FAVORITE LINKS
"Learning gains nourishment during times of perplexity,
and malnutrition in periods of contentment"
(Lopez-Espina, 2020)
You will find below a collection of art, and photography links containing extremely valuable information. I will explain why I like them, but will not hesitate to mention anything I dislike. Since I’m making strong recommendations, it's always a good idea to clarify a few things. I base my opinions on experiences and receive no compensation from any company being endorsed. Furthermore, my seal of approval doesn't mean everyone will feel the same or have a satisfactory experience.
PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
B&H - Photo Video - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Of no surprise to serious photographers, this is the most renowned photographic store in the world. Best prices and fantastic stock on virtually anything needed. Although their website is wonderful, visiting the store makes for an unforgettable experience. B&H is also an excellent source for computer equipment and software.
Amazon (US) - https://www.amazon.com/
A worthy competitor to B&H, and sometimes, it could have better prices. My concern has always been the same with Amazon. If one buys many things at once, they will probably split the order between different vendors. Any problem arising becomes a little more difficult to resolve and some products could take longer to arrive. One will need to remember, Amazon doesn’t offer any direct contact with photography experts to resolve issues.
Adorama - https://www.adorama.com/
This is another great online (and physical) store to look into when an cannot be found at the two places above. Adorama has been in business for a very long time and the minor complaints they received decades ago are things of the past. Now the company enjoys a fine reputation amongst serious photographers.
Hunt’s Photo & Video - http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/promotions.cfm
Here is a wonderful store that may be willing to negotiate and furnish lower prices just to better the other giant merchants. They have always been a little more approachable for engaging in an informative conversation, a personal touch some may like.
Really Right Stuff (RRS) - https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/
The best custom made equipment money can buy. Specializes in quick tripod releases for cameras and lenses, fantastic ball heads and tripods, plus many other unique accessories. Machinery perfection in everything they produce.
Kirk Enterprise Solutions (KES) - https://www.kirkphoto.com/
For years, RRS and Kirk have been competing head to head in the custom made equipment market. Most times, it’s a matter of preference which one to buy from. I have always opted for RRS, but Kirk makes excellent equipment.
Wimberley - https://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm
The very best tripod head for long telephoto lenses with tripod collars. There have been several copies introduced throughout the years, but none has equal the superb design of this head. Check their site for other equipment.
INFORMATIVE LINKS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photography Life - https://photographylife.com/
The founder, Nasim Mansurov, is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in photography. Being well informed would only be valuable if it matched his skills. Nasim succeeds brilliantly and the other contributors to this online magazine also supply very accurate information for anyone wanting to know what equipment to purchase. I strongly recommend you look into Photography Life before perusing for information anywhere else.
The Luminous Landscape - https://luminous-landscape.com/
Another terrific website full of factual information on the latest equipment on the market and a plethora of hints on guidance on all different subjects. The site contains an impressive list of contributing experts on many photo related fields. A site for all enthusiasts to visit regularly and frequently. Just a marvelous place to learn something new.
Ken Rockwell - https://www.kenrockwell.com/
Ken is a non-nonsense reviewer who tells it like it is. He has been inspecting equipment for years and including reference photos for prospective buyers to better judge what they are likely to get. His reviews leave no doubt about his opinions, ambiguity never plays a part of his final verdict.
DP Review - https://www.dpreview.com/
A very instructive website for digital photography. It has a huge following, so it’s worth looking into it. The staff conducts intensive and detailed reviews of many equipment, including drones, iPhones, digital software, etc.
DXOMARK - https://www.dxomark.com/category/camera-reviews/
If you are the type who loves technical specs on photographic lenses and cameras, this is the site for you. It rates equipment according to their mechanical and optical performance as tested in specialized equipment. This site is perfect for those wanting to buy photo gear based on the best measurements. I find the reviews a little dry and too far concerned with tiny details one can only see under large magnification. In most circumstances, human beings’ normal eyesight could never detect those benefits being mentioned, unless blown up to large dimensions. Even during those occasions when there could exist a slight advantage, it comes down to conducting a side-by-side comparison between two prints. To me there are other important facts to consider when buying a lens, especially if one photographs outdoors. We need to consider if the lens is water sealed; the ruggedness of the construction and if coupling it to the camera will make life easier or more difficult. Not sure how anyone else feels, but I would hate buying a lens that focuses in the opposite direction or lacks features I’m accustomed to.
The Picture Framers Grumble - https://www.thegrumble.com/
This could be a superb source to learn to frame pictures. The site not only provides valuable information and recommends equipment needed but also gives deep understanding about art conservation techniques. Perhaps things have changed in recent years, but when I belonged to this forum, it was a brutal experience. There were many professional framers willing to help, but I ran into many so-called experts, who were just insulting. Some of them even went as far as making fun of my Hispanic background. I also found several who were openly antagonistic toward artists like myself, almost as if we were the enemy. They arrogantly echoed their expertise in areas where artists are much better qualified to know better. Some accused me of not knowing what I was doing and even of lying. The administrator of the forum at that time ignored all my complaints regarding the harassment. I just hope this forum has drastically changed their philosophy and some members have tamed their deep biases.
ARTISTS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Blick Art Materials - https://www.dickblick.com/
One of the oldest and most reputable art supply stores in the USA and perhaps the world. It’s always dependable and well stocked in virtually everything, from the smallest to the largest piece of equipment anyone would want to buy.
Utrecht Art Supplies - https://www.utrechtart.com/
Also one of the oldest and best chain art stores in the USA. Blick purchased it in 2013 although it continues to function independently. The store is well known for selling their own brand of paints and other materials. It has been a favorite of college art students for decades for their less expensive prices.
Jerry’s Artarama - https://www.jerrysartarama.com/
Although not as old as Blick or Utrecht, this store has been in business selling art supplies at discount prices for over fifty years. Very competitive and very well stocked. One normally finds Blick and Artarama waging the price war on most items. Nothing like healthy competition.
Amazon (US) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Art+supplies&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
As we all know, Amazon sells almost everything. This store doesn’t offer as many art supplies as most would like, but it sells enough for people to pay attention to their prices. Because of their Amazon’s Prime program, many times stuff is cheaper through them because of the free shipping. As I mentioned in another segment, if you are planning to order a lot of art supplies, I would advise to do so through one of the other stores.
INFORMATIVE LINKS FOR ARTISTS
The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques - https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Handbook-Materials-Techniques-Reference/dp/0670837016
The Internet is amazing at furnishing exceptional guidance, but I need to go back to the printed word to make my first recommendation. This book is the most comprehensive source of information any serious artist could own. Printed in 1940 and last updated in 1991, it keeps being 'the reference' for learning about materials and techniques. It continues to be up to date and it's a terrible crime for any artist not to have a copy.
ArtNews - https://www.artnews.com/
This, the oldest art magazine in the world, is also found online as well as a blog. It has rich and diversified content for those who want to know the present state-of-the art and how to become part of it. Don’t dismiss it as an old-fashioned publication, it’s not.
Google - https://www.google.com/
Why Google? Because it's impossible to recommend any other art blog, forum or online magazine. By its core nature, art is way too branched out for any singular outlet to provide what an artist is looking for. I would only advise signing to general art forums or blogs if you like to socialize with other artists. Surf the net instead and look for artists whose work you like, or better, admire. Learn all you can by seeing their work and reading what they have to write. There are unfortunately too many inept individuals performing the role of online gurus. Their work is rather mediocre, yet they disseminate their erroneous and limited knowledge to thousands.