happy for you.

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  94. Congratulations, Ken! Great photo! Yes, I agree that at least 95% would say National Geographic. I have a collection of NG dating back to the 60s. – Michelle

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  95. Wow so exciting. And well deserved. I hope this means many more Nat Geo shoots are to come for you. I know what you mean about not getting excited until it’s 100%. We’ve just had the very thing happen to us, with someone promising us a dream opportunity and then falling off the face of the earth. You can’t trust anything or anyone!

    Reply

  101. Congratulations. Well deserved, I would say. Fantastic collection of images. The Eiffel Tower is really nice with the beam of light coming out of the top and the way you positioned it in the frame.

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  104. How wonderful! Congrats–that must feel amazing. I can’t imagine how cool it would be to have that framed on your wall! I am in love with the Notre Dame cathedral. It was one of my favorite things I saw in Paris.

    Reply

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