What types of professional photographers need a website?

[dont call me betty]

[Jeroen Wijnands]

Everyone does. As a independent entrepreneur you need a website so that people can find you.

[Jeffy]

Those that deal with Joe public, such as wedding, portrait and event photographers. Those sell fine art might have their own website.

[Steve P]

It is important no matter what your photographic field is. However, the website is taking on new aspects today. In years past, the website was the number one point of connection with the public, but that is now no longer true. Facebook, blogs, twitter, etc. are fast becoming the "first tier" of communication and correspondence. The website is often just a secondary link to show off work in a more organized and professional format. It is also very common that many pros do not have just one website. They will typically have different sites aimed at different clients. One site for weddings, one for "fine art", one for commercial, one for portraits, etc. A website geared specifically to a particular client gives a strong message of specialization in that field, (though in reality, the photographer usually wears many hats).

But no matter how many sites a photographer has, the all important MARKETING is the real key to it all. No website is worth the bandwidth it occupies if no one knows about it or sees it. Poor marketing is the real achilles heel to success.

steve