TAMPA, FL – July 15, 2026 – In a significant development for the global photography community, KelbyOne, a leading online education platform for creatives, today announced the official launch of AURÿ, an innovative new fine art photography magazine. Spearheaded by industry stalwart Scott Kelby and his dedicated team, AURÿ is conceived as a meticulously curated visual experience, exclusively showcasing the exceptional work of members enrolled in KelbyOne’s prestigious Master of Photography program. This ambitious venture aims to transcend the traditional magazine format, offering readers an immersive, gallery-like encounter with high-caliber photographic art, presented with an unwavering commitment to aesthetic purity and artistic integrity.
The genesis of AURÿ stems from a recognition of the burgeoning talent within KelbyOne’s advanced educational cohorts and a perceived gap in the market for a publication that prioritizes artistic presentation over commercial clutter. In an era where digital content often struggles to maintain quality amidst sheer volume, AURÿ stands as a testament to the enduring value of discerning curation and thoughtful presentation. The magazine’s name itself, evoking light and golden hues, hints at its core mission: to illuminate and celebrate photographic excellence. Its launch marks a strategic expansion for KelbyOne, reinforcing its position not only as an educator but also as a vital platform for artistic dissemination and recognition.
The Vision Behind AURÿ: A Curated Gallery Experience
At the core of AURÿ’s design philosophy is a radical departure from conventional magazine layouts. Rejecting the typical advertising-heavy, text-dense format, the publication embraces a minimalist aesthetic, characterized by generous white space, expansive image reproductions, and judiciously minimal text. This deliberate approach ensures that the photography itself remains the undisputed focal point, allowing each image to breathe and resonate with the viewer without distraction. The objective is to replicate the contemplative experience of walking through a carefully curated gallery, where each piece is given ample room to make its statement and engage the observer on a profound visual level.
Scott Kelby, CEO of KelbyOne and a driving force behind numerous photographic initiatives, articulated the magazine’s ethos: “KelbyOne’s Master of Photography members are creating some of the most compelling images we’ve ever seen. This new magazine gives their work the kind of presentation it deserves—beautifully presented, thoughtfully sequenced, and crafted to truly honor the art.” His statement underscores a deep respect for the artistic process and a commitment to providing a platform that truly elevates the work of these advanced photographers. The magazine’s clean design is not merely an aesthetic choice but a functional one, designed to foster deep engagement and appreciation for the nuances of fine art photography.
KelbyOne’s Master of Photography Program: A Breeding Ground for Excellence
The exclusive focus on work from KelbyOne’s Master of Photography program is a cornerstone of AURÿ’s identity and quality assurance. Launched several years prior, the Master of Photography program was established to cultivate and recognize exceptional photographic talent. It offers advanced education, rigorous mentoring, and a curriculum heavily focused on artistic excellence, critical thinking, and the development of a distinctive personal vision. Admission to the program is highly competitive, attracting photographers who have already demonstrated a significant level of skill and artistic maturity.
Members of this elite program undergo intensive training, push creative boundaries, and refine their craft under the guidance of industry luminaries. The launch of AURÿ serves as a natural extension and capstone for the program, providing its members with an unparalleled opportunity for exposure and validation within the fine art community. The inclusion process for the magazine is equally stringent; images are submitted by members, but only a select few are chosen for each issue, ensuring that AURÿ consistently maintains its elevated fine art standard. This selective approach not only guarantees quality but also adds immense prestige for the featured artists, signifying a high level of peer and editorial recognition.
Publication Schedule and Accessibility
AURÿ will debut with an accelerated publication schedule for the remainder of 2026, releasing a new issue every six weeks. This initial rapid cadence is designed to showcase the immediate wealth of outstanding work from Master of Photography members and establish the magazine’s presence quickly. Beginning in 2027, the publication will transition to a quarterly schedule, a rhythm intended to align with the evolving body of work from program members and allow for a more measured, yet consistently high-quality, editorial process. This phased approach demonstrates a strategic vision for sustained excellence and relevance.
The inaugural issue is immediately accessible in two convenient digital formats, catering to a broad audience and diverse viewing preferences. Readers can engage with an interactive digital flipbook, offering a dynamic, page-turning experience that mimics a physical magazine, or download a high-resolution PDF for offline viewing and archival purposes. This dual digital delivery mechanism ensures widespread accessibility, allowing photography enthusiasts worldwide to immerse themselves in the magazine’s content without geographical or logistical barriers. The digital-first strategy also aligns with contemporary media consumption patterns, maximizing reach and minimizing environmental impact.
The Debut Issue: Spotlighting Kim Clark and the Future of Artistic Dialogue
The inaugural issue of AURÿ sets a compelling precedent, featuring an in-depth interview with cover artist Kim Clark. This comprehensive profile offers readers an intimate glimpse into Clark’s creative process, exploring his influences, artistic philosophy, and unique approach to fine art photography. Such features are critical to AURÿ’s mission, providing context and insight beyond the images themselves, thereby enriching the viewer’s understanding and appreciation. By spotlighting individual artists, the magazine fosters a deeper connection between the art, the artist, and the audience, transforming passive viewing into an active engagement with creative thought.
This focus on individual artist narratives will be a recurring element in future issues, where select Master of Photography members will be profiled. These features will delve into the artists’ journeys, their technical mastery, and the conceptual underpinnings of their work, celebrating those whose artistic perspectives and craft represent the zenith of the KelbyOne community’s vision. This commitment to showcasing the human element behind the lens differentiates AURÿ from purely image-dump publications, positioning it as a platform for meaningful artistic dialogue and educational insight.
Broader Implications: Elevating Artists and Redefining Digital Publishing
The launch of AURÿ carries significant implications for both the featured artists and the broader landscape of fine art photography publishing. For Master of Photography members, inclusion in AURÿ offers unparalleled visibility and a prestigious credential that can significantly bolster their professional portfolios and artistic careers. In a crowded digital world, having work selected for a highly curated, respected publication provides a powerful differentiator and a stamp of artistic validation. This platform can open doors to gallery exhibitions, commercial opportunities, and further artistic collaborations.
From an industry perspective, AURÿ represents a compelling case study in the evolution of digital publishing. While print magazines have faced numerous challenges in recent decades, digital publications like AURÿ demonstrate a path forward through niche focus, high-quality curation, and a commitment to the viewing experience. The success of such a model hinges on its ability to attract and retain a discerning audience willing to invest time and attention in premium content. As traditional media outlets grapple with declining advertising revenues and shifting consumption habits, specialized digital magazines that cater to passionate communities offer a viable and sustainable model.
Moreover, in an age increasingly saturated with AI-generated imagery and an overwhelming volume of visual content, the emphasis on rigorous human curation exemplified by AURÿ becomes even more critical. It serves as a beacon of authenticity and quality, helping to cut through the noise and highlight genuine artistic merit. This commitment to hand-picking the strongest work reinforces the value of human judgment and expertise in the arts. Industry analysts suggest that publications prioritizing such stringent editorial standards are likely to carve out significant influence and loyalty within their respective niches.
The Business of Art: Advertising and Future Growth
Beyond its artistic mission, AURÿ also presents a unique opportunity for brands seeking to connect with a highly engaged and artistically discerning audience. Advertising opportunities are available for companies whose values and products align with the magazine’s fine art and photography focus. This targeted approach to advertising ensures that any commercial content is relevant to the readership, maintaining the integrity of the overall viewing experience. Brands looking to reach professional photographers, serious enthusiasts, and collectors of fine art photography will find AURÿ a compelling platform.
Kleber Stephenson, responsible for advertising inquiries, can be contacted at [email protected], signaling a professional and structured approach to monetization that supports the magazine’s high production values without compromising its artistic vision. The careful integration of advertising is crucial for the long-term sustainability of AURÿ, allowing it to continue showcasing groundbreaking talent and pushing the boundaries of photographic presentation. As the magazine gains traction, opportunities for expanded content, perhaps even limited-edition print runs, could emerge, further solidifying its presence in the fine art market.
About KelbyOne: A Legacy of Photographic Education
KelbyOne has long stood as a pillar in the online education landscape for photographers and creatives worldwide. Founded by Scott Kelby, a prolific author, educator, and photographer, the platform has grown from its roots in Photoshop training to encompass a comprehensive array of courses, tutorials, and resources spanning virtually every genre and technical aspect of photography. Its mission is to inspire, educate, and empower photographers at every level, from aspiring beginners to seasoned professionals.
The organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community is evident in its diverse offerings, including its popular online forums, live events, and specialized programs like the Master of Photography. KelbyOne’s enduring success is built on its ability to deliver high-quality, practical instruction combined with artistic inspiration, making it an indispensable resource for anyone serious about mastering photography. The launch of AURÿ is a natural evolution for KelbyOne, extending its influence from education to direct artistic promotion, further cementing its role as a comprehensive ecosystem for photographic excellence.
Media Contact
For additional information or media inquiries regarding AURÿ or KelbyOne, please contact the KelbyOne Press Office at [email protected].
