Website Critique

[BK553]

**Posted this in wrong forum Mod please move to "earning with photography"**

Hey Guys,

So I've been a "paid" photographer for an organization I've worked for a couple years now, and my job/internship is ending. I didn't get into my job to be a photographer, but the responsibilities fell on me and I realized I really enjoy it. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the organization, I have no rights to any of the images, nor would they be very interesting to people in general, so my portfolio consists of personal stuff I've shot over the past few years.

I'm planning on (like so many of you) giving photography a go as a part time job. I'm just getting this all together, and made a website today. If anyone could take a look my website and let me know what you think, i'd really appreciate it. I value the opinions of the people on here a lot, so let the comments rip.

(*I know there is no pricing. I'm still working out the business plan with someone who knows more about it than I do)

Thanks.

www.brianckramer.com

[chaminda.madawala]

There is a problem with your web site's services tab. In that page "contact' link on the discription goes to your about page

[BigFuzzy]

Some thoughts.

1. I'd get rid of the "Smugmug" watermark on your images/front page..

2. How are you selling yourself? Your front page slideshow doesn't say anything about what type of photographer you are other than saying "I do a little bit of everything"... and if that's how you want to market yourself, fine, but I think you don't allow for the viewer to know what it is you really do.

3. In your "about" page, why list your degree if it's nothing to do with photography. To me this says "I'm just a dude with a camera that fancies himself a photographer" especially when coupled with #2 above. The text implies you're a travel photographer.. is that they case? If so great, otherwise, what do you want people to think of you when they're done reading that page?

4. I know you're just starting, but your portfolio is very bare and broad. Only 14 photos and those are almost entirely of travel. Again, if that's what you want to market yourself on, great, if not, you need to diversify and get more specific in your portfolios.

5. In your "services" you mention "Portraits" and "Events" though you don't have any evidence really that you've ever done any of those things other than the couple of portraits which feel more like travel photos. So, you'd need to expand your portfolio to show you can actually do those things.

6. If you have a 'blog' ensure you have entries.. if not it just feels like 96% of "photography" websites out there where the guy felt he should have a website, but spends very little time on content.

7. I like simple elegant feel of the website. Seems to load quickly as well.

8. Logo/name needs work.. just feels like basic text.. ie something everyone can do who uses a free website template.

I know I sounded a bit harsh, but I'm just trying to be constructive and I'm basing my comments on the website as it exists now because, well, you asked for comments now.
Keep it up.. I know it takes a while.. still haven't 100% finished mine.

[BK553]

Thanks Bigfuzzy, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm going to add some more photos, and clarify some things. Thanks a bunch.

[BigFuzzy]

Looking much better already! Keep it up.

[BK553]

Thanks man had some time this weekend to work on it. Like my about section? I cant seem to write anything that doesn't just plain suck. oh well. I hate the gallery page layout as well, but squarespace doesn't have really any options, so I'm looking elsewhere. How's your site 2.0 coming along?

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by BK553

Thanks man had some time this weekend to work on it. Like my about section? I cant seem to write anything that doesn't just plain suck. oh well. I hate the gallery page layout as well, but squarespace doesn't have really any options, so I'm looking elsewhere. How's your site 2.0 coming along?

Writing an "About" section is REALLY difficult for me too. Right now I have something that's more of a placeholder blurb which isn't so hot. I found these instructions for writing an artist's statement that I think would work well for photographers also with a few changes to the questions. It's pretty long and I haven't finished the process yet but it's getting me started at least. Here it is...Artist Statement.

Al gives really thoughtful website critique so I'll just say that I like the clean look of your site. I also think you've got some wonderful images. Good luck with your new venture!

[BK553]

Hey, thanks for the link. I read through it, and it's got some pretty good advice. I think I'm debating which voice to take, an "active", 1st person description, or a more"professional" 3rd person blurb. I wish I could just say:

"I'm good at this, I'm easy to get along with, and flexible. I'll do everything I can to deliver the results you want. Hire me right now." Please.

But that may be little to honest.... Your website is pretty sweet too.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by BK553

Hey, thanks for the link. I read through it, and it's got some pretty good advice. I think I'm debating which voice to take, an "active", 1st person description, or a more"professional" 3rd person blurb. I wish I could just say:

"I'm good at this, I'm easy to get along with, and flexible. I'll do everything I can to deliver the results you want. Hire me right now." Please.

But that may be little to honest.... Your website is pretty sweet too.

Glad you found the link helpful. Yeah, which voice to take can be kind of difficult. When I see other "About" sections in 3rd person I think that it looks great. When I try to do it for myself, I almost feel like it's kind of snarky overkill. Just another question to answer when starting out.

Thanks for the compliment about my site!