So you’re a beginner photographer looking to get your name out there? Perfect. Then your first port of call (besides getting some high tech gear and a swanky new camera) will be to create a platform on which people can view your work and contact you for commissions. The ideal medium in this regard is a blog. Not only does it give you a space to showcase your highly visual content, but it allows you to effortlessly add to and develop your portfolio as your photography skills progress. But starting a blog requires some time and some know-how to get going, and isn’t as simple as it might seem. Below we’ll take a look at some of the recommended steps to take when starting a photography blog.
Pick a reliable CMS
A CMS or Content Management System is one of the most vital aspects of your blog. It’s the framework on which everything operates and it will allow you to design and schedule your content in a quick and efficient manner. There are a number of different content management systems out there, so it’s up to you to do your research and decide which one suits your purposes best. But generally you’re going to want to choose an option that’s well-tailored for blogging, presenting your photography in an attractive and for linking to various social media platforms. As a rule of thumb, WordPress is a good choice, but it’s not the only one so be sure to shop around!
Only upload your best photos
When you start to upload your content, keep in mind that there’s no need to upload every single photo you’ve ever taken. This is going to serve as a poster board of what your clients can expect when they pay for your services, so instead of hundreds of mediocre shots, take the time to really comb through the photos you’ve taken and pick only the best ones. Of course, you can pick photos that demonstrate your mastery of certain techniques, or you can cluster together photos into themes such as road trip photos or landscapes. The take away here is that your selection should be well-curated, clean and high quality.
Ensure your contact details are easy to find
When a prospective client decides that want to hire you or buy your prints, it’s important that your contact details are easy to locate. No one wants to hunt for an email or contact form, and having your readers click endless through pages searching for information is a fast way to lose their attention and their potential dollars. So ensure that your contact information is clearly visible on the front page, or that you have a separate contact page that is easy to navigate to.
