Photography Lessons for newcomers:

This is a question I recently received…

I’ve just realized that I left my (photo) blog dry for long time and it’s almost time to renew my domain and hosting account. Then, I thought of WordPress and you! Could you please suggest me how should I start from? I have WordPress account. Basically, I do need new hosting with..? (the one you use and recommend)?

There’s a TRUCK load of options you could take. You could do what I do which is just host my sites with BlueHost. There’s also DreamHost and I’ve used Hostica too. I believe they (Hostica.com) still have a 1-1-1 plan… That’s 1 site hosted for $1 a month. Can hardly beat that…

You also might want to think about ThinkHost.

ThinkHost are thinking alternative: They provide… “Green web hosting powered by renewable wind and solar energy. Your carbon neutral account supports a more earth friendly future…”

Nutshell: BlueHost is $95 per year and DreamHost is $120 per year. (The more years you sign up for, the lower the cost, mostly).

The great thing about BlueHost is that you can put up unlimited number of domains for the same price. This is good if you have a few blogs (or photo based websites) you want to put up.

You can import Blogger to WordPress easily enough if you need… and whatever you decide to do… create a photo blog, a content rich photo website, a stand alone image gallery… you’ll still need to host your web site with someone… so make sure your host is reliable (been around a long time and has a LOT of happy customers).

That would take care of the hosting part. Now you need somewhere to renew your domain… I would just put it with BlueHost as well…. if you decide to sign up with them. (About $10 for domain registration, per year – is the going fee).

By the way I have been with BlueHost for years now… they’re pretty good… BUT the best thing is their “live chat” help desk. You should make FULL use of it… ask them any questions, and they will help you, walk you through it…

Dreamhost has a ‘unique’ approach too, …it’s ‘owned’ by its employees. So the ‘employees’ get a say on how the business runs. Very cool.