Check out my website take 2

[Photo Lovin]

Okay, I am not sure if Nagi Noman inteded for only his website to be talked about, so I thought I would start this one.
My intention is so that we could all mention what websites we use. The main reason I liked this idea is because I would like to have a more professional looking website and I'm sure I'm not the only one. This is what my website looks like now and considering I am about to open a buisness soon, I would like a little bit of an upgrade... kinda like this person who was recently in the news.

Please make sure your links work. Please give details as far as who hosts your site, why you decided to go with them and your journey in getting to that point ( like what sites you used before and your thoughts) Maybe even an extra like how you picked your music ( if applicable ) and any other details you see fit.

I, to start, like this site I am on now because I can set my own prices. I have used such sites as shutterpixie and imagekind. The prior did not allow me to sell anything and the later did not allow a lot of space with a free account ( though that seems to have changed). I can set up hosting with godaddy with masking, but it just doesn't do it for me.

Anyway, I look forward to your thougths and input. Feel free to critique wher you see fit and thanks in advance.

[mstark70]

I started my site with Smugmug. I had several people wanting my prints so I though this was the easiest way to start so they could order what they wanted and it was shipped directly to them. I have had nothing but positive feedback from my clients to date. I like it so far. Someday I hope to be at a higher level but this works for now. Mine has NO music. I have heard to many people say they don't like it. Do I expect to get rich from it? No. But the extra pocket money is nice and it beats having all my images sitting in a hard drive. At least I know some one is enjoying them. I know one fault of mine right now is having mine too full. I need to clean mine up a bit and eliminate some never purchased images or ones never really looked at. I leave my clients private ones up for 3 months then I remove them.

starkimagesgallery.com

Good luck with yours, I think it is nice. I do understand what Stupid is saying about your wording. You do need to be careful how you come across to potential clients. So I would check that for sure.

[freybear3]

what scripts are ya using?

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by Stupid

For one thing. Tracy has her own website with her own registered name. For a lot of people, that gives credence to her work.

There are two things that make me click off a website IMMEDIATELY and go somewhere else.

1. Music. I hate it. Why would someone force me to listen to THEIR music. I usually have my own on.

2. Too much flash, as in the one you linked to. I clicked off after about 20 secs. I don't have time to watch a bunch of junk twirling around.

Now.. constructive criticism?
Your opening page

Thank you for visiting my website.
I am a professional photographer formerly working for a company taking sports and school portraits. My interest in photography started as a child and has blossomed into a profitable hobby.

Which are you, a professional or is it a hobby?

I also don't understand the professional/formerly thing.... ??
JMHO,

Now me personally?
I don't use a website for hosting my pictures. My work speaks for itself. Everybody and their brother have web sites. I personally think these photo stock houses cheapen the trade and make them "johnny quick snap" quality.
If you're a great photographer, you will be busy. Plain and simple. If you're not, you'll have plenty of time for web design.

I personally think people spend way too much time designing websites instead of learning how to become great photographers.

Tom,

_

Got to agree with Stupid....hate music on a website and will click off if flash sites don't load quickly. I also noted the contradictory info on your intro page.

I do, however, believe that you need a website as part of your overall marketing plan. I am using Wordpress for mine because it is free,easy to use, and very customizable. No, I do not have my own URL yet, but I will in the near future. I will also move to a hosting site, which will give me even more leeway within Wordpress.

Gl
Anne

[FoG]

Right I agree mostly with Stupid...


Buuuuut Web-sites are a must as he says there seems to be a case for eveyone and his dog having one these days but the BEST ones stand head and shoulders over the rest ... so look through many you like thelook of and emulate them using your own images there are loads to choose form out there even templates I reckon in this climate even the best can ne slow so think long and hard about the type of photography you plan to do and use that I know I use one of my sites to share with my mom who converts the images to cross-stitch and so on we both use it for hosting ... buuut for a site you intend to sell from I reckon you need 3 things

1. Attention grabbing site (no flahs nicely laid out with WOW factor)
2. Pics that will be sought after only THE BEST works you have need adding not every snap ever taken.
3. Prices that make you stand out but make you money even if it is only to start out add an offer. etc

good luck

[Photo Lovin]

WOW! Stupid put a lump in my throat, but I, too, think he is somewhat right. I only recently changed the formerly from currently due to the fact that I am no longer with that company. Guess I have some editing to do today. Thanks for the input and I look forward to more as well as seeing more sites. I am more into portrait and artistic photography and I would like to keep my work local and pretty low key. For this, I do believe that a website is necessary.

[Photo Lovin]

Originally Posted by Stupid

If you are opening your own business, and want to "give the impression" you're a pro. Then I would take off the info about wanting to start your own studio, and that your gallery is small.

People looking for a pro, are looking for a pro. Don't tell them your gallery is small. Let them think it's HUGE!. Let them think you've had your own gallery for years.
You're just giving them too much "Amateur" information. Tell them the information only if they ask.
Also, I would take off the amateur type photos, like pictures of intersections that show nothing nut roads and RR crossing, and pictures of brown, dying grass and trees with purple fringing. (Not what a professional would take)
JMHO,
Please don't be offended, just trying to help

Tom

_

No offense taken, as a matter of fact, I really appreciate. I just wasn't expecting such bold honesty right off. I work hard on that little shpeal and really liked it. But I guess if you ask for opinions, you WILL get them. I think this input may actually help me get to my goal even faster.
Feel free to critique anytime.

[Foques]

first of all... stupid.. it is not fair for you to use that name. you're far far far from that.
secondly, I agree with everything Stupid said.

just like Mstark, I am using smugmug, and people are quite happy with the shots they are getting. FoquesPhoto.com started off as a site where I can host pictures with no size limit and make it available to friends/relatives... but i'm on my 180s shot that is being mailed to a customer tomorrow.

[Photo Lovin]

website updated!