J. R. Major was elected to the post which he held until June 1857 when William Crookes replaced him.

In August 1856 Hugh Welch Diamond took over from Crookes who founded his own journal, Photographic News.

The position was taken over by William de Wiveleslie Abney who remained editor well into the twentieth century.

[5] The magazine was an important medium for the announcement and discussion of new discoveries, processes, and exhibitions.

It also included ideas other photographers had to help improve their own practice, in a sort of "letter to the editor" style, as well as responses to questions.