10 Business Photography Blogs You Should Be Reading

A large part of photography, and life in general, is constantly seeking inspiration and fresh ways of looking at life. For some of us this means exploring our world, thinking deeply and objectively about our work in order to improve. But in most cases it’s easier to just see what everyone else is doing and take ideas from that.
Now if you fall into the first category, a self-inspired genius with a constant stream of inspiration and no problems with self improvement, then I envy you. For the rest of us, keeping up with the greater world of photography is crucially important; so if you aren’t doing so currently (or just want some more ideas) here are a few blogs to get you started.

1. PHOTO LOVECAT – http://photolovecat.blogspot.com/
“a free public business resource for photographers, freelancers, and small business owners to help educate and elevate small business practices by making business building information both easy to understand and freely available.”

Not exactly what you may have picked up from the title but this blog does deliver consistently appropriate advice for anyone in the photography industry or looking to get into the industry.

2. Photo Induced – http://www.photoinduced.com/
“Whether you need help taking a better snapshot of your kids, or you want reviews on the latest photo gear, software or books. We’ll help point you in the right direction for the answers. And share our opinions from firsthand knowledge. While digital innovations in photography continue to provide us with amazing ways to share our lives, they can often be somewhat overwhelming to approach and use. Photoinduced.com will give you the means and knowledge to use these technologies in the most user friendly manner.”

This is a great resource for all around information on Photography. They cover exhibitions, competitions as well as a variety of tips and tricks. A little less professionally focused than PHOTO LOVECAT but still a great site.

3. Photofocus – http://photofocus.com/
“Photofocus is a one-stop online media site for serious amateur and emerging professional photographers interested in learning more about photography. The bulk of its posts are tips, tricks, news and reviews, aided by interviews with prominent photographers, educational screen casts and a very active community of engaged readers who regularly comment.”

Their profile basically covers it. This is a great site for learning about photography or just keeping up with photography in the world.

4. The Imaging Buffet – http://imagingbuffet.com/
“Founded by photographer and digital consultant Andrew Darlow, The Imaging Buffet is an online magazine and podcast with tips, news, reviews, and interviews about digital photography, inkjet printing, Photoshop, other imaging topics and new media. From Apple computers to Zeiss lenses, we touch on many topics that are important to working photographers, avid amateurs and novices.”

A little bit pretentious – and with good reason. This is a blog that is constantly reviewing products, exhibitions and new ideas in the industry and they do it to a high standard. Sit down and learn.

5. Photo of the Day – http://www.pdnphotooftheday.com/
“PDN Photo of the Day displays photographs selected by the editors of Photo District News, a publication for photo professionals.”

I don’t think I need to summarise any further than that. Stop by once a day for a quick hit of inspiration.

6. Cheap Shooter – http://www.cheapshooter.com/
“Photography on a budget.”
This is a great little blog for tips on being cost effective, a pretty primary concern for anyone with a small business. A lot of do-it-yourself tips and some cheap purchases as well, worth checking out.

7. Photopreneur – http://blogs.photopreneur.com/
“Photopreneur is aimed at anyone who owns a camera. The relatively low cost of digital cameras has put the means to create professional quality images in the hands of almost anyone who wants to do so. Clearly, not everyone has the talent or the knowledge to create photos that sell. But some people do, not all of them are professional, and many would like to earn money from their skills. We hope to help those people generate some income from their photography.”

This is a great site for the business minded or anyone who is serious about their photography. It’s easy to forget the commercial aspect while you’re trying to take the perfect picture, but read this and it will be painless to keep in mind.

8. Ask the Photographer – http://askthephotographer.com/
“Askthephotographer.com is a site authored by professional photographers. This is intended to be a forum where photographers can ask questions and get answers, as well as check out tutorials, photographer profiles, video podcasts, audio interviews and photo reviews. The site will also serve as a platform for some contests and giveaways.”

It’s pretty simple to see why this blog comes in handy. Advice straight from the horse’s mouth (so to speak) at a professional standard and product recommendations as well.

9. Strategy Avenue – http://strategyavenue.typepad.com/
“Strategy Avenue is a place where you can find online classes and other information to help you learn how to run your photography business. The Strategy Avenue Blog exists to help photographers learn how to start, grow and manage their business. Our mission is to get you and keep you on the road to success. We believe that road is Strategy Avenue.”

Another great one for the business aspect of photography, this is a great resource for managing and running your business and keeping on track in between taking great shots.

10. Flickr Blog – http://blog.flickr.net/en
“The companion blog to Flickr, almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world.”
Last but not least, almost everyone sharing their photos is probably using Flickr and where better to get inspired than from their own blog?