Photography Websites - "Turn-key sites"
If you're starting a photography business, you will need a website to showcase your work. Alot of us will start with a photography blog or a photo gallery - there are many free or inexpensive services to choose from. Eventually, you will want a more professional look. With these, you purchase the site for a one-time fee, and typically the company can host it for you for a small monthly fee.
There are a number of photography websites to choose from and I went through vigorous research (still am) and will present the most recommended and popular websites here that the pros use. All offer Flash websites, slideshows, galleries, music options and more.
The List
Bludomain is the most popular photography websites, with tons of refreshing templates to choose from - pricepoints at $100 and $400. Many of the members here on DSC have a bludomain website and are very happy with theirs.
PROS:
- Dozens of way cool templates to choose from
- Relatively inexpensive
CONS:
- Their popularity has lead to some slow service and customer service issues
- Their popularity means that you might choose a design that other photographers in your area are using
Impressive client list of big-time photographers. Standard Templates are $225 and Premium Templates are $650. Check around for periodic specials, I purchased mine for 55% off a $650 design template. Custom designs are probably in the 5 digits from what I hear. Big Folio works hard on additional services - like their own blog (free with premium design), and its own proofing gallery which is worth looking into, but is an additional monthly service.
PROS:
- Customer Service that will knock your socks off! Website was up and running within hours and any support emails, no matter the time of day, is answered within minutes.
- Free BIG Folio Blog with premium design, otherwise $5/mo.
- NextProof proofing solution has potential
CONS:
- Bit more pricey than bludomain
- Less templates to choose from
Instead of the same templates, Clickbooq offers customizable designs. Pretty popular among photographers. Prices comes to about $800-1000/year which includes hosting, or pay a one-time fee of $1700 plus $100/yr in hosting. 5 day trial to see if you like it.
PROS:
- Powerful customization system
- Site design can change easily, not locked into one template look
CONS:
- Customizable design didn't look as professional/sleek as some of the others.
- No Email form that people can enter message and submit. You have to add your email to the page, which doesn't look as professional.
Will do their free 10-day trial website and report back. Unlimited photos, pages, and subpages (not all websites listed on this page offer that). Design collections are $395 and $595.
PROS:
- A little off the beaten trail, so I think the templates are a refreshing change.
CONS:
- Templates look more basic than some of the other offerings
Looks like a fun, eye-catching alternative! $750 for Premium design, $475 for Standard design. Like Big Folio, has its own proof system.
PROS:
- Way cool flash template, lots of motion and style
CONS:
No templates! Specializes in customized photography websites. Basic $800, Select $1700, Unlimited $3200. Must be hosted by liveBooks for $90/yr. If I were a successful photographer making tons of money, this just might be the product I would want.
PROS:
- Get your very own custom design!
- Visitor Tracking tools
- Intuitive navigation - 3 types offered
- Imports of images from your favorite editing programs, automated metadata
- Great admin backend
- SEO
- Nice client access features
CONS:
- At $3,200 plus $100/year, liveBooks is one of the most costly options here
Variety of photographer feature offerings. Not sure yet what the equivalent feature would be to all the website listings here. Perhaps their Slideshare? Audrey Woulard uses this slideshow app. The Proof system is pretty cool and intuitive compared to others I've seen. One-time setup fee, as opposed to paying every month. The Blog uses Moveable Type, but they customize it (at a hefty price). These are the folks that designed the Totally Rad Actions website!
Wow, this one is like a hidden gem. For their Friday template, you get a full client system with their own website! What a great value! I like that they include a proofing section, newsletter email list...
PROS:
- Customer reviews says that PortfolioSitez customer service is stellar
- So many features, yet so affordable!
- Unique feature: client mini sites