Steve Tout's Blog » RangefinderMag

High Performance Websites for Photographers

Steve — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:51:35 +0000

Over the past 1 1/2 years I have had the great pleasure of writing a column on website management for Rangefinder Magazine, a popular periodical worldwide for the professional photographer. Lately I have not been able to contribute at the same pace which I started writing my column, but nonetheless the new articles will come. My latest article in the November Issue just appeared, and though the editors missed the emphasis on website performance in the title, this article is all about high performance websites. Why do I need one? How do I get one? Who else is doing it? All important questions to be asking yourself about now as you head into a new year of business in photography.

Another item of interest that the editors missed (My notes, which were supposed to be printed but weren’t) is the fact that my colleague Gabriel Paez was a key contribute to this month’s articles, providing the technical reviews of the websites showcased in the article. I owe much of the credit to Gabe. He was the Flash developer for Coffeehouse Photography website, and is a truly talented professional in this area. Thanks, Gabe!

So here’s the link if you are interested in reading it. Post your comments on my Facebook Wall, or shoot me an email.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

http://www.stevetout.com/articles/high-performance-websites-reviews.php

Securing Images Online (For Photographers)

Steve — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:14:41 +0000

Here’s a little somthing for all my photographer friends and Profitable Website Management fans out there. I took a couple months break from my regular column for Rangefinder Mag. but I’m back, and this time I have combined two subjects near and dear to me, a smashup if you will. Web security, web management and photography websites. So in my June column I dive into some issues facing pretty much every working photographer today who takes their business online.

Here’s the link for ya. (It links to the Rangefinder article, so you can trust where the PDF link comes from.)

http://www.stevetout.com/articles/web-security-for-photographers.php

Special thanks to contributing photographers who graciously allowed me to use beautiful images from their portfolio. Kenny Kim, The Photographers, Cheryl Savan and Corey Hilz.

Also, stay tuned, as I am currently collaborating with an Sr. Flash Developer with guru status on the Top 5 performance grading criteria for Flash Websites for photographers, and with evaluations of some of the top vendors specializing in websites for photographers. You’ll have to wait for further details.

I hope you enjoy. Please feel free to leave your comments on the article here in my blog, or you can share your horror stories with me at HowSecureAmI@stevetout.com.

Updating Your Website (For Photographers)

Steve — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:52:52 +0000

Hey Everyone,

Heads up…. Yet another article just appeared on the Rangefinder Website a couple days ago. This time I share my thoughts on the Top 3 Priorities for website updates for 2009. You may not get the print copy before WPPI so I wanted to make sure you had a chance to read it before this weekend. If you are like me you are super busy and have a lot on your plate, so to simplify things I reduce your website management to 3 essential ingredients. If you can do these three things well you will be ahead of the pack, and your results will speak for themselves.

So here is a link to the article. Please do me a favor and add this link to your favorite social bookmarks and let all your friends know about if (if you dig it)

http://www.stevetout.com/articles/update-your-website.php

Also just want to give props to Grant and Deb, their awesome website and allowing me to share their work with everyone who reads my column. If you want to explore their site further, visit them at http://www.grantdeb.com

It’s not too late to nominate your favorite photography website for one of my upcoming articles on Best Of Photography Websites, Spring 2009 Edition. Send your nomination to bestof@stevetout.com or post your info here.

Have a great time at WPPI this year everyone!!!

Cheers!

Spring 2009 Best Photography Website Showcase

Steve — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:28:57 +0000

Do you or someone you know have really sweet photography website? I’m working on another feature article that will appear in Rangefinder Magazine this spring to showcase the Best Photography Website on the planet, along with two honorable mentions (selected and personally reviewed by me!)

Rules:

Must be a professional photography website. (No vendors, forums or dog groomers allowed)
Must be submitted by Feb16th to be considered
Must have permission to interview the website owner (via email)
Must provide full name and contact info of the Website owner

That’s it! Yes, you may nominate your own site (although it’s way cooler if someone does this part for you) so don’t be bashful.

Post your submission here in my blog comments or email your submission to bestof@stevetout.com – Please tell me all the reasons why the Website is cool along with your post.

You will have to read Rangefinder Magazine this spring to find out who the winner is. If you are interested, you can look at the Fall 2008 Best Of article that ran way back in September to get an idea of what you are in for.

I can hardly wait to review all your submissions, so keep the nominations coming!

Thanks!