360Photography

A list of websites that feature the hottest
editorials ever published

We all pull inspiration from different sources. For some, it’s books and/or magazines that we go to for visual inspiration. For others, it could be going to a gallery and seeing art hanging on the walls, in person, in all its glory. And yet now, because of the internet, it seems we are finding our inspiration regularly from various websites. In my opinion, some of these sites aren’t so good. On the other hand, though, some sites really stand out!!

So where do I go when I want to look at some truly inspirational work? There are a few sites I signed up for their email updates because they consistently show great work by photographers who’s work I truly admire. Then there are other sites I just check in on every once in awhile when I find the time to surf the web, which truth be told, isn’t that often and getting less and less these days. However, I have to admit, it’s good for me to keep up to date on who’s being published and where. There’s a lot of amazing websites out there but for this list I want to highlight the sites that showcase awesome and beautiful editorials. Not every site on this list features an editorial all the time, but for the most part, they do. And it’s these sites that draw me back repeatedly because of their discerning taste.

Take note: while I think it’s perfectly fine to be inspired with other people’s work, take care to use their work as inspiration and not to copy. Use your own unique way of seeing to execute your own vision. That’s key to developing your eye. And stream lining your style.

AND: (no, I’m not done yet) I have this to add as well. I think a lot of young people (young photographers) do this thing I call “compare and despair”. It’s where you go out and shoot what you feel is a fairly good shoot and then race home, jump on the computer and start comparing yourself to photographers who have been shooting for 20, 30, maybe even 40 years more than you have. You then cancel out any good feelings you might have for your own work. Try to look at the following sites for visual aids to help inspire you, not make you feel thwarted, thereby squelching your own natural learning curve.

Lastly, I’d love to know if you have any sites that you guys frequent. It’s always good to hear about what you find inspiring. I’m sure the other readers would love to read about them as well.

1. Haute Macabre http://hautemacabre.com/
   One of my favorites sites to visit. I’m subscribed to them and I check every email. I might not click through every one but they are at the top of my list because they regularly feature two of my favorite photographers, Javier Valhonrat and Paolo Roversi. Plus, they’re theme leans towards beautiful gothic looks. Which is a big part of my own style, I think. And….well…..they’ve featured me on their site. That’s always a plus.

2. Cali Kartel http://calikartel.com/
   Cali Kartel has consistently great editorials. I haven’t been featured on there, which unnerved me at first since I once LIVED in Cali and I’m FROM Cali. Still, not one to hold a grudge, this site rocks!

3. Ben Trovato http://bentrovatoblog.com/
   A site dedicated to showcasing exclusive fashion editorials by up-and-coming photographers.

4. Fashion Gone Rogue http://fashiongonerogue.com/
   Up to date, current, still on the newsstands fashion editorials delivered right to your monitor! Fabulous site.

5. The Fashionisto http://thefashionisto.com/
   All men’s editorial features. And since I shoot men and love shooting men, I like to see what’s being published out there.

6. The Contributing Editor http://thecontributingeditor.com/
   I fell in love with The Contributing Editor awhile ago. They always feature gorgeous men’s editorials.

7. Homotography http://homotography.blogspot.com/
   The hottest of the men’s editorials.

8. The Ones 2 Watch http://theones2watch.com/
   Because you should be watching the ones to watch. ; )

9. The Photography Link http://thephotographylink.com/
   Their motto says it all: “Because Images are Everything”. I agree.

10. Fashion Editorials http://fashioneditorials.com/
    This aptly named site has exactly what their url promises: Fashion Editorials. While they sort of run the same editorials that Fashion Gone Rogue does, sometimes you’ll find some random spreads that are worth taking a look at.

11. The House of Editorial http://houseofeditorial.com/
    I love this site because they run the editorials that everybody else isn’t running, which is important. The work they feature is just as gorgeous and just as compelling as the “bigger magazine” spreads.

12. Noir Façade http://noirfacade.livejournal.com/
    This is a livejournal site and it’s well thought out. I love most of the stories they feature.

13. Paper Mode http://papermode.trendland.net/
    Great resource for looking up older editorials that are outstanding in every way!

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