Ok so now you are in this wonderful world of photography you need to decided on what areas of photography you do and as there are so many to choose from with everything from fashion, landscape, location, editorial to name but a few, you will need somewhere to show off your work and if you are working with models, MUA’s, stylists you will need somewhere to find them.

The question is where do you start, well being the nice fellow that I am, I have listed below some of the site that I use as well as split them into categories for showing your work or getting models, MUA’s, etc.

Showing off and selling your work

The following sites are sites where you can show off your work, and in some cases even sell your stuff.








Ok and before everyone starts saying what about these sites, or what about that site this list is not meant to be a full list of all the photo sites on the web, its just the ones I use most often and find work for me. If you think there is one that really needs a mention please let me know and I am happy to add it to the list
Networking
The following sites I will go into a bit more detail about each one, but in general they are sites where you can network, post casting calls and generally interact a bit more than simply showing your work.
FaceBook

Ok before you all say “of course” I just thought I would mention FaceBook as unlike Google+ FaceBook has evolved into a decent platform to create a page about your photography, share your photos and generally show off your stuff, whilst still keeping in touch with the world.


Although in time Google+ will allow you to have business pages and when it does then use both, and being honest the photo engine on Google+ is far superior to FaceBook.

One thing that is hugely important on FaceBook is that you should create a page for your photography, whether you do it for work or play, this keeps everything in one place making sharing easier.

FaceBook Username

Without getting too bogged down in the technical stuff, remember to create your page then share it will everyone you know and when you hit the magic number of likes, currently 25 get yourself a username. Just go to http://facebook.com/username and create your username for your page, oh yeah and for yourself if you have not already done so.

Check out my FaceBook page for inspiration http://facebook.com/seanjconnollyphotography
Google +

OK you forced me to mention Google+. Although Google+ has gotten a large number of users quickly, this is solely due to the popularity of Google and not the popularity of Google+ so I would definately recommend creating a profile and using it especially as the photo engine is way better than FaceBook and actually retains photo info such as EXIF data, so its a great place to share your stuff.

You should also know that the photos added to Google+ are held in Picasa the Google online photo album site, so you get some additional web presence just for sharing your stuff on Google+.
The down side is that currently you cant have business profile on Google+ like you can have business pages on FaceBook, but in time this will come and when it does make sure you have a profile on both.
Check out my Google Profile and connect https://plus.google.com/110572555643659060460
 Casting Calls and Model Portfolios
FaceBook Casting Calls
As FaceBook is a hugely popular social networking site the ability to create applications right inside FaceBook meant that I could not resist in creating a casting call application for FaceBook.
Its simple jsut post or search casting calls to your hearts content, no fees, limits or anything just my gift to the world.
Whilst you are there dont forget to join the Photography Community The casting application can be accessed directly by going to http://apps.facebook.com/okyourhired or from the links on the left of the photography community page.
So why not go and post a casting now http://apps.facebook.com/okyourhired
Model Mayhem
Model Mayhem is a site dedicated to not only showing off your work in an online portfolio, but to also connect with other professional such as photographers, models, Make Up Artists, stylists and who ever else you may be interested in working with.

The great thing about this website is that it allows you to post casting calls as well as message and tag other users, the basic membership is also free, so you have nothing to lose in giving it a try. The free option simply restricts how many message per day you can send and how many photos you can have on your profile.

Check out my Model Mayhem profile and connect with me http://www.modelmayhem.com/1904413

Pure Storm
Pure Storm is another website that allows you to host your portfolio online, and again has both a free basic membership as well as paid membership. You can pretty much do the same things on Pure Storm as some of the other sites, post casting calls, send messages, comment, etc but the interface it not as easy to use and before you get your membership you have to have your photographs approved, unlike other sites.

Although I use Pure Storm I find that it has not brought the same feed back in both terms of response to my casting calls, picture comments, message as Model Mayhem. I also found the fact that the account needed to be approved before going live was a pain, and not really worth the hassle for the results I have had.

Check out my Pure Storm profile and connect with me http://purestorm.com/profile.aspx?id=sjcphotography

Madcow Models
Madcow Models is a reality new site on the internet, again this site allows you to post casting calls, send messages, host your portfolio online and has a free membership option.
Now I find this site very basic in both terms of design and coding, and the fact that you can only view a certain amount of casting calls as a free member is in my view just stupid, posting I can understand but viewing. The way it works is that you get a set amount of casting call views per day and each time you view one this count goes down, now here is the joke this includes looking at your own casting calls. Yes everytime you view your own casting call the count goes down.
Check out my Madcow Models profile and connect with me http://www.madcowmodels.co.uk/seanjconnollyphotography
Final Thoughts (yes just like Jerry Springer)
I have tried to list the sites I use myself and have had some level of success with, and whilst they may be other sites out there if I find any I use and like I will update this page, but for now the sites listed above are a great way to get yourself known and start your photography photo shoots on the right track.
And as you can see some look and work better than others, some cost more but the final decision is solely down to you on which one you use and why. I would love to know which sites people use and why, and don’t forget to post links to your profiles in the comments, Thanks.