The internet is awash with photography websites because there's always something new to learn about photography. Even if you're a pro shooting full frame with a huge collection of lenses at your disposal, there will still be tips and tricks out there to expand your skillset. If you're just starting out it can seem like the mountain of information is never ending. The web is an amazing resource, but sometimes too much choice can be confusing.
We've narrowed down the vast amount of websites out there to the cream of the crop that will really take your skills to the next level. If you'd like to learn more about taking stunning photographs, gain inspiration from expert photographers and develop your camera craft, dive into our list of top picks.
Feeling inspired to start snapping? Take a look at our guide to the best cameras (opens in new tab) for creatives.
01. Digital Camera World (opens in new tab)
Digital Camera World is the world's fastest-growing photography website, covering every aspect of image-making, from DSLRs and photo editing to mobile photography and drones.
Through informative tutorials, no-nonsense reviews and in-depth buying guides, DCW helps photographers find the best gear, and shows them how to use it. Full disclosure: it's one of our sister titles, also made by Future Publishing.
02. Cambridge in Colour (opens in new tab)
Cambridge in Colour is a learning community for photographers. As well as tools and tutorials, it has an active online forum where you will get answers to the most obscure of your questions. There are over 20,000 active participants everyday so there will always be someone there to help you out. It's free to register so if you prefer to do your learning in a forum environment, this is definitely the resource for you.
03. Photography Life (opens in new tab)
Founded by a photography fanatic and with a roster of equally dedicated writers, Photography Life is an excellent source of news, articles and reviews. It's also a fantastic place to find plenty of how-to guides, from beginners' tips through to more advanced tutorials covering things like heavyweight technical matters and even running a photography business.
04. Fstoppers (opens in new tab)
Starting out in 2010 as an online community aimed at educating and inspiring photographers, Fstoppers has grown since then into a massive photography resource that's packed with news, opinion pieces and tutorials. There's plenty of inspiration to be had from its gallery of users' photos, as well as its Photo of the Day competition, and its online groups are the ideal place to talk photography, share your work and get feedback from the community.
05. Camera Jabber (opens in new tab)
Built by photographers for photographers, Camera Jabber offers up an enticing mix of news, reviews and buyers' guides, on everything from phone cameras and DSLRs up to the latest action and 360 cameras.
You'll also find a wealth of how-to material that'll take you through the photographic basics and on to more specific guides on things like editing your shots and building a portfolio. It's updated daily, and always worth checking in to see what's new.
06. British Journal of Photography (opens in new tab)
The British Journal of Photography has been around since 1854, and it's kept up with the times since then. Its website is a great accompaniment to the venerable magazine, serving up thought-provoking photography and fresh perspectives every day.
And its student and professional awards are a great way to discover new talent – or, indeed, to get your own photography skills recognised.
07. DIY Photography (opens in new tab)
Started in 2006 as a place for gear-lusting photographers, DIY Photography is a great place to pick up expert advice and read about the latest kit.
Again written by photographers for photographers, it's heavy on the tutorials with hundreds of useful how-to articles online, plus a whole load of DIY articles that'll help you build your own gear rather than splashing out on expensive kit.
08. iPhone Photography School (opens in new tab)
Just because you don't have a heavyweight camera, it doesn't mean that you can't take beautiful photos. iPhone Photography School has one simple aim: to help you take better photos with your iPhone than most people can with a DSLR. It does this with plenty of in-depth tutorials covering photography techniques and photo editing, as well as inspiring articles and regular competitions so you can pit your newfound skills against others.
09. Digital Photography Review (opens in new tab)
Touted as the number one destination for everything digital photography-related, Digital Photography Review is bursting at the virtual seams with all the sector's latest news and product reviews.
Complete with video tutorials, buying guides and forums, there's plenty on this photography website to keep you hooked and clicking back for more.
10. The Spruce: Photography (opens in new tab)
Written by a host of photography experts, The Spruce: Photography is both an advice centre and a repository of extensive further reading. Once you're on this website's photography channel, you'll be clicking from one useful video to another before veering off down a rabbit hole of enlightening articles. There's plenty to enjoy – just make sure that you don't get lost.
11. Digital Photography School (opens in new tab)
Digital photography enthusiast Darren Rowse is the man behind Digital Photography School, a site that aims to help photographers get the most out of their cameras. With sections including photo tips, gear and post-processing, all the essentials are well covered.
12. Strobist (opens in new tab)
Strobist is about one thing: Learning how to use off-camera flash with your DSLR to take your photos to the next level. Or the next 10 levels. If you're a complete beginner at lighting, no worries. The free Lighting 101 course starts from the very beginning, and can get you up and running fast.
13. 500px (opens in new tab)
If it's inspirational images you're after then look no further than 500px. Founded by Oleg Gutsol and Evgeny Tchebotarev, this online photography community is a place to gain exposure, find inspiration and connect with other photographers. With a library of over six million photos you'll never run out of pretty pictures to look at and feel inspired by.
14. The Photo Argus (opens in new tab)
The Photo Argus is an online resource for photographers – from novice users to advanced pros. The site provides useful information, inspiration, techniques, photographer showcases and more. Find what you're looking for using the organised topic sections or browse through the Popular Posts and the most up-to-date articles on the homepage.
15. PetaPixel (opens in new tab)
PetaPixel is a website offering tutorials, news and kit. The tutorials are imaginative and practical, offering videos and screen grabs to guide you through each step.
Equipment covers new camera, lens and other photography kit announcements, but doesn't include reviews (you'll need to look elsewhere for those). News covers all sorts of interesting developments in the photography world – both hilarious and informative.
16. Photography Week (opens in new tab)
While not technically a website, Photography Week is a digital magazine, so we're including it here. Packed with beautiful photography, it offers heaps of fresh inspiration every week.
Full disclosure: It's another of our sister titles, also made by Future Publishing. Get it on iPad and iPhone (opens in new tab), Android (opens in new tab) devices or through Zinio (opens in new tab) for multiple devices, including computers.
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