Before classifying myself as a WordPress guy, I will always be a photographer. As a photographer, I know that aside from my camera, the tripod is one of the most important tools I can have. That is why I use a Really Right Stuff tripod.
Really Right Stuff manufacturers the strongest, most durable and well-built tripods around. As an American, I am proud to say that the products are also made in the United States.
Now, when it comes to a photography website, I treat it like other important tools. That is why I use WordPress, host with WP Engine and use the Photocrati theme. Sure, I work for Photocrati, but I also believe it’s a solid theme, perfect for photographers. Let’s discuss each of these items.
WordPress
WordPress has been around for many years and has proven itself to the website world. In fact, it’s the most popular driver to websites on the Internet. Because the product is free and open source, there is a huge community where people can gather, learn, help and discuss relevant topics.
There are also many free themes (the design of the website) and plugins (added functionality for a website) available in the WordPress directories.
WordPress has given designers many opportunities to shape the future of web design, and it continues to do so.
Photocrati
As mentioned before, I do work for Photocrati. While some might say I am biased, I really do believe in the product. The Photocrati theme was coded, designed and overall built specific for photographers. However, many other creatives have found uses for the theme; for crafts, clothing designers, sculptures and more.
The Photocrati theme has been around for many years, and has continued to stay up to date on the most frequently requested features from its customers. That means that the features most desired by photographers are being added to the theme.
With the 2012 acquisition of the free WordPress gallery plugin (NextGEN Gallery), the Photocrati team has been working hard at improving and integrating the plugin into the theme. The future of the Photocrati theme is mind blowing, and photographers are going to love it.
The theme offers photographers the ability to create, manage and display beautiful galleries that put the focus on what is important… the photographs. The theme is also coded with easy customization tools so photographers do not have to learn CSS, PHP or HTML in order to customize their website. However, advanced options also exist for those who understand how to do such customization.
WP Engine
Since you are going to be using the best content management system (WordPress), and what I think is the best choice of all WordPress portfolio themes (Photocrati), you need a good hosting provider. Without strong, reliable and secure hosting, your website has many chances to crash or slow down. At Photocrati, we recommend a few hosting companies for photographers. Some of them are basic shared hosting, however if you want the best of the best (like your tripod) then WP Engine is the way to go.
What is so great about the company is they have a similar focus to Photocrati. Where we focus on photographers WP Engine focuses on WordPress. The company only hosts WordPress websites and will not accept any other content management system. That is because they are experts on the product and have developed methods of hosting that keep websites alive, fast and safe.
In Conclusion
Tripods make sure that your equipment is safe, your long exposures are not blurry and your camera is at the necessary height you need. A photography website can do the same. By using a trusted content management system, a design created specifically for photographers and a solid hosting company, you are protecting the assets of your photography after they’ve been processed and are ready for sharing.
I understand that not everyone will want the Photocrati theme, and that’s also the beauty of WordPress. There are endless possibilities and designs. But I urge you to think hard, do your research and pick something you feel most comfortable with. This also works with hosting. Don’t just settle on WP Engine because I recommended it. When considering host companies, contact them and ask questions. When ready, take the plunge.
Find the Really Right Stuff for your photography website.
Thanks for reading,
Scott
A NJ photographer, blogger and educator and the Community & Blog Wrangler at Photocrati Media.
WordPress is enormously powerful, but it’s also a security nightmare. Find me a managed hosting provider that supports keeping all of this up to date, and I’m there.
WP Engine will keep your WordPress up to date and secure. They do regular scans for bad themes and plugins, and notify users of potential issues. They will also remove vulnerable files if users do not listen.