Photo blogs a full of great photos, so why is it hard to design an awesome photoblog? As you know, great photos alone do not make a killer photo blog.
These 10 tips discuss theme and design for photo blog/gallery, and I’ll discuss later on how to organize and display the images well.
- Fast loading images is critical. When selecting the images you want to present in your photo blog, ensure that you only use the minimum size required for display. Large image sizes discourage viewers. If your photograph takes more than a couple seconds to load, viewers will likely leave your site no matter how interesting the subject matter.
- A picture is worth a thousand words, sometimes. While photographs should tell a story, providing background information about where the photograph was taken, or the work required to create the image are helpful for the viewer to gain a better understanding about the importance of your image.
- Cut the clutter. When creating your photo blog, do not upload duplicates of the same image. Photo blog viewers are interested in photography. However, do not blindly upload every image captured from your photo excursion.
- Provide a RSS feed or email subscription. Many photo blogs utilize cookie-cutter templates that do not have integrated feeds. If you are looking to build your audience, give your photoblog viewers the ability to subscribe to your blog. It’s a simple process, and a great way to grow your presence on the web. Here is a link to subscribe to my photo blog.
- Photo archives are important. When constructing your photo blog, be sure to incorporate an archiving system so viewers have an alternative method to select images. Many photo blogs only use the “previous” link for viewing photography. Let viewers choose which method they prefer by giving them options. Most blogging platforms have built-in archiving options for weekly or monthly. Depending on how active you post, selecting the monthly option is recommended for most photobloggers.
- Packaging is essential in marketing your product. You may be new to photoblogging or blogging in general. Using a default template in Blogger, Typepad, or WordPress is easy, but ordinary. There are many resources at your disposal, which can teach you on how to spice up your blog. Become a photo blog viewer. Bookmark sites that look interesting to you. Learn how to manipulate your blogging platform to create an unique design. Here is one of my favorite examples of great web design to display photos.
- Display camera information, optional. While a portion of your viewing audience are photographers who want to know technical data about each photograph displayed, the majority of photo blog viewers are people just interested in seeing great photography.
- Photo blog themes are key. Develop a niche in the world of photography. Have focus in the body of work you display. Including funny birthday pictures along with landscape photography tells the viewers you are talented, but not a serious photographer. If you specialize in landscape photography, only show landscape photography on your blog. If you also want to show off funny family pictures, start another blog for this collection.
- Be original. Pretty pictures are a dime a dozen. Sorry to be so blunt, but facts are facts. Digital photography allows for free experimentation. Look for new ways to capture traditional themes, i.e, landmarks, sunsets, etc. Be critically honest in reviewing your portfolio. What makes your work stand out from the crowd? Digital photography allows millions of people to create technically excellent photographs, but there will always be a market for photographers with an unique perspective. Don’t be in a hurry to post your images. Review, reshoot, and more review.
View our collection of hundreds of amazing photoblogs. Have a favorite you’d like to share?