12 magazines and blogs that every photographer should check out

In print and online, these are the best places to find visual inspiration, tips and tutorials, and expert advice on photography.

Image licensed via Adobe Stock

Image licensed via Adobe Stock

In the world of photography, you never stop learning, so staying inspired and informed is crucial. Whether you're a budding amateur or an experienced professional, there are always new techniques to learn, new equipment to try, new perspectives to consider, and industry news to keep on top of.

Thankfully, there are a number of high-quality photography magazines and blogs that can help you do so.

To help you find the best resources, we've curated a list of the best photography publications available today. Both online and in print, these titles will provide a wealth of insights, tutorials, reviews and breathtaking imagery to ignite your passion.

1. Magazines to devour

Aperture: From its base in New York, Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide through an acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance "creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs," Aperture champions photography's vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society. Packed with interviews, features and incredible work, its magazine is a must-read for serious photographers everywhere.

British Journal of Photography: Operating since 1854, this is one of the world's oldest photography magazines and has still very much got it. New issues come every two months and typically combine profiles of rising photographic artists with detailed analyses of historical figures. BJP, as it's commonly known, is also home to some of the photography industry's most prestigious awards, and its in-house agency connects the best photographic talent with major international brands.

Digital Camera: If you're a beginner or keen amateur photographer, Digital Camera features tips, tutorials and hands-on projects to help you improve your technique. It also features reviews of the latest equipment, interviews with famous photographers, and masterclasses on different photographic topics written by leading experts. Every four weeks, there's a new issue, adding up to 13 editions a year.

Black & White: Black & White is a specialist resource for connoisseurs and collectors of black and white fine-art photography. While black-and-white photography is often thought of as a medium of the past, recent years have drawn more enthusiasts into its community, with many participants using digital-format cameras to create black-and-white images. B&W believe that its title has been a factor in the accelerated growth of this medium and aims to continue to be so. There's a new issue every calendar month.

2. Blogs that inspire

DPReview: If gear reviews are what you're after, DPReview is a must-visit. They offer in-depth camera reviews and comparisons, keeping you updated with the latest photographic technology. Founded in 1998, their mission is to provide the most authoritative coverage of digital photography gear in the world, including news, articles and expert reviews. They have probably the most comprehensive database of consumer digital cameras on the web and provide an open, active forum and useful tools for their community.

Fstoppers: Fstoppers was founded in 2010 by Patrick Hall and Lee Morris as a web community for photographers, videographers and other creative professionals. It's since become one of the top online resources for photography lighting, gear reviews, business tips, behind-the-scenes and industry news.

Petapixel: Established in 2009, PetaPixel is an online publication that aims to inform, educate and inspire in all things photography-related. With a fantastic mix of news and current events in the photography world, along with reviews and op-eds, it's a great place to find the pulse of the industry's latest developments.

3. Niche blogs for specialised interests

DIY Photography: For the tinkerers out there, this blog focuses on DIY photography and video projects and hacks, helping you get more creative with your gear. Its website offers a wide range of content for enthusiasts and professionals, from featuring talented artists to providing in-depth gear reviews. You'll also find tutorials, tips and tricks of the trade, and news of industry trends here.

Shotkit: Ever wondered what gear your favourite photographers use? Shotkit offers a sneak peek into the camera bags of famous names worldwide. Founded by Mark Condon, a half-English, half-Japanese photographer living in Australia, this distinctive blog also features gear reviews, photography tutorials, software reviews, business advice and more.

4. Platforms that promote emerging talent

Feature Shoot: Emphasising photography as an art form, Feature Shoot showcases work from up-and-coming photographers from around the globe. Started in 2008 by Alison Zavos, it's since amassed an archive of over 4,000 photographer profiles. With contributing writers from all over the world and a wide range of interests, you'll find contemporary work here in all genres of photography, including fine art, documentary, portrait, still life and landscape.

500px ISO: The blog of the photo-sharing platform 500px, ISO provides inspiring stories, photo tutorials, and photo stories from the community. Head here to meet inspirational photographers and discover how they capture their best images.

LensCulture: A platform dedicated to discovering and promoting the best of global photography, LensCulture conducts contests, offers reviews and publishes stories to push the boundaries of the medium. Their mission is simple: to discover the best contemporary work and share it with the largest audience possible.

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