Photography Marketing & Education

Black Book and The Alternative Pick. These creative directories of commercial photographers, illustrators and artists are typically only distributed to creative directors, designers and photo editors, but now you can access them on the Internet. The online versions show some of the best examples of self-promotional materials by photographers and include links to many portfolio websites. Also, if you are shopping for an art/photo representative, this is the place to find out who reps whom.

PhotoSource International. PhotoSource International provides an electronic "meeting place" for photographers and photo buyers.For a monthly fee, photographers can display sample images and stock lists for photo buyers to search. PSI facilitates the initial stock search but takes no commission on sales. The site also provides helpful resources to stock photographers including marketing tips, newsletters, books, etc. You can subscribe to a free weekly online newsletter that contains a wealth of photo marketing tips.

Confused by the concept of depth of field? Here’s a hands-on online example that will help you see just how this works.

Trying to figure out what payment should be for advertising or editorial use of your photos? Keep in mind that this is what the pros charge. Take a look at Advertising Photographers of America, who put together this pricing guide after polling their members.

Become a Photographer. Finally, a site that addresses the educational needs of folks looking to go into photography as a career.

And another great site, photographydegrees.org

Camera Simulator. "Test drive" apertures and shutter speeds on a DSLR with this nifty simulator.

The New York Institute of Photography, a long-time source for mail-order instruction, maintains this award-winning, often-changing website. The many photo tips here make this a site you may wish to bookmark.

Photography Colleges. This comprehensive site gives lots of great photo tips along with listings of various educational institutions, searchable by zip code.

Photography Seminars: A Community for Photographers. Here’s "virtual campus" that covers many basic and advanced photo techniques.

Web Photo School is a relatively new organization that offers online lessons from some of America’s leading photographers. Pay a nominal annual fee for access to many kinds of photographic information.