You’re probably looking for a round-up of some of the best places to get your photography fix this year.
Over the years, I’ve accumulated a ton of places where I search for news and inspiration within the photography space. I’m positive my list is different than yours. As an Editor in Chief, I admit I’m not listing competing websites here. But, I’m listing some of my personal favorites that I have a true attachment to. So, without further adieu, here are some of the best.
Table of Contents
The Art of Photography
For a number of years I liked Ted Forbes. In recent years I feel he’s been more gear-focused, his backlog of videos is great for photographers who’ve spread their wings. Said videos focus more on the artistic side of things, and even though we’re a blog known for gear posts, there was a point where we were better known for our artist interviews. I see a lot of my own business in Ted’s channel. We’re both folks who ultimately want to lean more toward the artistic side of things, but understand that everyone is also beset with consumerism and tutorials. Best of all, Ted’s posts are significantly less clickbaity than other YouTubers, and he doesn’t use divisive tactics to get someone to click. If I had to choose a single YouTube page to go after, this would be it.
PS: Many of you may know that Ted and I had some differences years ago due to a PR agent of his. We’ve since fixed things. But even through all of that, I admit that I had a quiet respect for Ted.
The British Journal of Photography
The BJP is the one photo related publication that I have an active subscription with. As an editor who dabbles in the art and tech world of photography, the BJP is consistently the only publication on the cutting edge of the photo space. To me, they’re like PDN, but more relevant. While the latter has lost its sparkle in my eyes in the past few years, I go to the BJP on a weekly basis to figure out what is trending in the photography world. When I see a photographer there, I’m bound to see them shortly later in a museum or in some major publication. And for that reason, I can relate a lot to the BJP. When they discover someone, larger publications will often cover the same artists. (I’ve got an inkling that they found them via the BJP first.)
The BJP delivers a weekly magazine on iOS devices. The magazine is short but always well worth the read. I find it is best digested on the iPad. And they’ve got the best design I’ve seen of any photo magazine still around. Personally, I’ve also found it important to have an international take on the art world. The BJP is arguably the best in my opinion.
Artsy
Artsy is a publication that features a ton of work around the art world, but also has a section focusing around the photo world. A photographer can go to them a few times a month and consistently get their fill of inspiration. While they don’t have the depth of the BJP, I admire their take on things. Further, their layout is also well done. They’re a publication best viewed on the desktop. I always feel incredibly inspired when I leave their website.
My Modern Met
My Modern Met is a publication similar to Artsy, but more all-encompassing. They sometimes have things Artsy doesn’t have and vice versa. In recent times, I’ve seen their approach to photography convey a look at what’s incredibly important to society and life vs the art world. Perhaps that’s where they really stick out to me the most. Their photography features are similar to what you’d find in a publication like the NYTimes, but more specialized in the photo world. This is the best place to go when you want to know what’s important in the photo world.
Colossal
Colossal is similar to both Artsy and My Modern Met, but I get a different feeling from them. Every time I go to Colossal, I feel not only inspired but like I also just had fun. It’s hard to leave their website without a smile on my face. Maybe, more than anything, that’s why I keep going back to their photography section.
DPReview
The old mainstay of DPReview is one of the best places to go for camera and lens reviews. Though I feel they should be delivering a lot more for a publication of their size and budget, they’re one of the originals in the industry. They have an incredibly heavy lean on tech, though in recent years it’s seemed like they’ve become more malleable. Much of their audience is a breed that likes to hang out in forums and argue. To get the most out of DPReview, I’d suggest staying away from their forums. But if you go for the camera reviews and stuff, you’ll get one of the best perspectives on the web.
Admittedly, I started Phoblographer years ago to be something that ran alongside DPReview. Folks could go there to get super technical and lab-related results and then come to us to get something real world. I started Phoblographer knowing not all photographers shoot photos of brick walls and charts. So if you want that kind of stuff, head there.
The Digg Photos Page
Some of you that have been active on the internet for years may remember Digg. Though they’ve changed incredibly over the years, the Digg photos page is fantastically curated and always a great place to find more inspiration. If you’re a gear head or someone infatuated with tutorials, you’ll need to go somewhere else. Their page is a lot more about tackling the biggest issues pertaining to photography in addition to featuring cool projects.
Camera Labs
Gordon, the man behind Camera Labs, is the journalist that first inspired me to start the Phoblographer. When I was still working at other publications, I’d read his website and watch his videos religiously. They were great and super informational. Gordon still is all that, and he’s one of the journalists I always think of. Gordon’s tests are thorough and his reviews are super long. His videos, on the other hand, show his token charm. And I think you’ll be blessed to check them out.
Negative Feedback
Whenever anyone asks me what system I shoot for my own personal pleasure, I always tell them the same thing: film. And it’s been wonderful to watch the Negative Feedback channel grow into what it is. With just the right blend of cool, modern British street style, and information all in one spot, I adore the Negative Feedback channel. It appeals so much to the film photographer in me and it’s also one of the few that keep my attention locked.
Daniel Norton
If you want to learn about working in a photo studio, Daniel Norton is without a doubt the best in the business, along with Adorama’s Seth Miranda. While many of us grew up checking out the Strobist website to learn, I’d call Dan the modern Strobist in many ways. He teaches how to pose subjects, light, and overall just work in a studio. He’s invaluable for how he teaches you how to get it right in-camera, and that’s something I feel is becoming a lost art.
Feature Shoot
Years ago I used to read PDN. But these days I read Feature Shoot. They do what PDN does but with a far more accessible and documentary based approach. Additionally, they do Print Swaps, awards, etc. If you’re really looking for a treat, read them on mobile. Their mobile website has one of the cleanest layouts we’ve seen. As an Editor, I’m often jealous of how great the work is at Feature Shoot. Of course, we do our own great stuff, but I can’t help but sometimes say, “Ugh, I wish we got to that photographer first.”
Resource (Newly Revamped)
Resource Magazine has gone through many iterations over the years. They were a mini PDN for a while, then a website, and the current iteration of the revamped Resource magazine tackles a lot of things around social media. If you’re an influencer looking for more thought-provoking pieces, Resource is the place to go. While I’m not an influencer (and have a lot of ethical issues with them), I find Resource to be a spot to go to if you’re a small business owner in the photo world.
Editor’s Note: I feel compelled to also say that Alexandra Niki is one of the founders of DUMBO Media Co., who handles the Phoblographer’s advertising efforts.