In today’s world, photographers who want to showcase their work and expand their reach must establish a strong online presence.
A website is now a requirement, not a luxury, for all photography careers. Having your own website can let you benefit from many things, like creating a portfolio page showing your best works in high resolution, which will establish you as a serious photographer.
Building a photography website can be difficult and time-consuming. However, if you use WordPress, even if you are not adept at coding, you can easily create your photography website.
To build a Photography Website you need to follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Plan and Domain Name
Step 2: Set Up WordPress
Step 3: Select WordPress Photography Theme and Update Content
Step 4: Create Contact Us Page
Step 5: Write Articles About Photography
Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Plan and Domain Name
All websites require web hosting, which is a necessary service that allows your website to be accessible over the internet. When a user types your website’s domain name in their browser, the hosting server that you use will send the website’s files to the user’s device and display them.
There are tons of web hosting providers from which to host your photography website. Here are some features to consider when choosing a web hosting provider: speed, security, support, and the cost.
To help you, here are some of the strongest web hosting companies suitable for photography websites that offer these features: Bluehost, HostGator, WP Engine.
Since 2005, WordPress has suggested Bluehost because they know how to optimize WordPress websites better than most providers. We will use Bluehost as an example in this post, but if you prefer another web hosting service, you can choose HostGator or WP Engine. Almost the same steps.
On average, a domain name costs $10.99 per year, and web hosting costs almost $9.99 per month. In reality, these costs might be too expensive for a photographer with several expenses to pay, such as camera equipment and editing software.
We have previously recommended Bluehost, and this is why. They provide a free domain name and a 70% discount on web hosting for our readers, as well as a free SSL certificate that ensures the security of your customers’ credit and debit card information.
To get started, click the button below. They have low monthly fees, starting at $2.75.
[Click Here to Claim this Exclusive Bluehost Offer]
Go to Bluehost and click the “Get Started Now” button. You’ll be taken to a page where you can choose a hosting plan for your photography website.
We recommend that you use the Basic or Plus plan because they are the most popular and suitable for your website’s needs.
After picking a plan, you will be sent to a new page where you can choose your domain name.
It is important to get the perfect domain name for your photography website. Your domain name should be memorable, unique, and reflect your photography career and the services you offer.
The best name to choose for your photography website is your own name, this will help you build a personal brand, but if this name is already used, try combining photography-related keywords into your domain name.
After picking your domain name and clicking the “Search for Domain” button.
We recommend leaving all these additional features enabled. If you prefer to disable them, you can reactivate them whenever you like.
After making your selection, simply click the “Continue to Checkout” button to move forward.
To complete your purchase, you will be required to provide your payment information. Simply provide the required information and click the “Submit Payment” button.
After that, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your control panel (cPanel). This is your photography website hosting dashboard, where you can handle everything from emails to support and security, as well as where we will use WordPress software.
Step 2: Set Up WordPress
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) used by more than 40% of all websites worldwide.
WordPress will help you create and manage your photography website without the need for complicated technical knowledge.
Setting up WordPress with Bluehost is really fast and straightforward. When utilizing our links to sign up, Bluehost understands you want to use WordPress for your website, so they will set up WordPress on your website’s domain. You just have to do a few simple things to make it ready.
Now you must log in to the Bluehost control panel and navigate to the “Websites” tab. Then, click the “Add Site” button.
Next, choose “Install WordPress” and hit the “Continue” button to proceed.
Next, you can enter a “Site Title” or skip this step and add it later if you prefer.
Next, type in the domain name you registered and click the “Continue” button to proceed.
After that, the Bluehost installer will quickly set up your photography website.
Then you will receive an email with all of your website’s details. You can access your WordPress dashboard by by going to “yourdomainname.com/wp-admin”.
Now that the setup of WordPress is complete, you are only a few steps away from creating and sharing your photography website with the world.
Step 3: Select WordPress Photography Theme and Update Content
WordPress themes are created by experts to help you create your photography website quickly and easily, even if you have no coding experience.
You have a wide range of premium and free WordPress photography themes to choose from. We recommend getting a premium theme, as they offer regular updates to improve features and fix bugs. You can also request assistance from their support team if needed.
We suggest selecting one of these three themes, which are the most popular and reliable themes for photography websites: Novo, Aurel, Blacksilver.
The Novo theme will be used as an example in this article. If you want a different photography theme, you could go with Aurel or Blacksilver. The steps are nearly similar.
Novo is an excellent WordPress theme designed for photographers, photography agencies, videographers, and other photography-related businesses.
This photography theme is compatible with popular plugins such as Elementor, WooCommerce, and Contact Form 7. It includes ready-made pages such as Booking, About Me, Services, and Shopping. The best thing is that you’ll get free lifetime updates as well as six months of customer support. They also provide detailed documentation to help you design your photography website. Click here to access the theme’s documentation.
After purchasing one of the previously recommended themes, you must now obtain the zip file for that theme. Simply go to your Themeforest account’s “Downloads” page, click the “Download” button in your theme, and then select “Installable WordPress file only”.
Once you have downloaded the theme’s zip file, go to your WordPress admin dashboard. From there, go to “Appearance,” then “Themes,” and select “Add New”. Choose the option to upload a theme by clicking on “Choose file” and selecting the theme zip file you downloaded. Finally, click the “Install Now” button to complete the installation.
After that, click the “Activate” button.
Because each theme requires different plugins to work properly, it’s important to install both the required and suggested plugins for your theme. Simply click on “Begin installing plugins”.
Select all the plugins, then choose “Install”, and click the “Apply” button.
To activate the required plugins, click “Return to Required Plugins Installer.” Then, select all the plugins, choose “Activate,” and click the “Apply” button.
Congratulations on completing the installation of your theme! The next step is to import a demo into your website. By importing a demo, you gain access to pre-designed layouts and styles that serve as the foundation for your website. These demos can be customized with your own content, enabling you to create a truly unique and professional photography website.
The method of importing demos may differ depending on the theme you choose. However, all the themes we mentioned provide comprehensive documentation that guides you through the process of importing demos tailored to their specific theme.
For instructions on how to import the Novo theme demo, you can find a step-by-step guide by clicking here.
The Novo theme works well with the Elementor plugin, which is considered the top choice for customizing websites.
With Elementor, you can simply edit the content and look of your website, even if you have no coding knowledge.
To edit a page on your website using Elementor, navigate to the “Pages” section in your WordPress dashboard. From there, click the “Edit with Elementor” button on any page you want.
You can now effortlessly modify and customize the page content directly from the Elementor panel.
The gallery page is one of the main pages on your photography website. It presents your finest and favorite photographic pieces, offering visitors a full picture of your portfolio. Through this page, people can comprehend your unique style, creativity, and skill.
The gallery page is pre-designed within the Novo theme. To make it ready for use, you only need to update a few settings. Click here to learn how.
Another important page that deserves a place on your photography website is the About Me page. It serves as a valuable source of information about you as a photographer or your photography business.
The Novo theme offers a pre-designed About Me page that is ready for immediate use. To personalize it, simply update the content of the page directly from the WordPress dashboard.
Including a booking page on your photography website is highly recommended. This page serves as a convenient way for visitors to easily contact you, especially potential clients interested in hiring your services or seeking further information about what you offer.
The Novo theme offers a pre-designed booking page that is ready for immediate use. You can customize your booking page directly from the WordPress dashboard.
The Novo WordPress photography theme has many other features that you can explore on the theme web page and in the documentation. If you face any difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact their support assistance, and they will assist you in solving all issues.
Step 4: Create Contact Us Page
Every website on the internet should include a contact page, allowing visitors to send their inquiries and questions.
Including a contact page on your photography website is a great way to engage with your customers. It also allows them to connect with you without leaving your website.
The majority of premium photography themes offer a pre-designed contact page that is ready for immediate use. All you need to do is customize a few settings to tailor it to your specific requirements.
Additionally, you have the option to use the WPForms plugin to create a contact form that can be seamlessly integrated into your existing contact page.
The WPForms plugin offers a convenient drag-and-drop form builder, empowering you to effortlessly create contact forms and payment forms within a matter of minutes.
First, you need to install the WPForms plugin and activate it on your website.
You have the option to utilize the free WPForms version, known as WPForms Lite, or upgrade to the premium WPForms Pro version, which offers enhanced functionalities and additional features.
To generate a new form, access your WordPress dashboard and click on the “WPForms > Add New” button.
Next, provide a name for your form and choose a template labeled “Simple Contact Form”.
Afterward, the drag-and-drop form builder interface will open. On the left side, you will find a variety of available fields that you can incorporate, while on the right side, you will see that the contact form template is ready to use. Proceed to click the “save” button and close the WPForms builder.
Now, you need to access the “Pages” section in your WordPress dashboard, and within the contact page row, click on the “Edit with Elementor” button.
Next, use the search bar to find “wpforms”, locate the “WPForms” widget, and place it in the desired section. Select the form you previously created in the WPForms builder. Finally, click the “Update” button located at the bottom.
Your contact page is now fully prepared to receive messages from your customers. Feel free to test it out, and in the event of any issues, I suggest reaching out to the customer support team for your photography theme. They will promptly assist you in resolving any issues you may encounter.
Step 5: Write Articles About Photography
There are numerous reasons why you should write articles for your photography website. By sharing your knowledge, skills, and expertise in photography through articles, you build trust with visitors and increase the likelihood of them considering your services for their photography needs.
You can use various methods to write articles for your photography website.
The first one is to write your own articles. Initially, it may be challenging to create a long article focused on a single topic, but as you start writing, your skills will progress and enhance gradually with practice.
The second method is to hire a writer to create articles for your photography website. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide access to talented writers who can create content tailored to your specific needs.
The final method is to use Jasper, an AI tool designed to assist you in generating articles on a wide range of topics in under 10 minutes. Additionally, Jasper provides video tutorials that guide you through the process of writing articles effortlessly.
Final Thoughts on Building a Photography WordPress Website
In this article, we present a comprehensive guide on how to create your photography website using WordPress, regardless of your familiarity with coding.
These are the steps that have been addressed in this comprehensive guide.
Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Plan and Domain Name
Step 2: Set Up WordPress
Step 3: Select WordPress Photography Theme and Update Content
Step 4: Create Contact Us Page
Step 5: Write Articles About Photography
After completing your photography website, remember to incorporate it into your business cards, brochures, flyers, and social media profiles.
Having read the article, if you require further assistance, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page. We’ll do our best to assist you in creating your website.
