How To Start A Photography Blog [Exact Steps To Take]

If you’re a photographer looking to showcase your work and build your online presence, starting a photography blog is a great way to do it.

Not only can you share your images and thoughts on photography, but you can also attract new clients and connect with other photographers in the industry. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to start your own photography blog.

Let’s turn those picture-perfect moments into an engaging digital narrative!

Key Takeaways

  1. Narrow down your photography focus—be it wedding, portrait, or travel photography—to become an expert in that niche, attracting a more targeted audience and establishing your expertise.
  2. Select a suitable blogging platform like WordPress, Ghost, Wix, or Squarespace that aligns with your technical comfort and offers the necessary customization and design options for showcasing your photography.
  3. Regularly post captivating, well-crafted content supported by your best photography work, using natural light and storytelling to engage readers and establish credibility in the photography community.
  4. Explore multiple monetization avenues such as Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, selling prints, stock photos, and photo editing presets to create additional revenue streams from your photography blog.

Why Start a Photography Blog?

A blog is an online platform for creating and publishing content.

A photography blog, or photoblog, represents a unique type of blog centered around sharing and showcasing photographs. Unlike traditional blogs, photoblogs emphasize photography as their main focus rather than textual content.

how to start a photography blog

A photography blog may feature other types of content such as:

  • Equipment Reviews: Photography blogs frequently include reviews of camera gear and discussions about optimal products for achieving the perfect photograph.
  • In-Depth Tutorials: A photography blog may specialize in tutorials that guide readers through achieving outstanding snapshots.
  • Personal Stories: Photography bloggers enjoy sharing their personal experiences, often offering intricate narratives about capturing their finest shots and the dedicated efforts behind their accomplishments.
  • Guides: Certain photography bloggers extend their expertise by offering premium equipment recommendations, aimed at giving newcomers the best possible start in the world of photography.

Starting a photography blog offers many benefits. Let’s explore some of the most impactful ones.

Attract a wider audience and new clients

By regularly showcasing your captivating and beautiful pictures, people will get drawn to your blog. These stunning visuals not only attract photography enthusiasts but also potential clients.

Promoting your latest blog posts across various social media platforms like Instagram can significantly boost your blog traffic and as the audience grows, so does the possibility of converting followers into clients.

Establish yourself as an expert in your field

Becoming a recognized authority in your photography niche is possible with a photo blog. Start by selecting a specialized area within the broad domain of photography that you are most passionate and knowledgeable about.

Wedding photography, travel shots, food photos – whatever it may be, you can showcase your unique perspective and professional skills with a blog.

Create additional revenue streams

Monetizing your photography blog can help you create additional revenue streams. There are numerous ways to make money with your blog and we will explore them later in depth.

How to Start a Photography Blog

Starting a photography blog that makes money is relatively straightforward.

I should point out that while starting a photoblog is relatively straightforward, building a dedicated audience and making your photoblog successful requires time, effort, and continuous improvement.

Here are the steps to start a photoblog:

Find your photography niche

The first step in choosing your photography blog niche is to identify your specialty. Brainstorm different ideas for your photography blog’s niche.

What type of photography are you most passionate about?

Do you specialize in wedding photography, portrait photography, or landscape photography? Once you have identified your specialty, you can start to narrow down your niche.

For example, if you specialize in wedding photography, you could focus on destination weddings, elopements, or same-sex weddings. If you specialize in portrait photography, you could focus on family portraits, newborn photography, or pet photography.

By narrowing down your niche, you can become an expert in your field and attract a more targeted audience.

After you have established that, explore different angles and themes that can make your blog stand out from the rest. There are many photoblogs out there that do what you intend to do, but you can still get people to fall in love with yours by being unique.

The bottom line is, by brainstorming creative blog ideas, you’ll be able to offer valuable and engaging content to attract readers who share your love for photography.

Choose a blogging platform

Choosing a blogging platform is a crucial decision when starting a photography blog. A blogging platform is a software or service that you use to create and publish content on the internet.

One highly recommended option is WordPress, which provides an easy and user-friendly interface for creating and managing your blog.

WordPress is great for photoblogs

There are many blogging platforms available, but WordPress is the most popular and widely used. WordPress is user-friendly, and customizable, and has a vast community of developers and users who create WordPress themes, plugins, and other tools to improve your blogging experience.

With a WordPress blog, you can customize its appearance, install WordPress plugins for enhanced functionality, and easily publish and update your posts, all from the WordPress dashboard. It also offers various free themes to choose from that are specifically designed for photography blogs.

Ghost is also an option when you are starting a professional photography blog because it gives photographers access to “the finest publishing tools worldwide,” as stated on its official website.

Ghost.org is great for photoblogs

With its streamlined interface, Ghost offers the added advantage of a diverse selection of over 100 themes, enabling you to align your photography blog with your distinct style and persona.

Wix also emerges as one of the most user-friendly choices for crafting a photography blog, catering to individuals without coding expertise.

Squarespace, another intuitive website builder, is a viable option, particularly for photographers.

squarespace for photography blog

Squarespace has a collection of templates exclusively tailored to photographers, complete with specialized features such as slideshows.

By selecting the right blogging platform, you can ensure that your photography blog has a professional look and feel while also being easy to navigate for both you and your readers.

Select a name for your blog

Choosing a name for your photography blog is a critical step in creating an online presence that grabs attention. Your blog’s name should reflect your brand and resonate with your target audience.

Think about incorporating keywords related to your photography niche to improve search engine optimization (SEO). Get creative and consider using catchy phrases or even play with words to make it memorable.

A unique and compelling blog name will help attract readers, establish credibility, and set you apart from other photographers in the online space.

Register a Domain Name

The next step is to register a domain name. A domain name is the web address that people use to access your blog. You can register a domain name through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost.

Ideally, the domain name should be the same as your blog’s name.

If you are not going to have the same domain name as the blog’s name, it’s best to choose a broad domain name that can encompass your blog’s future growth.

For example, if you plan to start a blog about portrait photography, you may want to choose a domain name that includes the word “photography” instead of “portrait photography.”

Select a Web Host

A web hosting company is a service that stores your blog’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. There are a couple of hosts you can find that are within your budget:

WordPress hosting is a good option for bloggers who use WordPress as their blogging platform.

Other hosting companies such as Bluehost, SiteGround, and DreamHost are great options for your photoblog.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose a free blog hosting service such as WordPress.com or Blogger. However, free hosting services may limit your blog’s customization and flexibility, and you may not have your own domain name.

Customize your blog’s appearance

Choose a visually appealing WordPress theme that aligns with your photography niche and enhances the overall look and feel of your blog.

Choosing the right WordPress theme is crucial as it sets the tone for your entire blog. There are many free and paid themes available, but it’s important to choose one that is visually appealing, responsive, and easy to navigate.

When choosing a theme, consider your niche, customization options, mobile responsiveness, and ratings and reviews to ensure that it’s reliable and well-supported.

Experiment with different layouts, fonts, and colors to create a unique and professional design.

On top of that, consider adding a logo or header image that represents your brand. By customizing the appearance of your blog, you can create an attractive online space that grabs attention and keeps visitors engaged.

Create Your First Blog Post

Congratulations! You’ve set up your photography blog and now it’s time to create your first blog post.

As a photography blogger, your photos are the star of the show. Here are some tips for taking better photos for your blog post:

  1. Use Natural Light: Natural light is the best light for photography. Try to shoot during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, warm light.
  2. Use a Tripod: A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blurry photos. It’s especially important if you’re shooting in low light.
  3. Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW will give you more control over your photos in post-processing. It allows you to adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without losing quality.
  4. Edit Your Photos: Editing your photos can take them from good to great. Use editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, color, and other settings.
  5. Tell a Story: Your photos should tell a story and complement your blog post. Think about the message you want to convey and choose photos that support it.

How to Monetize Your Photography Blog

As your blog grows, you may be interested in monetizing it and earning income from your photography blog.

Remember, monetizing your blog takes time and effort.

Therefore, focus on building a successful blog first, before worrying about monetization. With time and dedication, you can turn your photography blog into a successful and profitable venture.

You can monetize your photography blog in a number of ways:

Google AdSense

Google AdSense is a popular advertising platform that allows you to display ads on your blog. When readers click on these ads, you earn a small commission.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means partnering with companies that offer products or services related to photography so that you can earn a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

This allows you to recommend and promote products that you genuinely believe in, while also providing valuable resources to your readers.

Be sure to disclose your use of affiliate links in accordance with legal guidelines and always prioritize transparency and honesty when recommending products on your blog.

Selling prints

If you’re a professional photographer, you may want to consider selling your own products on your blog, such as prints or digital downloads.

Selling prints is a great way to generate additional revenue. With your beautiful pictures showcased on your blog, you can offer high-quality prints for purchase.

This not only allows your readers to enjoy and appreciate your work in a tangible form, but it also provides you with an opportunity to generate income from your artistry.

By offering different sizes or limited edition prints, you can cater to various preferences and create a sense of exclusivity for collectors.

Selling stock photos

To generate additional income from your photography blog, consider selling stock photos. By offering your high-quality images to stock photo websites, you can earn royalties every time someone purchases a license to use your photos.

This is a great way to monetize your photography skills and reach a wider audience who may be looking for unique and professional visuals for their projects. Upload your best work to reputable stock photo platforms and optimize them with relevant keywords so that they are easily discoverable by potential buyers.

Selling Photo Editing Presets

To bolster your supplementary earnings from your photography blog, consider creating photo editing presets that allow fellow photographers to streamline their editing workflows.

Develop Photo Editing Presets

Photo editing presets, also referred to as filters, plugins, or styles, encompass a collection of settings that simplify the photo editing process. They manifest as software tools or even applications.

As an expert photographer, you’ll certainly appreciate the convenience of employing presets to swiftly enhance your images, bypassing the need to configure each aspect manually.

If you are great at editing, you can create your own presets and promote them on your blog, thereby generating revenue. Here’s how you can pull this off:

  • Select a photo editing software you’re comfortable with and learn how to create presets tailored to it.
  • Experiment with assorted styles and effects, finetuning the parameters until you find the desired aesthetic or ambiance. It should ideally align with the style you are best known for.
  • Arrange your presets into categories based on the specific photography genre or aesthetic they fall under (e.g., landscape, portrait, vintage).
  • Conduct comprehensive testing of your presets across diverse image types to ensure their adaptability for various scenarios.
  • Set competitive pricing for your presets by researching the offerings of other photographers in terms of quality, quantity, and cost.
  • Market your preset collections through strategic social media advertisements, affiliate marketing endeavors, or collaborations with fellow photographers or bloggers.

By creating photo editing presets, you can tap into the demand for efficient post-processing tools, sought after by both novice and adept photographers.

Examples of Successful Photography Blogs

There are people who have found fulfillment in having photography blogs.

These successful photography blogs showcase the diverse possibilities within the realm of photography blogging, from street style and landscapes to profound human narratives.

Each of these bloggers has found a unique approach that resonates with their audience and has turned their passion for photography into a platform for creative expression and community engagement.

“Stuck in Customs” by Trey Ratcliff

Trey Ratcliff’s “Stuck in Customs” is a captivating photography blog that centers around breathtaking landscapes, cityscapes, and travel photography.

"Stuck in Customs" by Trey Ratcliff

What makes Ratcliff’s work stand out is his signature HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography technique, which results in vivid, almost surreal images.

The blog not only features stunning photographs but also provides tutorials and insights into Ratcliff’s photography process. With a massive following, Ratcliff has been recognized by various publications and exhibited his work globally.

“Stuck in Customs” serves as an inspiring resource for photographers seeking to master HDR techniques and capture the beauty of the world.

“Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton

Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York” (HONY) is a remarkable photography blog that goes beyond images to tell the stories of individuals living in New York City and around the world.

"Humans of New York" by Brandon Stanton

Stanton’s portraits are paired with compelling narratives, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives, experiences, and emotions of his subjects.

What started as a personal project has grown into a cultural phenomenon, amassing millions of followers on social media.

Stanton’s ability to capture the essence of humanity in his subjects has led to book deals, philanthropic initiatives, and a profound impact on empathy and understanding. “Humans of New York” is a testament to the power of photography to connect people on a deeply emotional level.

Todd Owyoung’s “ishootshows”

Todd Owyoung’s “ishootshows” is a well-known photography blog and online platform created by concert photographer Todd Owyoung.

Todd Owyoung's "ishootshows"

The platform is dedicated to music and concert photography, offering a valuable resource for photographers who are passionate about capturing live music performances. You can also think of it as a music blog.

Through ishootshows, Todd Owyoung shares his insights, experiences, tips, and techniques related to concert photography.

The platform features a blog that covers a wide range of topics, including photography gear, camera settings, lighting challenges, composition, post-processing, and more.

Todd Owyoung’s articles often include stunning examples of his own concert photography work, providing practical insights into the world of capturing dynamic and visually captivating live music moments.

One of the standout features of ishootshows is its emphasis on education and community building. In addition to written content, Todd Owyoung offers workshops, tutorials, and online resources to help photographers improve their concert photography skills.

The platform also fosters a sense of community by connecting photographers who share a passion for music photography.

Markus Huth

Markus Huth

Markus Huth is a photographer and blogger based in Berlin, Germany. His blog, Markus Huth Photography, is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about photography.

Markus shares regularly posts stunning photos from his travels around the world.

Markus is a talented photographer with a great eye for detail. If you are looking for a photography blog that will help you improve your skills and inspire you to take better photos, I highly recommend checking out Markus Huth.

Tips for Successful Photoblogging

Post new photos regularly

Consistent and regular posting is key to the success of your photography blog. By consistently adding fresh content, you keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Regularly updating your blog also helps search engines recognize that your site is active, improving your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Set a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s once a week or multiple times a month, consistency is crucial in building a dedicated audience and establishing yourself as an authority in the photography industry.

Promote Your Blog on Social Media

Once you’ve started your photography blog, it’s important to promote it to attract readers and build your audience.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be great tools for promoting your blog and driving traffic to your website. Here are a few tips for leveraging social media to promote your blog:

  • Create a Facebook page for your blog and invite your friends and followers to like and follow it. Share your blog posts on your page and encourage your followers to share them as well.
  • Use your Instagram feed to showcase your photography and promote your blog. Include a link to your blog in your Instagram bio and encourage your followers to check it out.
  • Engage with your followers on social media by responding to comments and messages. This can help build a relationship with your audience and encourage them to visit your blog.

Engage with your audience

Engaging with your audience is a crucial aspect of running a successful photography blog. Respond to comments and messages promptly, showing that you care about their opinions and feedback.

Encourage interaction by asking questions or encouraging readers to share their own experiences. Share behind-the-scenes stories, photography tips, or personal anecdotes to create a connection with your audience.

By actively engaging with your readers, you can build a loyal community around your blog and establish yourself as an expert in the field of photography.

Keep in mind that social media platforms are powerful tools for engagement too. Regularly update your Facebook page or Instagram feed with your latest blog posts and interact with followers through likes, comments, and shares.

This not only drives traffic to your blog but also allows you to connect on a more personal level with potential clients and other photographers in the online photography space.

Master SEO techniques

To ensure that your photography blog gets noticed by search engines and potential readers, learn the basic SEO techniques:

  • Include relevant keywords in your blog posts to help search engines understand what your content is about. However, don’t overuse keywords, as this can be seen as spammy and harm your SEO. By optimizing your content with relevant keywords, meta tags, and headings, you can improve your blog’s visibility in search engine rankings.
  • Build backlinks to your blog by guest posting on other photography blogs, participating in online photography communities, and sharing your blog posts on social media. Backlinks can help improve your blog’s authority and visibility in search engine results.Remember to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience while also utilizing SEO best practices for maximum exposure in the online photography space.
  • Use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO to optimize your blog posts for search engines. This plugin can help you optimize your post’s title, meta description, and keyword usage.

By optimizing for search engines, you can effectively promote your photography blog and attract a larger audience.

Showcase your best work

Showcasing your best work is a crucial aspect of running a successful photography blog. By sharing your most stunning and captivating photos, you can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you specialize in landscape photography, portrait photography, or wedding photography, featuring your top-notch images will help establish you as an expert in your field.

So don’t hold back – display the beauty of your work and let it speak for itself on your photography blog!

Collaborate with other photographers

Collaborating with other photographers is a great way to grow your photography blog and expand your network.

By partnering with fellow professionals in the industry, you can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and even collaborate on joint projects.

Cross-promoting each other’s work through guest posts or social media shoutouts can also help you reach a wider audience and attract more traffic to your blog.

Additionally, collaborating with other photographers allows for valuable learning opportunities, as you can learn new techniques or gain insights from their experiences.

So don’t hesitate to connect with others in the photography community and explore partnerships that can benefit both parties.

To engage with other photographers, consider the following strategies:

  • Comment on other photography blogs: Take the time to read other photography blogs and leave thoughtful comments. This can help you build relationships with other bloggers and attract new readers to your blog.
  • Guest post on other blogs: Reach out to other photography bloggers in your niche and offer to write a guest post for their blog. This can help you gain exposure and attract new readers to your own blog.
  • Participate in photography forums: Join online photography forums and participate in discussions. This can help you build relationships with other photographers and attract new readers to your blog.

Remember, when engaging with other photographers, be genuine and authentic. Don’t just leave generic comments or spam other bloggers with requests. Instead, focus on building real relationships and providing value to others in the industry.

Conclusion

Starting a photography blog can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own blog and share your passion for photography with the world.

When starting your photography blog, it is important to choose a blog name that is memorable and unique. Make sure to choose a name that reflects your style and personality. You can use a creative commons license to protect your work and allow others to share and use your photos.

When creating your photography blog, it is important to focus on creating high-quality content that is engaging and informative. You can use bullet points, tables, and bold text to make your posts easier to read and understand.

Finally, remember that starting a photography blog is a journey. It takes time and effort to build a successful blog, but with dedication and hard work, you can create a blog that stands out and attracts a loyal following. Good luck on your blogging journey!