My guest this week, Simon Ringsmuth, says everyone should have a photo blog. Really? Why? There are much easier ways to share photos online – Facebook and Instagram for starters.

Simon is father, photographer, teacher, contributor to Digital Photography School, and photo blog enthusiast. On this week’s episode, Simon tells us why photo blogs may seem like old news but are still a great way to share photos with friends and family, as well as a great way to have meaningful interaction with the people enjoying your photography.

Simon has been interested in blogging for years. For the last four years, he’s had a photo blog, Weekly Fifty. Every week, he shares a photo he took with his 50mm lens. Our conversation comes out of an article he wrote for Digital Photography School about how to start a successful photo blog.

Simon tells us first and foremost, know why you are starting the blog. You need a clear purpose that you communicate with your readers. Once you know why you are doing it, do it. Post consistently. Decide how often you’ll post and stick with the schedule. That way, the people who enjoy your work know when to expect a new post. And finally, know what is success for you.

After we talk why you should have a photo blog, we talk about some of the ways to have one. What platform is right for you? WordPress? Squarespace? There are lots of choices.

While blogs seem like dinosaurs in the world of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Periscope and all the many new forms of connecting online, Simon insists that they’re still worth your time.

More about Simon: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Do you have a family photography question? A guest suggestion or topic you’d like to hear about on this family photography podcast? Use the Contact Us button to send me an email. Simon and I talked about my family’s current obsession with another dinosaur – letter writing. If you are the letter writing type, grab a paper and pen and write me a letter. Send it to PO Box 81005, Pittsburgh PA, 15217, USA.

One thing I have done consistently is my 365 Project. You can see my project and the projects of other TWiP Family listeners on Flickr in the TWiP Family 365 Project 2016 group. Start you own daily photo project and join us.