Starting up my business

[Nekrose]

Hey everybody!
I finally got around to putting together a website. I have decided to do photography as a job to help make student loan payments and all that jazz. I have come to realize that a traditional job is not for me!

Anyways,
I was just looking for some input. How are my photos? Are they any good? Also, what do you think of the pricing? Too high? I am in Hawaii.

LMP Photography

Thank you!

[stevoarnold]

Hey there,

Your website looks very good, although I will say that music is a contentious issue - I personally dont like websites that hijack my speakers, but many do.

I do feel like I need to ask this; why are you using a shot in your portfolio gallery which on Flickr you have named "Very boring self portrait" ? Personally, if I were to try to sell my work I would only be showing my absolute best shots on my web site.

I think you are headed the right way with your photography but at the risk of sounding harsh, most of the images on your site seem a bit too snap-shot like.

You really need to get some shots on your portfolio that resemble the work you will be producing for your customers - people like to see what they are getting before they pay for it. You are advertising family/couple/modelling/pinup/boudior sessions, so show your customers you are capable of those shots by getting some examples online.

Also, just one minor thing about the wording on your pricing page... you should use "ensure your spot" rather than "insure your spot" .

All the best,
Steve

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by stevoarnold

Hey there,

Your website looks very good, although I will say that music is a contentious issue - I personally dont like websites that hijack my speakers, but many do.

I do feel like I need to ask this; why are you using a shot in your portfolio gallery which on Flickr you have named "Very boring self portrait" ? Personally, if I were to try to sell my work I would only be showing my absolute best shots on my web site.

I think you are headed the right way with your photography but at the risk of sounding harsh, most of the images on your site seem a bit too snap-shot like.

You really need to get some shots on your portfolio that resemble the work you will be producing for your customers - people like to see what they are getting before they pay for it. You are advertising family/couple/modelling/pinup/boudior sessions, so show your customers you are capable of those shots by getting some examples online.

Also, just one minor thing about the wording on your pricing page... you should use "ensure your spot" rather than "insure your spot" .

All the best,
Steve

Have to agree with Steve. I'd also like to add one other thing though. Get rid of the skull and cross bones favicon. Unless it's part of your logo somehow and you're shooting suicide girls then it probably won't help you draw in business. Families want something that's a bit more friendly. If/when you become famous for shooting a certain style then you could probably get away with using the skull and cross bones and people will ignore it or want it just because you're the photographer.

The above guys nailed it.

I hate music on websites. Get rid of it.

Your website currently says "I have absolutely no experience." Your photos are good...don't get me wrong. But your website should say "This is what I've done for other people" to give them an idea on what you can do for them.

[sarahgirl777]

i agree with the others, skull and cross bones turned me off right away along with the music. Then yes all your portrait photos are snapshots, none look like they were posed or planned and some the white balance is off or eyes are dark etc. Not signs that you have really studied how light works or effects images. I suggest before you start a business and start charging people, you get a few friends or family to pose for you in a set up shoot type of way and make sure you can do what you're advertising to people. Boudoir photos are usually done indoors and besides inside what looks like a restaurant and stuff, I don't see any indoor photos using any off camera lighting. The website in general looks good, I think you just need a little more preparation and practice before you start charging.

Oh and more more thing, I don't know if Hawaii is different than the states, but when I saw your name (LMP photography) it made me think of going to the doctor. They aways ask (women that is) when was your LMP? Referring to last menstrual period...

[ErikTaubman]

My comment is on your self port. Mirror the image so the Canon logo is correct.

[Nekrose]

Thanks for all of the comments.

I honestly hate the portrait section, because I have not really expanded in that field. I put up what I had as examples, but i haven't done an actually shoot yet. I have some free ones scheduled for next week, so I will put those up as soon as I have them.

I have made some changes, so please, tell me what you think.

[karen_s]

I can't offer you much more than what the others have mentioned but I would like to add the following link ...

Zack Arias Critique Section

Zack is a professional editorial photographer and has a section of videos on his blog called "Critiques". He has a lot of pointers and ideas you might find helpful as you start up your business and refine your web presence.

Good luck!