Photo Resources

As a photographer with a strong desire for the best tools and services, I’m constantly testing, trying, and talking about the products, websites, and companies that can help photographers do it right. Here are recommendations for things I love:

WordPress Themes: Thesis or Graph Paper Press

I love Thesis both for its easy customization via a point-and-click administration screen as well as the great SEO (search engine optimization) features. Read more about why I love Thesis, or check it out for yourself. Graph Paper Press makes several WordPress themes specifically designed for photographers. Their themes integrate very well with Photoshelter. Check it out!

Web Hosting: BlueHost or InMotion Hosting

After some frustrating experiences with various web hosts, I’ve found a couple of solid hosting options that have some different packages depending on your needs. For basic shared hosting, check out Bluehost. If you’re looking for something a little beefier, you can’t beat the offerings of InMotion Hosting (they host this site). They’ve been rock solid and reliable. When I’ve contacted their support folks with a question, they respond promptly with a helpful answer.

Slideshows (web, Facebook, iPhone): Animoto

Animoto makes it easy to create slideshows for the web, Facebook, the iPhone, and more. Sign up now to set your photos to music and turn your static photos into a fun multimedia experience.

Password Management: 1Password

A social photographer is juggling dozens if not hundreds of passwords for websites, forums, and other services. 1Password makes it easy to keep track of those passwords along with other secure information via a standalone application, web browser plugins, and iPad/iPhone application. I’m not sure how I’d manage all of this without help.

Business Card, Postcard, and Notecard Printing: Moo

Moo.com rocks high-quality, easily customized print products. Easily import your Flickr or Facebook photos and have a different photo on each card.

Email Newsletter / Mailing List Management: MailChimp or Aweber

Both MailChimp and Aweber offer powerful systems that make the management of an email newsletter list a breeze. Their services offer customized double opt-in signup forms, easy email campaign management, and great analytics. Email marketing can be powerful when done right, and both of these services help you do just that.

Books

A few book recommendations for the photographer wants to grow business and be social:

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By using the links on this page, you can check out these for yourself. Some of these are affiliate links (meaning that if you buy a product I might receive a small commission), but you can be assured I wouldn’t recommend anything that I don’t truly endorse.