Theme
Updated
Benson
Benson by CSSIgniter is a WordPress theme built for photographers and visual artists who want to present their work in an online portfolio. It pairs a full-screen slideshow and video support with flexible layouts, and it works with the block editor, Elementor and WooCommerce.
Install this firstPlease download the Ignition Framework Plugin from here, which is needed by CSS Ignitor Themes.
Go to product- Version
- 1.1.3
- Released
- Sep 17, 2025
- Developer
- CSSIgniter
- Type
- WordPress theme
- Licence
- GPL
- Included in
- Every plan, or $4.79 a year on its own
What’s new in Benson 1.1.3
Version 1.1.3 · Sep 17, 2025
Latest
- ImprovedOnboarding v1.3.2 (fixes some sample content import edge cases).
- FixedWrong gettext domain on some strings.
- FixedChanged version to 1.1.3.
- ImprovedRequiresIgnition: 3.5.0.
- RemovedM languages/ci-theme.pot
- RemovedM style.css
- RemovedM style.min.css
- RemovedM style.scss
What it does
Photographers need a site that puts images first and still reflects their own brand. This theme gives you a full-screen slideshow, video support and multiple layout options for presenting your work, along with a mobile-friendly design so galleries display well on phones and tablets. Headers and footers can be adjusted for layout, color, fonts and logo through the Customizer, with real-time previews so you can see each change as you make it.
You can build pages with the WordPress block editor, which gets extra GutenBee custom blocks, or with the Elementor drag-and-drop builder. A Global Sections system lets you design a section once and reuse it across the site, which keeps styling consistent. If you want to sell prints or other products, WooCommerce support turns the portfolio into a store, and a one-click demo import gives you starting content to customize.
Best for
- Freelance photographers building an online portfolio
- Photography studios that want to sell prints with WooCommerce
- Visual artists who prefer Elementor or the block editor
Features
Full-screen slideshow
Open your site with a full-screen slideshow of your photos, and add video to present moving work alongside still images.
Flexible headers and footers
Change header and footer layouts, colors, fonts and logo options in the Customizer, with real-time previews before you publish.
Block editor with GutenBee
Build pages in the default WordPress block editor, extended with GutenBee custom blocks for adding creative and functional elements without code.
Elementor compatibility
Use the Elementor drag-and-drop page builder to design layouts with fine control over spacing, structure and visual detail.
Reusable global sections
Create a section once in the block editor or Elementor, then place it across your site for consistent styling and simpler edits.
WooCommerce store support
Add WooCommerce to sell products from your portfolio, manage inventory and offer a checkout to customers.
Custom colors and Google Fonts
Set color palettes globally or per section, and choose from dozens of Google Fonts families with typography controls in the Customizer.
One-click demo import
Import complete demo content in a single step, giving you a finished starting point to replace with your own photos and text.
Benson older versions
- 1.1.2Jan 18, 20243 improvements, 3 fixes, 7 removals
- 1.1.1Apr 18, 20231 new, 4 improvements, 2 fixes, 4 removals
Members and buyers of this product can download older versions.
Questions about Benson
Can I use Elementor with this theme?
Yes. The theme works with the Elementor drag-and-drop page builder as well as the WordPress block editor. You can also use either one to build Global Sections that you reuse across your site.
Can I sell my photos or prints from the site?
The theme supports WooCommerce, so you can add products, manage inventory and offer a checkout. This lets a portfolio site also work as an online store for prints or other items.
Does Benson display video as well as photos?
Yes. Along with the full-screen slideshow for images, Benson includes video support, so you can present film or motion work next to your photography in the same portfolio.
How much can I change the look without coding?
Quite a lot. The Customizer lets you adjust header and footer layouts, logo, color schemes and Google Fonts typography, with real-time previews. GutenBee blocks and Elementor handle page layouts without code.
Is Benson free?
The code of Benson is licensed under the GPL, so anyone may use, change and share it. GPL Feast is a paid service: a plan or a single purchase gives you the download and automatic updates. The developer's own support, licence key and online services are not included.
Which version of Benson is this?
Version 1.1.3, released Sep 17, 2025. New versions appear here when the developer publishes them, and members get them as automatic updates.
How do I update Benson?
Install the free GPL Feast Updater on your site and connect it with your API key. It installs new versions of Benson automatically and keeps a backup, so you can roll back.
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