PDP request - photographers website.

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

01/14/2008 03:52:11 PM · #1

I am looking for any members who are knowledgeable in websites for photography. I refer to knowledgeable in the area of any or all of the following -

- the need for a photographer to have a website.
- the maintainence involved for a photographers website.
- the building of a photographers website.
- the do's and don'ts of a photographers website.

I am looking to discuss these areas on the next podcast and feel this is an area that many will and can relate to. So I am looking for members who are willing to discuss any or all of these areas.

Suggestions please!

Eyesup

Nikon D300

01/14/2008 03:55:40 PM · #2

Originally posted by Judi:

I build and maintain my own website here mostly HTML, And as I'm getting into the business of photography I've been studing up on what to do and not in advertizing and websites in general

Message edited by author 2008-01-14 15:56:14.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

01/14/2008 04:04:34 PM · #3

I also build and maintain my site, as well as a couple of others. My best is my own, at www.AdamMathiasPhotography.com. I use mostly flash, some dreamweaver. Let me know if you want my help

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/14/2008 04:07:29 PM · #4

It is an interview she wants not help building a site.

We want photogs to discuss the merits of a web site and such.

You can listen to other pod casts Here!

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

01/14/2008 05:06:50 PM · #5

Bump for more contenders.

lentil

Canon EOS-5D

01/14/2008 05:26:50 PM · #6

I built mine using a template. My husband is a website designer but I wanted something that I could update myself without having to ask him all the time.
As far as needing website's for photographers, I think in the wedding industry alot of brides/grooms look online first to make a decision before making any appt's.. to me having a great looking site that catches their eye off the bat is super important.
As far as do's and dont's I have been told not to have music on the site because it is annoying and normally I agree totally, but with weddings I believe having nice soft music adds to the sale.

Not sure if that sort of thing is what you are after

Lisa

jeger

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/14/2008 07:46:52 PM · #7

Hi Judi,

Are you gathering information to form your own opinion to use in a pod cast, or were you looking for specific individuals to interview?

I just wanted to clarify what exactly you were looking for.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Nikon

01/14/2008 08:25:31 PM · #8

Okay...I have 2 people who have stepped up to the plate and organised Skype and microphones...so for now I am interested in what information you would all like to hear in the discussion on Photographers websites so I can slot it into the questions I already have.

Greetmir

Nikon D60

01/14/2008 09:26:23 PM · #9

Originally posted by Eyesup:

I build and maintain my own website here mostly HTML, And as I'm getting into the business of photography I've been studing up on what to do and not in advertizing and websites in general

I like your website and particularly your gallery that shows off the best of your work including this shot.

[thumb]633244[/thumb]

Your rates of only up to $4,000 seem quite reasonable for wedding packages that include such pretty images.

The best of luck in your future endeavors.

Message edited by author 2008-01-14 21:31:26.

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Nikon

01/15/2008 02:03:21 AM · #10

A bump for any questions any one might have on this subject.

FocusPoint

XIAOMI Redmi Note 8 Pro

01/15/2008 02:44:59 AM · #11

My prices are very low, budget photographer at this point. I do have my own website, my own domain and I created all the codes, database stuff. I borrowed the Java thumbnail viewer though, it looks cool :P Something simple, not too fancy :)

www.leokoach.com

I do have client sign in for proofing that is maintained often, and also I add awards or different photos to sections of my website to keep it fresh as much as I can :)

Greetmir

Nikon D60

01/15/2008 06:15:48 AM · #12

Judi, I think you have it pretty well covered with the four points in your first post here.

If I could suggest anything, I would like to know if those with photography websites have found that fancy flash presentations or standard thumbnail galleries displaying their work gives the best results. Do they think that heavy flash graphics might scare away clients with slower computers or internet connections? Do they think more plain websites might be found boring by the jaded computer users of the 21st Century? What do the users think?

I think the original idea of a podcast on this subject is great and very much look forward to the result.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/15/2008 06:16:58 AM · #13

Thankyou....that was the type of feedback that I wanted. I want to make sure that I am going to be covering the areas that are foremost on peoples minds.

pix-al

Canon EOS-5D

01/15/2008 06:25:43 AM · #14

Originally posted by Greetmir:

Do they think that heavy flash graphics might scare away clients with slower computers or internet connections?

Personally, I would say a big yes to this one...
When ever I am browsing or checking out a DPC user website when they post link, If the web page doesn't load within 5 to 10 secs max, I kill the window. I don't care how fancy the website or how good the images are - Slow loading is a biggy for me.

Originally posted by Greetmir:

Do they think more plain websites might be found boring by the jaded computer users of the 21st Century? What do the users think?

I hadn't thought about it from this angle until very recently. I had an old college friend contct me through Facebook. Turns out she is now working as a web designer. I asked her to comment on my site. She liked it, though thought it could do with some Flash animations to do picture swaps etc... Urghhh - not what I wanted on my site, but maybe I am being closed minded about this?!?

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

01/15/2008 06:38:04 AM · #15

An important point is the marketing of the website. There's no use spending all that time designing a beautiful website if nobody ever visits it. So, the areas are;

- Search engine optimisation
- Identifying your target market (are your potential customers local or worldwide?)
- Using something like Google Adwords
- Other ways of getting your website address out there (business cards, letter heads, forums)

In fact, the whole area of marketing would almost warrant its own podcast!