how can i improve my website? - DPChallenge Forums

11/08/2007 11:17:42 AM · #1

Hey, so I change my website up a bit, and I have no background in design or anything.

I was wondering if some of the people on this site that have been designing websites and such could help me out. All other help is welcome as well.

my site is elmakiasphoto

I am using smugmug, so not everything can be changed.

thanks guys!

11/08/2007 02:30:41 PM · #2

anyone?

Retroesque

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/08/2007 03:37:26 PM · #3

Adam,

I think your site gives a great first impression. It's clean, easy to navigate and the images at first load quickly.

When I tried to open the Pages for live 2007 - it took SO LONG (and I have fast broadband) that I didn't bother. Maybe you can break those into individual pages to ensure you don't loose your guests.

On the Elmakias > Updates > behind the scenes page - when I selected the 'slideshow' in the upper right corner the images were large but pixelated - you might want to adjust them.

Overall I think you did a great job and your images are really strong.

Hope you get some more feedback.

Lisa

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/08/2007 03:59:39 PM · #4

I had a look through and I like the site. It does what it does well. I find the font very boring though and that could be easily changed. Also, as a little point: you put 'the photographer' and talk about yourself for a (too) short amount of space, how about having the next section called 'the photographs' instead of 'photography'... ties it together see?

But there small points, the images are strong enough to stand alone and that's the main thing. Great lighting by the way, would be great if you could share some of your techniques. 1 flash or two?

11/08/2007 04:06:47 PM · #5

ahh, great ideas!
i need this, thanks so much

-i will defiantly change is to the photographs

I really do not like talking about myself, but what else do people say? maybe you have some other photographers sites you could link me to with examples?

-i could split them up into months, it would take awhile, but i could do that. I don't really have anyway of splitting up that huge list of live photos...
However, an alternative would be to make a gallery that was just a list, with dates and band names, and then link them to each gallery, but that would be more boring

acutally, most of the photos i shot using three lights
AB800
canon 580
canon 430

thanks again!

edit to post: what suggestion do you have to perk up the header (the font is boring)

Message edited by author 2007-11-08 16:09:18.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/08/2007 04:15:06 PM · #6

Well, for my site I was thinking of having a fictional interview as the 'about me' page with stuff like "how long have you been doing this, Tez?" and i'd say "well, i suppose it first began when i first grew teeth..." or something else... but don't steal my idea ;)

Anything a bit longer winded would be good and mention you're available for hire, also, I wouldn't mention anything about the training because it isn't important, instead you could say you've devoted time and spirit to mastering your art... or something a bit less melodramatic.

As for a font, what are your options? Can you upload any you like? If so look at www.fontparadise.com. I use one called 'misconstrued' a lot for my stuff. Try and get a font that sums you up- it is classy, suave, blocky, bold, smooth, cool, edgy, grungy... whatever, try and find it. Your website is the ambassador of yourself to the world so make it represent you more closely.

Now my turn: how do you fire your lights? Do you use pocket wizards? Also, do you use any umbrellas and stuff on your on location shoots? and lastly, you should supply some lighting diagrams ;).

11/08/2007 04:20:45 PM · #7

my options, are anything
i can make it in photoshop if i want
you know?
ill get to the about me thing after my English homework, im horrible at writing, maybe itll get me warmed up.

yea, ill do the lighting diagrams for the behind the scenes soon enough. i just have to get around to it.

for light, i use the cactus 16 channel triggers. Pocket wizards are too expensive for my pocket. I have one shoot through 43 inch white umbrella, and a silver 43 inch umbrella. I also have a med octabox for my alien bee 800