Links That Will Visually Inspire You

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.

The List:

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

47 COMMENTS

Ash Mathews

May 4, 2011

Thanks for the great list of sites, there were a few that I haven’t visited yet.

Adam Rindy

May 4, 2011

Awesome list! There are a few on there that I’ve never heard of, and just book marked. . It’s also pretty awesome that you mentioned the Ben Trovato blog. I just got featured on there this week, so it’s a good feeling knowing that’s a site you look at, and recommend others to look at as well.

Laura Elvis

May 4, 2011

thank you for this… what inspires me to see photographers passionate about what they do… love that.. i can see it in their work too.

Mariya Novitski

May 4, 2011

Thank you so much! Such a great list. Love every resource!

Maria T

May 4, 2011

Very Inspiring !!!!!!!!!!!

Gerald Photo

May 4, 2011

Thank you so much for sharing these. I happen to love watching hi quality work to study lighting.

Michelle H.

May 4, 2011

THANK YOU for this post! You’re timing could not have been better. I love that you are sharing your inspirations and sites that regularly do features. I do have a quick question…if you check back here… in your experience typically how many “looks” make up an editorial? I have a couple wardrobe stylists I work with however none have access or resources for doing clothing pulls; what’s the solution for when you’re fairly new to the game?

Mike Wilson

May 4, 2011

Thanks for all the inspiration! Can’t wait to see more of your amazing work

Mitchell

May 4, 2011

Wow they are amazing. I have a couple of those bookmarked, but definitely have more to look at now!

Yvonne Ryan

May 4, 2011

I suffer pretty regularly from this “compare and despair” syndrome – it’s hard to stay positive when you feel like one tiny, insignificant fish in a massive, overcrowded pond! It’s easier to look at other established photographers’ amazing work & give up, defeated, than it is to work your ass off to get up to their level. But that’s when you have to remember that you want the rewards that come with the graft. So work hard you must!

Sorry for the rambling comment there – hanks for the links

Sherwin Samaniego

May 4, 2011

Melissa YOU. ARE. AWESOME. just what I needed. THANK YOU

julian james wilde

May 4, 2011

You’ve done some OUTSTANDING research and editing here!! Very much appreciated. I look forward to returning. -JULIAN

Laura

May 4, 2011

Melissa, thank you so much for this. Lots of learning in these links, much to study and think about. I especially love the encouraging discussion “compare and despair”—-I don’t think it is limited to young photographers though. Thank you so much for your constant “giving” to the community of photographers.

Asia

May 5, 2011

Thank you, Melissa, for your insights, for your candidness, your helpfulness you provide to aspiring fashion photographers. You rock!

Jacopo Tarantino

May 5, 2011

I already have a huge list of RSS feeds and that just fleshed it out a bit more. I’m gonna have time to do nothing else but read editorials now haha.

julian james wilde

May 5, 2011

If you’re looking for who shoots MEN well, you’ve got to consider Luis Raphael, outta Miami. In a class by himself! -JULIAN

Bradford Bird

May 6, 2011

Thanks for these Melissa, Great stuff! One that I also think is fantastic is the Touchpuppet blog – http://www.touchpuppet.com/

Stephanie Albanese

May 6, 2011

You should just call it a talent list …Thanks

Yoram - Berlin

May 6, 2011

Achievable Entry-Level Inspiration for us Beginners:

Photographer & Muse

http://photographerandmuse.com/

Not necessarily fashion editorials, but nice to see photographers pushing the 8-to-10 image story approach.

Katriena Emmanuel

May 6, 2011

Thank you for sharing, I’d come across some of those sites you mentioned by accident from other bloggers who linked editorials they found on them.

PhotoRestore

May 7, 2011

Thank you so much very Inspiring

Svenmagnus

May 7, 2011

I am inspired. A great list. Thanks for sharing. I admire your side. How can you manage that all on your own?
Sven

chiara

May 8, 2011

THANK YOU!!! That’s really useful!
I also love this site http://feaverishphotography.com/blog/categories/

Laura

May 8, 2011

And the best of all http://www.ohlalamag.com (they have been around since 2003, and have featured thousands of talented photographers and amazing photography), as far as I remember they started it all, …

Robin K Ferm

May 9, 2011

Some very good and inspiring links, i am of the road so to speak right now and i was questioning why i don’t get a regular job and become like everyone else and when i saw this it reminded me that this IS what i should be doing and how much i love fashion!
i may not be so very good right now but i will be, you’ll see:D
btw melissa you are one of my very greatest idol!

Ślubna Kraków

May 9, 2011

Thank you for sharing. Good work, the websites are really amazing.

Dimi

May 10, 2011

Great links!

Keen Imagery

May 12, 2011

This is an amazing list. THANK YOU!

Miss Ernie

May 12, 2011

Thanks for the links. I’ve actually gotten a few more good sites to stalk. Thanks for adding to an already filled day. LOL!!!

DJH

May 16, 2011

Brilliant. Came back an had a look again. Spent so much time on each of these and will bookmark for my inspiration…

Daiel

May 17, 2011

So may great resources here, some I wasn’t familiar with too. Thanks for posting, time to get inspired now!

Adam Juniper

May 17, 2011

That’s a great list. Many thanks.

Fashion News

May 17, 2011

This is mine first visit of this blog and i love this blog.The knowledge and information shared in the post is great.And its sure that i will follow this blog in future and keep me updated about fashion and its aspects……!!!!!

This is Belgium

May 22, 2011

won’t be bored the next coming hours and days !

Harkiran

May 23, 2011

thank you thank you thank you so much

I do frequent this site for inspiration…+ yours all the time

http://fashionography.net/

Dawn

May 29, 2011

Good sites! I also like this site Exclusively Fashion Magazine http://www.exclusivelyfashionmag.com Interviews from the fashion industry. You get to hear how their careers started!