At no other time has there been more information available on the Internet for beginning and professional photographers. However, with the vast amount of knowledge to be found on the Web, it can be frustrating sometimes to know where to begin to look. On the Web, you'll find conflicting or contradictory information on every topic. My approach is to look for experts on the topic, and once I find those who make sense to me, I take their advice and use it. If it works for me, then that becomes my method of working.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, I offer a selection of my favorite resources to help you learn more about the digital camera, photographic lighting, photography, and the photography business in general.
Nikon Rumors (http://nikonrumors.com). For followers of the yellow and black insignia, this Web site, not affiliated with Nikon Inc., keeps you up to date with news of pending releases, patents, and developments of anything that has to do with the world of Nikon.
Canon Rumors (www.canonrumors.com). Want to stay up on the latest rumors revolving around all things Canon? Then check into this Web site (which is totally unaffiliated with Canon, Inc.) for all the latest gossip. Be in the know and the first to know.
PixSylated.com (http://pixsylated.com). Created by California commercial shooter Syl Arena, PixSylated is a high-octane Web site devoted to the trends, tools, and techniques that are shaping the world of digital photography today, especially high-speed sync and other creative flash techniques, as well as color management.
Strobist.com (www.strobist.blogspot.com). As a photojournalist, formerly with The Baltimore Sun, David Hobby has created a groundswell movement of small flash devotees, the Strobist Nation, with his highly informative blog on small flash use. This site has lots of tips and tutorials on how to effectively use shoe-mounted flashes on-and off-camera. It's loaded with lighting ideas and do-it-yourself projects for making light modifiers for your small flash. Start with the Lighting 101 section and continue from there. It can be habit-forming: be prepared to stay up for some very late nights!
Digital Pro Talk (http://digitalprotalk.blogspot.com). This is an informational blog by David Ziser, a professional photographer from the Cincinnati area. He concentrates mostly on weddings and family portraits but also does stunning landscape photography. David offers up useful tech tips, lighting examples, and the background stories on some of his finest images.
Photo Business News and Forum (http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com). For those in the business of photography or considering entering the field, this Web site contains essential information about current, relevant business issues facing photographers today. Maintained by Washington, D.C., photographer John Harrington, Photo Business News and Forum explores the best business practices, rights managements, and general and advanced business tips and techniques. Lively comment sections usually follow his insightful posts.
Photo.net (http://photo.net). Photo.net is an enormous Web site containing equipment reviews, forums, tutorials, galleries, sharing spaces, communities, learning centers, and more. If you are looking for specific photography-related information or are new to photography, this is a great place to start.
PhotoShelter (http://photoshelter.com). This Web site contains stock photography from all over the world and a storage solution to store, manage, and sell your own stock photography collection.
Flickr (http://flickr.com). Flickr is Yahoo's photo-sharing Web site that allows uploading photos and sharing in its broad photographic community. Join groups, create sets and collections, and geo-tagging by adding your photos' locations to the world map.
Kodak Easyshare Gallery (http://kodakgallery.com). The Kodak Easyshare Gallery was one of the first photo-sharing Web sites. It offers online sharing, special photo printed products, and print orders that can be picked up at many chain camera stores and chain pharmacies.
Shutterfly (http://shutterfly.com). Shutterfly offers a full range of products, from free online storage to prints that can be picked up at Target stores. You need to keep your account active by making a purchase annually to qualify for the free storage.
Snapfish (http://snapfish.com). Owned by Hewlett-Packard, Snapfish offers online sharing and digital printing. You need to keep your account active by making a purchase annually to qualify for the free storage.
Phanfare (http://phanfare.com). Phanfare is a membership-based site and offers both monthly and yearly fees. It offers unlimited storage of images and videos. A wide array of photo Web pages and photo albums is available to display your images.
Digital Photographer (http://digiphotomag.com). This is a great online resource offering articles, hardware, camera reviews, features, how-tos, photo essays, reader photos, tips, and more.
Digital Photo Pro (www.digitalphotopro.com). This is a one-stop Web site for the latest gear reviews, profiles of the best in the business, techniques, software, business news, and contests.
Nature Photographers Online Magazine (www.naturephotographers.net). This is an online resource for nature photographers of all skill levels, with a focus on the art and technique of nature photography, as well as the use of photography for habitat conservation and environmental photojournalism.
National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com). Over 120 years old, "Big Yellow" is still going strong and supports critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork. It encourages geography education for all, promotes natural and cultural conservation, and inspires audiences through new media, vibrant exhibitions, and live events.
Outdoor Photographer Magazine (www.outdoorphotographer.com). This site provides a host of how-to articles, gear reviews, contests, forum community, and monthly columns by the best nature photographers working today.
Photo District News (www.pdnonline.com). The online business journal of the photo industry originally based in New York City, Photo District News offers insight into running your photography business in a profitable manner. This site offers news, features, gear, contests, resources, community, multimedia, and much more.
Shutterbug (www.shutterbug.net). Much like the popular magazine that comes packed with equipment reviews and news each month, the Web site offers a huge array of information about digital imaging, techniques, forums, galleries, links, and more.