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09/13/2008 11:35:56 PM · #1 |
Building my website. Whatchall think about it so far??
Photos by Jojo
ETA: The Husband is actually building it. I am just watching :)
Message edited by author 2008-09-13 23:36:20. |
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09/13/2008 11:55:07 PM · #2 |
| the shot of your eyes on the home page is absolutely gorgeous! |
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09/14/2008 12:06:11 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
the shot of your eyes on the home page is absolutely gorgeous! |
Thank you. Is that the only good thing? LOL |
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09/14/2008 12:09:08 AM · #4 |
Very nice site, but those blocks fading from one pic to the next is a bit annoying after the first couple of times.
Edit: Just my opinion, take it for nothing more!
Message edited by author 2008-09-14 00:12:26.
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09/14/2008 12:13:44 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by Ken:
Very nice site, but those blocks fading from one pic to the next is a bit annoying after the first couple of times.
Edit: Just my opinion, take it for nothing more! |
Thank you! This is exactly what I am looking for! Rock on! :) |
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09/14/2008 12:13:53 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by TCGuru:
Originally posted by smardaz:
the shot of your eyes on the home page is absolutely gorgeous! |
Thank you. Is that the only good thing? LOL |
sorry that was my initial reaction, but i have to agree with Ken, its annoying waiting for the fade to be able to click to the next shot |
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09/14/2008 12:15:24 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
the shot of your eyes on the home page is absolutely gorgeous! |
I was thinking the same thing :)
Hope you don't mind me saying.
I like the site, the layout is good and easy to navigate. I don't care for the tiling between pictures maybe a fade would be better. But that's just my opinion. Over all I like it a lot. Congrats! |
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09/14/2008 12:15:38 AM · #8 |
| also i think in the "about jojo" paragraph you use the word 'photopraph' and 'photography' too much, maybe substitute some similar words? it seems cumbersome as is |
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09/14/2008 12:58:47 AM · #9 |
- Lose the serif fonts, like Times New Roman. They don't work, especially when you need them small (in your contact form area).
- Although Flash can be useful, K.I.S.S. Less time waiting for images to load, the better. As noted, that transitional clip (the blocks) is horrible.
- Don't forget to sharpen thumbnails, yours look mushy.
- Nice eyes!
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09/14/2008 02:20:25 AM · #10 |
hey jojo!
the fading is driving me super nuts.
love your eyes! they are so awesome. hope the business goes well for ya! |
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09/14/2008 10:48:03 AM · #11 |
Yeah, the pixel fade effect is making me sick.
Just a normal fade to black, or fade up from black is what I recommend, and many, many photographers use on their site.
If it works for them, it should work for you as well.
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09/14/2008 11:09:12 AM · #12 |
Thanks guys! Awesome feedback! I will take your comments to heart and re-write my bio and the transition thing is being worked on now. :)
And, thank you for the compliments :) |
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09/14/2008 11:13:20 AM · #13 |
Looks good and comes up fast, but it fails in 2 critical areas. first is NO CONTACT INFORMATION! yeah, there is some form to fill out, but what if I don't want you to have my email? What if I actually want to TALK to you? You have no phone number! What if I needed your email for some reason or your form didn't work on my computer? You need to have ALL your contact info on the first page - human nature is that people are lazy, er, it has to be OBVIOUS. Phone number on every page please!
I mean, what is your purpose for having a website? To get calls to get business, right? did you know it's a lot harder to have a dialogue via email than the over the phone? You will book more appointments if you can get them on the phone - so you NEED to have your phone number on every page!
You have too many words on your main page. Yeah, you need them (assuming an html page) for proper SEO, but people don't read. I have too many words on my website...it's going to be fixed. The words will remain but in a click-to page - like your about should be on a seperate page - but NOT your contact info (in can be in addition to being on every page)
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09/14/2008 11:13:45 AM · #14 |
Great looking site JoJo. Like the others have pointed out, the transitions need to be sped up or eliminated, they obstruct the viewing pleasure. Also, it's kind of old to have that type of transitioning. A simple fade to the next image would be a better fit I find.
The site looks classy, kudos to your hubby for a great job well done, and your fine coaching helped along the way i'm sure. ;]
That photo of you is stunning, your eyes are fanfabulous. :) |
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09/14/2008 01:05:06 PM · #15 |
Okay. Fixed it all but the bio (the wordy thing LOL). That will be done sometime today.
Better?? :)
Thank you all for your lovely input. It really has helped. |
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09/14/2008 01:50:06 PM · #16 |
I didn't see the pixel fade thing but based on the current panning thing I would rather have the pixely thing, Please please please simply fade from one picture to the next, no fancy transitions no panning and zooming no nothing as they REALLY detract from the site.
Now for the hard part(shrugs on anti flame suit)
I know you want to show off as much of your work as possible HOWEVER a number of the photos in several of the sections(seniors, family etc) while technically fine feature how shall I say this delicately...less than flattering subject matter. When I go to a photographers website I want to see photos that look like pro grade shots, I want to see cute children or attractive men an women looking like they just came out of a magazine. Many of your subjects are somewhat less than this and some of the shots look dated and old due to the attire and or setting of the subjects(they may in fact be current but some look right out of the 70s and 80s) Most of your Seniors models are rather heavyset while theyre photos are wonderful I wonder if they send the right message to perspective clients.
I know these comments may seem shallow but these are the types of things that consumers think about. Perhaps you could pare down the selection of samples to showcase the MOST flattering images in your portfolio, several of the Seniors shots look great and are flattering to the model as well. many of the family shots have lighting that looks dark, muted and flat on a calibrated monitor(some even look like dare I say it..amateur snapshots. Hire a few models and do a few photo shoots to create model images for your site, this is an investment in your business, everyone knows that(or suspects) that your portfolio will be models and they realize that you wont be able to make them look like a model but they still want to see that you can take phenomenal sexy, friendly, cute, whatever shots of ideal subjects.
You opening page is phenomenal, if all your portfolio shots had that same contrast and drama i would be calling you in a heart beat, I agree with others about the contact info on every page.
Oh and did I mention the transitions.......
Please don't missinterpret my comments, I think your site looks outstanding and is very well put together, its just the portfolio isn't showing the same quality and wow that you are obviously capable of.
Message edited by author 2008-09-14 13:51:26.
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09/14/2008 02:03:21 PM · #17 |
I think it looks great now that you have taken the tiling out; the fade is much better. As far as your models go, IMO leave them there. They all have a story, they all are attractive and you have showed they're lovely side. They seem happy and confident. As a potential client it tells me that you, as a photographer, knows how to makes your subject [model] confident and secure in the outcome of their pictures.
We need more sites like yours that shows true people, not models, to showcase the photographers work.
You and your clients have done a wonderful job.
Congratulations! |
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09/14/2008 02:24:46 PM · #18 |
| You know when you replied yesterday to one of my emails I say your link in your email and went to the site. I have to say that it looks 1000 times better than it did. You both are doing an awesome job on it. Keep it up. |
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09/14/2008 03:55:43 PM · #19 |
Agree with you totally,dont take the pictures down. I love them. They all look very confident, and i dont see it as an issue.
The fading out looks 2 million times better.
But, whats up with the stretched out text on the front page? Its kinda weird!
Originally posted by SDW:
I think it looks great now that you have taken the tiling out; the fade is much better. As far as your models go, IMO leave them there. They all have a story, they all are attractive and you have showed they're lovely side. They seem happy and confident. As a potential client it tells me that you, as a photographer, knows how to makes your subject [model] confident and secure in the outcome of their pictures.
We need more sites like yours that shows true people, not models, to showcase the photographers work.
You and your clients have done a wonderful job.
Congratulations! |
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09/14/2008 07:47:48 PM · #20 |
Thanks guys! Couldn't have done it without you and your feedback. *tear* :)
Kari, what text? Could you screenshot it to me?
I am going to leave my clients' photos there for show. Each of them has a very special place in my heart. My clients become friends and I think they are all beautiful.
I am hoping, that people look at those photos and see the people IN them. How fun and carefree they are. Not how heavy they are. After all, that's just a number :) |
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09/14/2008 07:57:08 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by jhomrighaus:
I didn't see the pixel fade thing but based on the current panning thing I would rather have the pixely thing, Please please please simply fade from one picture to the next, no fancy transitions no panning and zooming no nothing as they REALLY detract from the site.
Now for the hard part(shrugs on anti flame suit)
I know you want to show off as much of your work as possible HOWEVER a number of the photos in several of the sections(seniors, family etc) while technically fine feature how shall I say this delicately...less than flattering subject matter. When I go to a photographers website I want to see photos that look like pro grade shots, I want to see cute children or attractive men an women looking like they just came out of a magazine. Many of your subjects are somewhat less than this and some of the shots look dated and old due to the attire and or setting of the subjects(they may in fact be current but some look right out of the 70s and 80s) Most of your Seniors models are rather heavyset while theyre photos are wonderful I wonder if they send the right message to perspective clients.
I know these comments may seem shallow but these are the types of things that consumers think about. Perhaps you could pare down the selection of samples to showcase the MOST flattering images in your portfolio, several of the Seniors shots look great and are flattering to the model as well. many of the family shots have lighting that looks dark, muted and flat on a calibrated monitor(some even look like dare I say it..amateur snapshots. Hire a few models and do a few photo shoots to create model images for your site, this is an investment in your business, everyone knows that(or suspects) that your portfolio will be models and they realize that you wont be able to make them look like a model but they still want to see that you can take phenomenal sexy, friendly, cute, whatever shots of ideal subjects.
You opening page is phenomenal, if all your portfolio shots had that same contrast and drama i would be calling you in a heart beat, I agree with others about the contact info on every page.
Oh and did I mention the transitions.......
Please don't missinterpret my comments, I think your site looks outstanding and is very well put together, its just the portfolio isn't showing the same quality and wow that you are obviously capable of. |
I appreciate where you are coming from. I am going to update it every couple of weeks to have new material. I just really don't like to pay models. I like it when my friends stop by to have a photo taken because they know I am going to bring out their best side and offer to sign a model release because they know I need the exposure (this was even back when I was getting ready to go into business and just needed lighting, focus, and PP practice). My glamour portfolio is exactly what you say I need all over the site. I have over 500 of those images from that shoot. But, IMO, how boring would that get? :) hehe
Like I said, I appreciate where you are coming from and I appreciate (greatly) the time it took you to type this for ME :)
I will have more photos from my new skill set soon. But, they will still be real families and real seniors. I am all about representing real people. So what if it draws the heavy people my way? I don't mind. They are usually nicer anyway :)
Thanks again :)
ETA: Ohhh yeah, about those transitions. :) I am working on perhaps making that whole thing a teeeeeny bit larger and when I do, the zoom/pan is leaving :) Thanks for noticing though :)
Message edited by author 2008-09-14 20:00:19. |
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09/14/2008 08:11:28 PM · #22 |
IMO I'd take the white box with ''welcome to'' and "About Jojo" and give them their own button to click on.
That home page should be your "WOW' page and it really detracts from your eyes.
I think just have the black background and the eyes would be a better home page.
And lose the "interested in a photo shoot?" block on the front page also.
Too much text. I'd want to click on your menu only because of seeing those eyes and wanting to know more.
Just my 2¢ worth.
But nice photos nonetheless.... |
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09/14/2008 08:47:01 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by TCGuru:
I appreciate where you are coming from. I am going to update it every couple of weeks to have new material. I just really don't like to pay models. I like it when my friends stop by to have a photo taken because they know I am going to bring out their best side and offer to sign a model release because they know I need the exposure (this was even back when I was getting ready to go into business and just needed lighting, focus, and PP practice). My glamour portfolio is exactly what you say I need all over the site. I have over 500 of those images from that shoot. But, IMO, how boring would that get? :) hehe
Like I said, I appreciate where you are coming from and I appreciate (greatly) the time it took you to type this for ME :)
I will have more photos from my new skill set soon. But, they will still be real families and real seniors. I am all about representing real people. So what if it draws the heavy people my way? I don't mind. They are usually nicer anyway :)
Thanks again :)
ETA: Ohhh yeah, about those transitions. :) I am working on perhaps making that whole thing a teeeeeny bit larger and when I do, the zoom/pan is leaving :) Thanks for noticing though :) |
I appreciate your position and your comments. Many simply will assume that I am a shallow person who only values appearance and somehow finds non models boring or offensive. This is simply not the case, I am 6 foot and 275 lbs and its not all muscle. However there is a very real reason that catalogs feature idealized people in idyllic settings and that is because it works.
I think perhaps I was unclear before, My point to you was not to eliminate all photos of non models rather that there are a lot of pictures of the same people and not all of them are the most flattering of photos, this is your portfolio so put your best foot forward, but also put a diverse foot forward, this is your brief opportunity to show someone everything you can do so have pictures of all types of people in all types of situations but most of all, in your portfolio make sure that EVERY one of those shots is IMPECCABLE and VERY flattering to the subject and I have to say that not all of the shots you have up there would fit in that category. This is of course only my opinion but I would rather see fewer GREAT shots, than many OK shots. I think what I was trying to say is show us more variety, different people heavy, think tall short whatever, but show us GREAT shots of them. Perhaps choose shots where everyone has all their teeth unless that is the focus of the shot(the fact that they are missing I mean). Pick shots where everyone is smiling. I would try for the single image frames as opposed to the collage shots as they are hard to interpret in such a small format. The only two areas where I notice this are the families and seniors sections really the kids, music and weddings sections are great(especially the kids section some of those shots are outstandingly wonderful)
No matter what your site looks great and I think it will serve you well whatever path you choose to take with it. Sorry for the controversy.
Message edited by author 2008-09-14 21:02:02.
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09/14/2008 09:25:52 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by Bosborne:
IMO I'd take the white box with ''welcome to'' and "About Jojo" and give them their own button to click on.
That home page should be your "WOW' page and it really detracts from your eyes.
I think just have the black background and the eyes would be a better home page.
And lose the "interested in a photo shoot?" block on the front page also.
Too much text. I'd want to click on your menu only because of seeing those eyes and wanting to know more.
Just my 2¢ worth.
But nice photos nonetheless.... |
I am going to be adding a professional and snazzy looking SP to that page and it will fall on the right between the about me and the contact us spots. Do you think that will help? |
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09/14/2008 09:31:08 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by jhomrighaus:
I appreciate your position and your comments. Many simply will assume that I am a shallow person who only values appearance and somehow finds non models boring or offensive. This is simply not the case, I am 6 foot and 275 lbs and its not all muscle. However there is a very real reason that catalogs feature idealized people in idyllic settings and that is because it works.
I think perhaps I was unclear before, My point to you was not to eliminate all photos of non models rather that there are a lot of pictures of the same people and not all of them are the most flattering of photos, this is your portfolio so put your best foot forward, but also put a diverse foot forward, this is your brief opportunity to show someone everything you can do so have pictures of all types of people in all types of situations but most of all, in your portfolio make sure that EVERY one of those shots is IMPECCABLE and VERY flattering to the subject and I have to say that not all of the shots you have up there would fit in that category. This is of course only my opinion but I would rather see fewer GREAT shots, than many OK shots. I think what I was trying to say is show us more variety, different people heavy, think tall short whatever, but show us GREAT shots of them. Perhaps choose shots where everyone has all their teeth unless that is the focus of the shot(the fact that they are missing I mean). Pick shots where everyone is smiling. I would try for the single image frames as opposed to the collage shots as they are hard to interpret in such a small format. The only two areas where I notice this are the families and seniors sections really the kids, music and weddings sections are great(especially the kids section some of those shots are outstandingly wonderful)
No matter what your site looks great and I think it will serve you well whatever path you choose to take with it. Sorry for the controversy. |
Gotcha. No worries :) Glad you were brave enough to voice your opinions :) |
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