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01/09/2009 07:31:58 AM · #1 |
| So those of you with great websites... do you code it yourself? hire someone? What software do you use if you do it yourself? Anything out there that's really user friendly? Mine's HTML at the moment.. and well... boring. |
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01/10/2009 01:43:07 AM · #2 |
| Ok not necessarily even a FLASH website - if you have a good website how did you design it? Did you hire someone? what software did you use? is it very user friendly? |
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01/10/2009 02:30:03 AM · #3 |
I find that a lot of artists code their own websites if they have the know how. But in all honesty, if you don't know your way around Flash, then I would recommend against attempting to throw a flash site together. They usually just end up looking amateurish and unprofessional. To make a flash site you will have to use Adobe Flash, but as for creating HTML sites, you may want to look into Dreamweaver to help you out. The software has a steep learning curve, but is capable of a lot. I know a lot of artists that utilize Dreamweaver and flash to create their own websites (sorry, I personally don't have a site at the moment). I also have a couple buddies who, like myself, prefer to code directly into a text file and just upload it from there. But if you plan on using a lot of javascript and CSS, I would suggest getting Dreamweaver... it will save you a lot of time when you get the hang of it...
And if you need someone to build you a site I know some people who would probably be up for building one. |
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01/10/2009 02:50:33 AM · #4 |
I'm with  Adamsw216 on the flash, unless you are very good at it, just avoid it. Flash is sufficiently mature now that people expect it to be completely integrated with the site, and look great. The minute you touch flash you are going to have to add another dimension to the site to stop it looking bad!
Stick with an HTML site, keep the colours and decorations on it clean and simple and let your photos be the focal point.
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01/10/2009 02:55:24 AM · #5 |
I have a template website right now and i hate it. It doesnt do my photography justice. I dont like having other people design my own things, including business cards and websites because it needs to be a reflection of my own creativity which I feel is something only I can do.
So what did I do? Well I bought a book on actionscript 3 and went to town. Im not done with my site yet but I went from knowing nothing about actionscript to knowing a crap-ton about it. Its hard work and its frustrating. I code it all myself and it takes a lot of hours and true dedication. But its something that I am proud of and proud to do. Plus, I love exploring new things like this.
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01/10/2009 04:14:50 AM · #6 |
If you sign up with Smugmug you can easily create a site like mine or one of my friend's. Or you can customize your site any way you want. All Smumug sites come with tons of great features built in--features that you simply can't duplicate with a homemade site. And it all comes with the best customer support in the business.
If you're interested, try the 14-day no obligation free trial. And if you want to save a few bucks on your subscription, make sure my personal coupon code (qzDagz7w1S78w) is in the 'Referred by' field on the signup form. Of course it also makes me a bit richer too. :D
If you sign up, let me know and I'll give you a hand getting started. Over the years I've helped several people customize their sites.
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01/10/2009 06:24:45 PM · #7 |
My current site was built with sitespinner pro... It just looks bland to me :(
Www.claytaylorphotography.com |
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02/24/2009 01:37:30 AM · #8 |
Hi Clay
I went to have a look at your site, but it took too long to bring up, so I gave up. Not a good thing, your clients will do that too. I can highly recommend bludomain.com. They have heaps of templates specially designed for photographers, and in $US start from $100-300. I have one - check it out here. My model was the James, and has been excellent so far. They set it up, all you have to do is load up the photos and info, and they do the rest. They give you client proofing pages, galleries, info pages, and in some you can get shopping carts. They also contain a contact page, which I've found really useful as the clients have to input their details including phone numbers - no spam, and it ensures genuine enquiries that you can follow up by phone (ie no other photographers/competition trying to find out your prices etc, which can be really annoying).  Lentil put me onto this, which I'm really grateful for! There seem to be more and more pros using bludomain, and its definitely the classy and cheaper alternative to doing your own, or getting a design company to do it for you. |
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