Pricing, getting started

[istephallard]

Thanks Jim. Btw finally started diving into a book I just recently got (merry christmas to me late) on post processing (I use aperture and most of the tips/tutorials out there are for lightroom or photoshop) and I skipped ahead to the sections on color correcting per your comment recognizing I still need to go back and start at the beginning. Hope one day I become experienced and knowledgeable enough I can help others the way you all are helping me.

[baajero]

I knew nothing about building a website a few months ago... I have to say for poeple like us (newbies to website building) google is a great start... try google sites or blogger or wordpress... they have great templates and google gives you a step by step directions... it's easily customisable too... I have a blog which you can check below... some poeple tell me it's tasteful... the reality is it was pretty much pre-made and i just made some minor tweaks... i'm working on a website now... I promise you it's very easy to learn good luck

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by istephallard

Thanks Jim. Btw finally started diving into a book I just recently got (merry christmas to me late) on post processing (I use aperture and most of the tips/tutorials out there are for lightroom or photoshop) and I skipped ahead to the sections on color correcting per your comment recognizing I still need to go back and start at the beginning. Hope one day I become experienced and knowledgeable enough I can help others the way you all are helping me.

I also use Aperture 3 from time to time.

[bpretorius]

Hi Stephanie,

By the looks of it your website was built using iWeb on a Mac? If not ignore this reply.

I have started using iWeb (although I don't have a live website just yet) and it is amazing what you can actually do with it.

A really great app to use in conjunction with iWeb is the SEO Tool for iWeb. It is free to download (sorry - can't post a link as it's blocked on the office server) - you can also find it on your Mac app store if you are running Lion.

Some useful tips and tricks sites to use for iWeb - this allows you to shorten your url (effectively getting rid of the "sMiles_Photography" after your main address), do roll overs, image sliders, improving loading speeds etc.

iWebUnlimited

AllAboutiWeb

iWebFAQ

Not sure if you are looking to move away from iWeb or not - but hope this could be helpful.

[klr]

I'm just going to throw my 2 cents in here :

If you're looking to start up a blog definitely check out FotoJournal • Blogs for photographers.

It's free but you can pay for an account, it's easy and they have really nice layouts and completely cater to photographers.

[istephallard]

Hi Bernard, Yeah I'm going to be changing my website a bit soon. iWeb will soon be obsolete from what I understand anyways. I have much to learn about building a site. Thanks for the feedback.

And KLR thanks for the blog info. I'll have to check it out. I'm not great with the "blog" I have going but would love to learn and get better.

Thanks!

[dlbiininja]

Hey Steph actually glad you made this post. I'm looking to start charging as well. You are definitely further along in the site and other steps of the biz than I. Good going. And yes I would liven the site up. Maybe even make it a darker background. As well as play with the Smiles aspect of your business name. Like over lay the "Smiles Photography" on an actual smile and use it for you Text lay out. Here's a link to what I'm talking about as an Example. Remember, photoshop is your friend. Don't forget other tools out their as well. Photoshop | Text Overlay Effect [HD] - YouTube

And different pics once you go to your website. Probably, 4 even and arc them up off to the sides of the Smiles Photography. You want the pics to pop out at them and make people say,"Let's see what else is here." If you know someone who makes music even make a deal with them and link and add it to your site. Remember it's a service and a feel good moment. So, pull them in and get them to use chose you.

[Jim Bryant]

Istephallard..you have a good attitude, which is important in photography.