FIND: IMAGES, INFORMATION, MODELS & HOSTS

by: Photo Start Sheet

FIND

>>> SEARCH Engines

Google.com

This Google link has No Country Redirect, useful for those outside the USA who want to explore American rather than local sites. Works in USA too (but not needed).

Google.co.uk

Search for UK-specific sites, companies, information, articles, and everything.

Bing

The Microsoft alternative to Google. With this one you get more than a simple search box: an entire portal, with news and pictures, a pull-down menu and links to other MS sites.

Yahoo!

This link takes you to the simplest entry-point to Yahoo! with a search box and a link (About this page) to some helpful tips for searching.

>>> IMAGE Search

Bing Images

Many people judge Bing Images to be superior to Google Images. It offers terrific presentation, with lots of suggestions for alternative but closely related search terms.

CC Search

Not a search engine as such, but rather a convenient access to search services provided by other independent organisations.

Google Images

Search Google specifically for images, receive pages of results, click Visit or Save. View those saved in My Saves. Share, if you want to.

Google Reverse

It may have disappeared from Google Images, but reverse image search is alive and well at Reverse.Photos. Upload your image to verify the source of photographs, screenshots and memes.

PicSearch

An image search service with more than 3,000,000,000 pictures. Frankly, that's only a fraction of what's out there, but it's very fast.

Stock Photography Sites

If you're looking for stock photography images - or you want to place your photos with a stock photo agency - this is a great index. It's ours!

TinEye

Upload an image, or search by URL. You can also simply drag and drop your images to start your search. Over 26.3 billion images. Now that's more like it.

Yahoo! Image Search

Like the general Yahoo! Search, it's just a box, but it let's you search a database of millions of images around the net.

>>> FIND a Photographer

Photography Directory

This directory lets you find a photographer anywhere in the world. Photographers add themselves to it, but every listing is manually reviewed by the editors.

Photographer Central

"Discover your perfect photographer" by searching by type (e.g., wedding, portrait) and geographic area. USA and International. Brilliant!

Production Paradise

THE place to go if you're a media professional seeking a specialist photographer, film crew, support staff & services, locations, and much, much more. Worldwide.

Smartshoot Creatives

"Helps the world's leading brands shoot compelling photos and videos in thousands of locations to their brand guidelines."

ONLINE GALLERIES

>>> PHOTO: Communities

500px

A huge worldwide photography community and marketplace that has mushroomed in recent years. Its mission: "To enable and reward visual creativity in everyone."

Flickr

Part of the Yahoo! empire, Flickr gets 25million+ photos uploaded, on a good day, by photographers in over 60 countries.

PBase

Friendly community of photography enthusiasts, strong on travel, landscapes, cityscapes and portraits. Has a useful Search by Camera feature.

Photo.net

The place "where photographers inspire each other." With main categories: explore, learn, discuss, photo.net is host to millions of shots, has free classes, and 40+ forums.

Smugmug

For "memory makers, enthusiasts, and professionals," SmugMug is a family business that has successfully challenged the big guys. It lets you showcase, share...and sell.

Google Photos

"Free storage and automatic organisation for all your memories." It's been called "The best photo product on Earth" by The Verge. What do you think?

YourShot:NatGeo

National Geographic's YourShot invites people to share their work. "Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, share your best photos with us."

More...

If none of the above appeal, here's a blog post with a longer list of over 100 sites, from ("Learn HTML code, tags & CSS") html.com.

>>> PHOTO: Sharing

Behance

"Showcase and discover creative work." That's the challenge Behance gives: and many take it up. The successful ones end up in the Curated Galleries.

BlipFoto

"Keeping your photo journal couldn't be easier," says BlipFoto. Make new connections, improve your photography, share with friends or the world.

Cincopa

"Create a photo gallery for your website." Use the Cincopa wizard to create a gallery, then embed it into any web page that accepts HTML.

Cluster

This site takes a different approach. It's a simple sharing site. "Private group sharing with friends and family."

DotPhoto

"Unlike some competitors, we never sell your data, and we never display ads." Photo sharing, with storage, printing and sales opportunities.

Lattice

Shows off the work being done by PhotoShelter users. Nicely designed site with clear - and big - thumbnails.

PhotoBucket

Get a free account and start uploading. It's that simple. There are premium plans, too, with unlimited sharing - and reselling.

ViewBug: Contests

Sharing, with a difference: contests! "20 new photography contests every month; judged by world-renowned professional photographers..."

>>> PORTFOLIO: Hosting Sites

22Slides.com

This website builder allows different parts of each page to be controlled independently rather than providing rigid, hard-to-alter templates.

PhotoFolio

Formerly APhotoFolio, this site has changed its name but not its vision. It's one of the most sophisticated portfolio website builders, used by professionals.

Adobe Portfolio

One of the most popular self-build portfolio sites. "Over a million creatives use Portfolio to showcase their work."

AllYou

Simple to use, it allows everyone to set up a personal website in just a few clicks. Template-based. Designed in Zurich, Switzerland.

BigBlackBag

No Flash. Just pure HTML. That's a good start! Responsive template design scales your website to any sized device. E-commerce tool lets you sell your work.

Carbonmade

Home to well over a million portfolios, this one has some very attractive templates, "so nice you'll think they're Canadian." Cheerful, clean presentation.

Dunked

The home page is interactive: move the photos around and see how easy it is. Embed audio and video from sources such as YouTube and Flickr. Add HTML if you must.

FolioLink

"Websites for the creative." Features include control of image sizes online; anytime layout switching; unlimited info pages; and batch upload.

Format

Used by creative professionals in over 190 countries. Gives you complete control over your online portfolio without needing to code.

Fotomerchant

A simple and efficient online platform built for professional photographers. It's aimed at those who want to get client proofing and conduct e-commerce.

Krop

A combination of portfolio hosting and creative industry job board. The idea is to promote individual creative talents to co's wishing to hire them.

Livebooks

Allows users to create a website "in less than an hour" with customisable templates. (If it doesn't, you've lost only an hour!) Free trial.

Neon Sky

Not your average portfolio site. Offers three sites to address multiple markets; with multiple languages; blog integration; tablet/mobile versions.

Photoshelter

Template-driven websites, no coding required. Has built-in shopping cart & partnerships with major print labs. Access from any device.

pixpa

Portfolio websites with integrated e-commerce, client proofing and blogging tools. No coding needed. Used by thousands of photographers, artists, and designers.

SquareSpace

It "powers millions of websites across hundreds of industries for people just like you." Somehow, it seems to make everyone's work look good.

Tumblr

Our selection would not be complete without Tumblr, where anything - and everything - goes. It has half a billion blogs - and it displays photos prominently.

Viewbook

You can use the simple design interface to develop your own website and galleries with this service from an independent company based in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Weebly

Build your own online store, create a website, and obtain your domain name with this service used by 40 million entrepreneurs around the world.

Zenfolio

Showcase & sell your photography with this all-in-one e-commerce platform, rated top by professionals.

MODEL AGENCIES

>>> MODEL Agencies: Directories

FMD

Fashion Model Directory is a comprehensive and authoritative source of professional fashion information with a huge datebase of information.

Models.com

This is the best place to find not only models but model agencies, creative talent agencies and production services, in the USA and internationally.

UK Model Agencies

Much more detailed coverage of the UK model agency scene than you'll find elsewhere: inc. teen modelling, mature, "plus sizes" - and photographers.

SWPP Directory

Looking for fashion, glamour, adult, nude, black, swimsuit, or bikini models - and photographers worldwide? Try the SWPP list.

>>> MODEL Agencies: USA

DNA

NYC. Founded in 1996 by Jerome and David Bonnouvrier, represents of-the-moment top models such as Jordan Barrett, Remington Williams, and Imaan Hammam.

Elite Model Management

NYC, LA, Miami, Toronto. One of the most famous model agencies, having represented supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Paulina Porizkova, Tyra Banks, and Heidi Klum.

Ford

NYC, Chicago, LA, Paris. Founded in 1946 by couple Jerry and Eileen Ford (1922–2014) it remains one of the world's most powerful model agencies.

IMG

NYC, LA, Paris, London, Milan and Sydney. Founded by Mark McCormack as a division of his sports management agency. Reps Maria Sharapova, Chanel Iman, Georgia May Jagger, Lara Stone and others.

New York Model Management

Founded by Austrian-born Heinz Holba who in 1985 established L.A. Models, also a major international agency. Can book directly into other US cities and Europe.

Next

NYC, Paris, London, Milan, LA & Miami. A champion of personality and diversity, Next is one of the world's top model & talent agencies.

Silent Models

NYC-based boutique-sized agency, with a team of international scouts who constantly search for new talent. Represents models from many countries and ethnicities.

The Society

Launched in NYC as an offshoot of Elite World in 2013, it has become a prominent agency, with models such as Liu Wen, Adriana Lima, Lindsey Wixson and Amandla Stenberg.

Wilhelmina Models

NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago, London. Founded in 1967 by leading Dutch model Wilhelmina Cooper it represents top models and accepts fitness and plus-sized models.

Women Management

Founded in New York in 1988 with an inspiration to embrace non traditional beauty. Women only. Has represented Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn, Kasia Struss, & Fei Fei Sun.

Red

Red Model Management, based in NYC, is an innovative agency which believes "fashion can have no borders." High fashion, streetwear, film & commercial markets.

Two

Los Angeles, Toronto, Copenhagen. Agency for high-end advertising, catalogue & e-commerce work, founded in LA, California, now international.

>>> MODEL Agencies: UK

3MM

Founded in London, 2010, by model Americo Cacciapuoti, the agency discovered Alessio Pozzi and Chinese top model Jing Wen. Still young and eager to find the next top models.

BOSS

Manchester. Founded by Debra Burns in 1988, Boss Model Management has pioneered the marketing of home-grown talent. Is member of the BFMAA.

D1

London and NYC. Known for "developing strong talent with maverick charm." Carves out lasting relationships with luxury labels such as Prada and Saint Laurent.

Models1

London. Founded in 1968 with just three models on its books, after 50 years it has grown to become the largest agency in Europe.

Premier

London. Founded by Carole White and her brother Chris Owen in 1981, it is one of the world's top model agencies. Reps Malaika Firth, Lara Mullen, Marjan Jonkman.

Select

London. Founded in 1977 by sisters Clare and Chrissie Castagnetti and their friend Tandy Anderson, it is a major player on the international fashion scene.

Storm

London. A super-agency and household name, with over 30 years experience. Younger parts include talent agency Storm Artists and digital influencers Storm Vision.

Tess

Launched in 2009 by the owners Tori Edwards and Sian Steel (TESS), its clients infiltrate all genres of the media industry: fashion, TV, music, advertising.

>>> ONLINE Agencies: Talent Platforms

AntiAgency

London-based, it hand selects "the most iconic internationally based guys and girls with personality, individual style and talent."

iCasting

"If you're a talent that just started out as an extra, there's a client here looking for you." Models, dancers, extras. HQ: Netherlands, but English-speaking market is main target.

One Model Place

An online community for models, photographers, and creative talents with around 200,000 active members. Also: blog, interviews, and advice. HQ: Miami Beach, FL.

Mandy

The top US jobs platform for extras, dancers, models & actors. Join free for the latest jobs and auditions in the entertainment industry.

Model Management

"Discover models or be discovered." This is a model platform for new faces, aspiring models and professional models. Has 300,000 members.

Model Mayhem

The world's largest modelling community, with Quick Links to models in NY, LA, and London. Covers photographers, too. Has very popular forums.

StarNow

A leading auditions and jobs website for actors & extras, models, dancers, photographers, crew, stylists, and musicians. Works with top industry players.

UpCast

LA, NY, Chicago. Allows models and actors to audition from anywhere. "Bringing casting calls straight to your pocket" with the mobile casting call app.

LEGAL & COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Photo Attorney

Everything you need to know about photo legalities, with up-to-date info on changes in the law. Great photos, too!

Copyright.gov (US)

The United States Copyright Office administer's the nation's copyright laws and offers services and support to creatives.

Copyright Service (UK)

This private co. is a well established copyright registration facility, which protects the work of thousands of copyright owners all over the world.

Know Your Rights

Article published in PhotographyLife.com on photographers' rights in the USA. Different laws apply elsewhere.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

>>> Home: Top Photography Sites (or click the animated logo) | Editor's Choice

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