Summary. Photographers have unique needs when it comes to website design. Many photographers use Facebook or have a free blog that points to an online collection of photo galleries hosted on Flickr or Picasa.
Those wanting to take things up a notch can create a full website to showcase their photography portfolio. WordPress.com offers an elegant, simple, and low-cost solution for most people needing a website. For $17 a year, you get website hosting and domain registration.You get the ability to have a multi-authored site, with hundreds or thousands of pages and articles (documents). The site templates are optimized for viewing on iPad, iPhone, or any computer. Photo gallery capabilities are built-in and a dozen photo/image-centric themes are among the 165 available themes. WordPress.com is an example of a content management system (CMS).
Specialized Photography Websites. Some website hosting companies offer themes and easy-to-use website management tools specifically designed for photographers needing photo/image-centric websites. These are also ideal for architects, musicians, bands, artists, painters, graphic designers, actors, and others who depend on having a dynamic and striking presentation of photos and images.
Directory. Below is a directory of photographer focused website hosting companies.
“We understand creative professionals because we are creative professionals. Every employee has achievements within their fields, and a passion for people and creative businesses. Our diverse experiences enable us to meet the diversity of our clients. Our team has lived in over 30 US states, 2 territories and 6 countries. The web is constantly changing and we strive to keep up. Support agents go through a rigorous training before they ever start helping customers. After that, we have monthly trainings and many “check this out” meetings to keep our knowledge and skills cutting edge. Regardless of whether you are just getting started or have been with Photobiz for a long time, you can call us as often as you need. We are here for you. We are here to answer questions as simple as moving pages to as complex as setting up SEO strategies.” [More…]
“In 2005, a bunch of friends got together over dinner to discuss the future of photography and how digital cameras and the Internet would change the industry. PhotoShelter was the outcome of that conversation. Six years later, our family has grown, but we’re still creating professional-quality tools and websites that make it easier for serious photographers to succeed. We’re happy to meet you!” [More…]
“At Zenfolio we believe that a beautiful photograph requires an equally impressive viewing experience. And because every photo tells a story, we’ve made it our business to display them with the same precision and attention to detail that went into making them. Drawing on our own passion for photography, Zenfolio, Inc was founded in 2004. Since then, we’ve worked hard to create a place online where photographers – both amateurs and professionals – can organize, display, and sell their images with uncompromising quality.” [More…]
“Most Internet companies dream of selling to bigger ones, and getting rich. We don’t. We dream of an independent company devoted to nothing but your priceless photos. A company that backs up your precious memories so they’re safe and sound. A profitable, debt-free company. That earns your fanatical loyalty. We’re living that dream. 100 employees. Hundreds of thousands of ecstatic customers. Billions of photos and counting. We’ll always be smaller than the photo-sharing divisions of giant companies. Which is a very good thing. Want to join the family?” [More…]
“SiteWelder launched in October 2002 as a powerful software tool to provide an easy-to-use online interface for photographers, artists and other creative professionals who want to create and dynamically maintain web sites. SiteWelder was originally created as a product of Tango Interactive, where we have been creating web sites for individuals and companies since 1996. Our clients at Tango Interactive have included Photo District News, Kodak, Sanyo Fisher, the InterAmerican Development Bank and a wide variety of individual photographers and photographic organizations.” [More…]