The highlight of the Issue Media Group websites is most definitely the photography.

In 2005, National Geographic Traveler declared Philadelphia the “next great American city,” poised to take its “time in the limelight.” I know what you’re thinking. My Philly reeks of SEPTA, can’t control its crime rate, and runs a failing school system. I hope that doesn’t describe the next great city.

But maybe the characterization is the problem. “No one is talking about this amazing stuff going on in the city,” says Brian J. Boyle, group publisher for Issue Media Group. He laments traditional media’s usual negative attitude. “[They] will tell you everyday, ‘Here are 9 reasons to get out of the city.”

Issue Media Group is a successful, for-profit company, built on providing people with interesting, positive news about cities. Founded with one weekly newsletter and a website about Detroit development news called modelD, Issue Media Group now publishes similar websites for Pittsburgh (POP City) and Grand Rapids (Rapid Growth). Lansing, Kalamazoo, Buffalo, and Cincinnati are coming soon.

Fed by advertising dollars from local businesses, government agencies, and community groups, the three extremely popular websites provide hope and positive news for cities that have some growing to do. But even if a story about a Pittsburgh entrepreneur or a flourishing Grand Rapids’ neighborhood can’t change your perceptions about the cities, the photography will. Beautiful pictures of Detroit’s riverfront, sunny photos of a Pittsburgh zen garden challenge the usual stereotypes.

“We invest a lot in photography and video production,” says Brian Boyle. “We set the standard for the online magazine.”

And, lucky for Philly, that standard may be on its way here.

“We’ve been encouraged in conversations with people,” says Brain Boyle. “We’ve started a relationship with people at the state level. There’s been talk about how we might start up there.”

Imagine a place where anyone can turn to see the most recent, positive news about Philly. A beautiful photo of the Ben Franklin bridge and the Philly skyline graces the top of the website. A witty story about Philadelphia’s student Entrepreneur Idol follows. A video about Philly’s Greensgrow Farm inspires.

Sure, not everything in Philadelphia shimmers and glitters in the way I just imagined. But it’s important to perceive the positive, the powerful and the change. Not everything in Philadelphia reeks of SEPTA either.

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