My New Favorite Websites for Learning Photography
My reason for searching
Since my banishment from DPReview—due to a post titled DPReview Against Photogs Receiving Credit —linking back to this Blog, I’ve been exploring the internet to find other quality outlets for learning about and sharing my passion for photography. And it’s been a positive experience. All the years I was part of the DPReview community, I joined in 2005 and have over 1100 posts, I found DPReview to often have a very toxic vibe.
I’m not the only one who feels that way. Type “toxic photo forums” into Google and you’ll find the subject listed at length. To be fair there are lots of other forums highlighted but DPReview is mentioned by name more than once.
Other Websites I’ve Found Enjoyable
PetaPixel
PetaPixel is the website Chris Nichols and Jordan Drake moved to when DPReview was in the throws of going dark. Chris and Jordan are two very likable Canadians who do a great job reviewing gear. Chris handles the still cameras and Jordan the video. Chris is a natural born presenter but both are extremely informative and do a great job making often mundane specs seem interesting.
PetaPixel has lots of Gear News, Buying Guides, Learning Photography, Podcasts, and more. They don’t have a Community, however. Maybe that’s intentional due to how nasty communities can get. Either way, they present a nice collection of all things photography on a beautifully designed website.
Fstoppers
Fstoppers is another aesthetically pleasing site that’s all about photography. You won’t find anyone as charismatic as Chris Nichols, at least that I know of, but it’s a nicely presented website with lots of great photography info. Fstoppers includes sections on Gear Reviews, Contests, and a Community as well as the latest News in the photo world.
Facebook Photo Groups
Another outlet for the photography community is Facebook. I post to lots of different photography groups on Facebook and I’ve found virtually zero toxicity in the Facebook photo groups. I’m not saying Facebook doesn’t have toxic groups, we all know they do, but the Photography Facebook groups seem to be quite civilized. Which actually surprises me. Facebook also makes it much easier to share your photographs than the other forums. But make sure you watermark your images when posting them anywhere online and in particular on social media.
MU-43 for my love of the Micro Four Thirds format
Finally, there’s MU-43 dedicated to all things related to the Micro Four Thirds format cameras. This site doesn’t seem as active as DPReview when it comes to the Micro Four Thirds cameras. But it’s active enough and provides a lot of great information for those who want to go smaller, lighter, and less expensive with their gear. Something I’ve been doing since 2008. It doesn’t have the fanciest design, but it gets the job done and offers a community experience for those using the smaller cameras.
Conclusion
So there you have it. My list of the most current websites I’m now visiting that help inspire a love for photography. Let me know in the comments if you have any favorites I’ve left out.
Steven GotzOn Sep. 29th, 2023 (2 months ago)
It isn’t free, but I have been a member of Kelbyone.com for over eight years. It helped me not only learn more about photography, but Photoshop and Lightroom as well. It also provides inspiration provided by some world class photographers.
I think it is the best of the companies I have learned from over the years.
Full disclosure, I taught a class for them.
Back in 2019 I realized they didn’t have a class on how to practice wildlife shooting using your local zoo. So, as a photographer and docent for a zoo, I proposed that I give a class and we filmed and produced it at my local zoo. It was released in 2020 just before COVID hit.
Daniel J. CoxOn Sep. 29th, 2023 (2 months ago)
Thanks for your input Steve. I’m glad you’ve found learning about PS and Lightroom inspiring with Kelby Training. However, I find that almost every educator is teaching PS and Lightroom. And quite frankly there are many other as good and better options that so few learn about. Scott Kelby is a great teacher and he’s earned a huge reputation on is work for Adobe. I just feel like the Adobe ship is not what it used to be. Lots of other great pieces of software out there. My preferred workflow tools include Mylio Photos and DXO PhotoLab. Just another point of view. Thanks for adding your voice.