29 Different Kinds of Websites Every Photographer Should Know About

Let’s be honest, there are so many photography related websites that it is nearly impossible to create an all encompassing list. Instead we’ve created a list featuring different types of websites. We’ve done our best to give examples of each category using the most popular sites, or ones that we have had good experience with. While many of these websites could have been placed in multiple categories, we’ve organized them so that they are only listed once.

 

Protest SOPA and PIPA

I don’t support piracy, but SOPA and PIPA are not the answer. You can learn more by watching the following videos.

 

Best Photos of 2011

There are many memorable photographs from this past year. We thought we would pay tribute to them by gathering a list of the best photographs from 2011. Here they are in no particular order.

 

Weekly Photo Links

We`re not able to post every story on our website, so every Sunday, we will list some interesting photography related links.

 

Clever Canon Bag

Designspiration user Arbuzov found an image of this creative Canon bag which appears to be an advertisement for the Eos 500D. I’m assuming it is an old bag considering the 500D was released back in 2009. I wish they had taken the photo with the bag around someone’s neck, as that would have completed the illusion.

 

Zazzle See It Before You Print It

In case you don’t know, Zazzle is a website that lets users upload their photographs and/or artwork and apply them to many different types of merchandise in the hopes of selling their work. They’ve just released a new tool that allows you to preview posters, prints and wrapped canvas in your own surroundings before purchasing. Simply print up the Zazzle marker and place it on the wall where you want to hang the artwork. Once you take a photo of the location with the marker on the wall, upload the image to the Zazzle website where their internal software will apply any piece of art you would like to visualize. Neat huh?

 

The World's First Social Camera

Hipstamatic is ready to launch a new iPhone app which claims to be the world’s first social camera. How does it work? Essentially, you and friends (who must also have an iPhone and the same app) get to “share a roll of film” consisting of 24 photographs. Like traditional film, you can’t see your photographs until you have finished the roll. Once all 24 photographs have been exposed, the photos are revealed to all participants. The app, called Hipstamatic D-Series, is scheduled for launch today.

 

Underwater Housing for your iPhone

This yet to be named underwater camera housing is designed for an iPhone 4 or 4s. I was unaware there was demand for such a product, but considering how widespread the iPhone camera is being used, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The handles are specially designed so that you don’t drop your phone underwater, and the housing is rated to 100 feet deep in salt water.They are currently trying to raise funds on Kickstarter where $399 will get you a limited edition Mocean Armor “Pro Kit”, assuming they meet their fundraising goal of course.

 

Google Street View in Japan - After the Disaster

Google has just released comprehensive street maps of Japan in the wake of the Earthquake which occurred back in March. They have also set up a website called Mirai kioku which stands for “Memories for the Future”. Users are encouraged to upload old photos and videos in the hopes of sharing lost memories.

 

Nikon D4 Spec Rumours

Nikon Rumors is reporting some specifications for the upcoming Nikon D4. If the specs hold to be true, then it looks like the D4 will be giving the Canon 1DX a run for it’s money. I’ve listed some of the highlights below, but be sure to follow the link to Nikon Rumors for the full report.

 

Banksy's CCTV Baby Mobile

Here’s a commentary by Banksy in terms of how much privacy we are afforded in our daily lives. Unfortunately, there is a lot of truth to this.

 

Nuclear Explosions Look Otherworldly When Photographed at High Speeds

What may look like an organic organism is actually an image of a nuclear explosion photographed 1 millisecond after detonation. A rapatronic camera, which was used to capture the image above, is capable of an exposure time of 10 nanoseconds (which is equivalent to billionths of a second).

 

X is for X-Ray Interactive Book

X is for X-Ray is an interactive book for the iPad. Written by Hugh Turvey, the book allows users to see what every day objects look like when viewed by an X-Ray. Users simply swipe downwards on the screen to turn the viewing mode from regular to X-Ray.

 

Corbis' Underground Storage Facility Holds More than 15 Million Photographs

Some of the worlds most famous and most expensive negatives and photographs are stored in a former limestone mine in Iron Mountain, Pennsylvania. The storage facility sits 220 feet underground and it’s temperatue and humidity controled to 45 degrees. Ken Johnston, the Chief Historian for Corbis, took CBS for a tour of the facility. The most interesting part of the tour for me was when they showed similar photographs of the same event by different photographers. One photo became famous and won awards, the other, bubkis.

Ken, if you are a Chief Historian, why are you handling original prints and negatives without gloves??

 

17 Years of Photography Shown Through 500 Cameras

George Eastman House has released a book covering the last 170 of Photographic Innovation. The following video shows Curator Todd Gustavson talking about specific highlights from the book.

 

The Making of the 2012 Pirelli Calendar - NSFW

The 39th edition of the Pirelli calendar, shot by Mario Sorrenti, is complete. It features 25 photographs, 18 of which are black & white, and 7 that are in colour. Watch the behind the scenes video after the break which features Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Saskia de Brauw, Lara Stone, Joan Smalls, Guinevere Van Seenus, Malgosia, Edita Vilkevicute, Kate Moss, Milla Jovovich, Margareth Made, and Rinko Kikuchi.

Please note there is nudity so this video is not safe for work.

 

Weekly Photo Links

We`re not able to post every story on our website, so every Sunday, we will list some interesting photography related links.

 

Introducing Google Currents

Google has just released their own version of an e-magazine for both the iPad and Android tablets called Currents. There are over 180 Editions so far, with photography related content from 500px, Thomas Hawk, Robert Scoble, Trey Ratcliff & Stuck in Customs. Watch the video after the jump to see the look and feel of the application. Unfortunately, at this point in time, it is only available in the United States. Boooooooooo!

 

This is Why You Need To Hire a Real Photographer

Although this is an old video, I have not seen it before, and it is quite comical. This is exactly why you should view a wedding photographer’s portfolio before signing an agreement. Here’s a tip: If you ask your wedding photographer what speed their lens is and they reply “I don’t know”, they’re not a real photographer!

 

PhotoWhoa is the Groupon for Photography

PhotoWhoa is a website similar to Groupon, except that if focuses strictly on photography related deals. They claim you can save up to 90% off certain products or services and even offer a money back guarantee in the event you are not satisfied with your purchase. It looks like they are still a relatively new site, but we’ve signed up to keep an eye out for great deals!