As executive gear editor at Popular Science, Stan Horaczek combines 15+ years of technical journalism with a photographer’s eye for detail. Based in upstate New York, he oversees product coverage that balances innovation with accessibility, specializing in:
"The best gear stories help readers understand not just what something does, but why it matters in their hands." - Horaczek on editorial philosophy
For nearly two decades, Stan Horaczek has carved a unique niche at the intersection of technology journalism and visual storytelling. His career began in the early 2000s as a contributor to Maxim and Stuff Magazine, where he honed his ability to dissect gadget culture for mainstream audiences. This foundation led to pivotal roles as technology editor at Popular Science (2017) and senior gear editor at Popular Photography, where he became known for blending technical expertise with human-centered narratives.
This 2024 deep dive into Kodak’s film production revival exemplifies Horaczek’s ability to technicalize nostalgia. Through factory floor interviews and emulsion chemistry explanations, he positions analog photography’s resurgence as both cultural movement and manufacturing challenge. The piece notably influenced how tech outlets cover retro-tech trends, demonstrating his knack for identifying underreported angles in saturated markets.
Horaczek’s 2023 investigation into small electronics repair businesses became a benchmark for sustainability reporting in tech journalism. By profiling third-generation repair technicians and reverse-engineering planned obsolescence strategies, he reframed the Right to Repair debate through local economics rather than purely legislative lenses.
This 2022 long-form piece showcases Horaczek’s narrative craftsmanship. Tracking the development of an ambitious pinball machine prototype, he interweaves engineering challenges with creator biographies, creating a template for covering niche hardware projects with mainstream appeal.
Horaczek consistently elevates gadget coverage by contextualizing technology within larger societal shifts. Successful pitches should demonstrate how a product intersects with trends like analog revival (see his Kodak film coverage) or maker culture. Example: His Magic Girl pinball analysis framed arcade hardware as both engineering feat and storytelling medium.
With his "best gadgets fit your specific life" philosophy, Horaczek prioritizes products that solve nuanced problems over spec-driven innovation. Pitches should highlight ergonomic details or customization features rather than raw performance metrics, mirroring his repair shop series’ focus on adaptability.
His vintage camera collection informs a distinctive editorial lens that compares contemporary tech with historical precedents. Effective pitches might draw connections between emerging technologies and their analog ancestors, as seen in his analysis of modern LED lighting vs. traditional film set designs.
Horaczek’s factory-level reporting on Kodak reveals a preference for supply chain narratives. Pitches involving unique production methods, material innovations, or labor practices stand higher chances than pure product announcements.
Despite covering cutting-edge innovation, Horaczek maintains skepticism toward vaporware. His work emphasizes tangible user experiences over theoretical applications, making AR/VR concepts less viable unless supported by shipping products.
"Horaczek’s camera expertise feels both encyclopedic and deeply personal – like getting tech specs from your most passionate photographer friend." - Journalism in the Age of Specialization Report, 2023
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Tech, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
