Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
BC Associations
Professional Photographers' Association of BC (PPOC-BC) | This is the BC specific page of the Professional Photographers of Canada. It includes links to local events and local members.
Canadian Associations
Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) | The PPOC is a Canadian photographers' association dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. Their website includes a blog in addition to advertising competitions and awards.
The Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA) | The CAPA promotes the art and science of photography throughout Canada and the world. Their website includes a blog, a magazine, galleries and competitions.
Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators | A not-for-profit association for professional photographers, illustrators and digital artists. Their BC chapter is operated out of Vancouver. Check out the “Public Resources” section on their website; you’ll find useful links on the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines, as well as forms and templates for contracts and copyright information for those seeking to protect their businesses and intellectual property.
International Associations
Photographic Society of America (PSA) | The PSA is a worldwide interactive organization for both amateur and professional photographers. Their website includes numerous educational resources and conference information.
Professional Photographers of America Inc. (PPA) | The PPA is the world's largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, with more that 20,000 members in 54 countries. They boast comprehensive educational programs with ten curricula and over 900 individual classes.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Professional Photographer | Official magazine of the Professional Photographers of America, offering information on the artistic, business, and technological aspects of professional photography. You can read articles from the digital edition online, but they are formally “collected” into issues monthly.
British Journal of Photography | Established in 1854, BJP is the world's longest running photography magazine. It includes articles on contemporary photography, visual trends, and comprehensive technology reviews. Articles can be read online, and physical editions, published six times per year, can be purchased for 20 pounds. The BJP also publishes special physical issues called “Portraits of Humanity”.
Aperture Magazine | Aperture Magazine, run by non profit foundation Aperture, delves into human and social experiences through photography, and how artists use the medium to answer questions about these experiences. Articles can be read online, but are also collected into digital and physical issues released seasonally, three to four times a year.
Lens Magazine | Lens Magazine focuses on fine art photography, “taking a single concept and allowing its contributors to delve into any ideas or emotions evoked from this theme”. The magazine can be bought individually or by subscription, in digital or print format, on the website.
Foam Magazine | Foam Magazine, an international and award-winning photography publication, release two issues per year, each on a different theme and its exploration through photography. Work is explored both by established photographers and newer, emerging talents.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Podcasts
Blogs
Steve McCurry Photography | Steve McCurry’s blog is a masterclass in portrait photography. His body of work spans conflicts, culture, the old and the contemporary, and will surely inspire budding portrait photographers.
Around the World in Eighty Years | Jim O’Donnell is a writer, photographer, and explorer. A conservation photographer with a background in nonprofits, he chronicles “people on the move and ecosystems in flux”. The website presents his work as commentary.
Dave Morrow Photography | Dave Morrow presents his photography- which spans night photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, and more- in articles that chronicle technique and composition.
Fstoppers | Fstoppers is a more general set of tips, tricks, and articles on all types of photography.
Behind the Shutter | Behind the Shutter, which is a general-purpose blog like Fstoppers, includes articles on bettering one’s photography in areas like lighting, posing, and lightrooms, as well as specific segments of photography like wedding photography or senior photography. The breadth of this blog is its strength.
Podcasts
Grow Your Photography Business Podcast | Studio Ninja, which is an innovative software for photographers and videographers, helps you build your brand, uncover new marketing ideas, and hash out your systems and workflows for a more harmonious and profitable business in this podcast.
The Portrait System Podcast | Nikki Closer interviews successful portrait photographers around the world about their successes using the Sue Bryce system, which helps you grow a profitable and sustainable photography business.
The Six Figure Photography Podcast with Ben Hartley | Award winning wedding photographer and business coach Ben Hartley brings on industry experts and successful photographers to learn about how they’ve marketed and grown their photography businesses. Topics have included deep dives on how to gain clients through various marketing means and how to use new social media platforms to your advantage.
The Mastering Portrait Photography Podcast | Paul WIlkinson, one of the UK’s best portrait and wedding photographers, interviews others successful photographers on their opinions and thoughts on creativity, technique, and business-building, as well as sharing his own on how he’s treated his photography and business over the years.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.