New Website - Critiques appreciated

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/26/2008 01:49:00 PM · #1

Hey guys, I have update my website. I haven't completed it yet, but it is at least functional. I'm attempting to make it a little more informative to drive a little more trafffic to it. I would also like to make it semi-educational for new and expectant mothers. Opinions appreciated.

DowseDesigns

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

01/26/2008 02:47:13 PM · #2

Not too bad... couple of things I noticed...

- The background images moves around as the main image loads... it would be better to keep that constant.
- I find the thumbs distracting with different sizes... It would look better if you could standardise them as squares but even the same size rectangle would be better then the different sizes.
- The menu also moves... Personally, I would keep it along the top but if you prefer it on the side, keep it in a locked position.
- I would also prefer to see larger images but that is a preference thing.
- If you want it to be educational e.t.c.....
* You could have links to the popular websites.. what's my kid look like at x weeks type of stuff. You might be able to find one that will give you kick-backs or something not sure.
* Setup an amazon affiliate and have a list of "what to expect when expecting" type of books.
* Is they any local retailers that you can cross advertise with discounts or something free?

01/26/2008 03:30:41 PM · #3

Originally posted by robs:

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I am going to re-size the thumbs. Those are left over from my old site. I had it set up so that I could upload from an "admin" log-in and thumbs were automatically generated as part of the upload process. I need to refine that to get a more consistent look. The educational part is under "A Father's Journey". Weekly updates on what a father goes through during pregnancy with relevant links. You have to dig a bit to get to the links but I plan on adding a "Resources" page for easier access.

Retroesque

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/26/2008 05:44:29 PM · #4

Just had a quick peek - wanted to say in the newborn gallery I found the gallery images overlaid on the two babies in the background really disturbing.

It worked ok in the maternity section because the chosen images didn't tend to go over the background woman, but the photos cutting out portions of the babies in the background were unpleasant to me.

The images themselves are nice.

Also just on your pregancy journal you might want to offer the option of people jumping to the end.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

01/26/2008 06:22:22 PM · #5

Thanks for the input... that's just what I needed.

Originally posted by iamwoman:

Just had a quick peek - wanted to say in the newborn gallery I found the gallery images overlaid on the two babies in the background really disturbing.

fixed

Originally posted by iamwoman:

Also just on your pregancy journal you might want to offer the option of people jumping to the end.

done and done

:-)

Retroesque

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/26/2008 06:24:44 PM · #6

WOW - you're fast!

Hope others chime in to give their opinions!

valkner

Canon EOS-7D

01/26/2008 07:17:48 PM · #7

First, your photography is beautiful. I really admire your use of light and composition. Please do not take offense to what I say next, I am simply offering suggestions as a graphic designer.

From a design perspective I would say to use less italic/slanted type. It makes your site feel like it's falling over. In general, it is best to try to use a single typeface throughout the website, or possibly two typefaces. I would consider making your logo smaller, or perhaps having a splash page where it is presented at or around the current size and then having it be smaller in the actual website. It commands too much attention and takes up valuable screen space, detracting from your work. Also, the compass rose feels really tacky, especially the way it's extended into a sort of cross. I agree that you should have the menu be in a constant position on the site or have the homepage be a splash page rather than something that feels like it's delivering content. I am personally not for the reflected type as it doesn't feel like it relates to anything on the site, but it's up to you. I would also consider simplifying the layout a little - there is information everywhere on the first page and it doesn't really feel organized or logical - it's just kind of filling space. In your logo, I would close the gap between the i and the g and open up the space between the g and the n. A little more space could be used between the s and the i as well. If you want to keep the "frame corners" I would turn them to a little more of a neutral grey. They seem a little too bright in the intense white they currently are. You should make your thumbnails a consistent size; it's ok to crop images for thumbnails, but having them be different sizes and proportions makes your site feel thrown together and not as clean as it could be. I would also pull the background images out of your gallery page, the first image chops off the head of the background woman and it's quite disturbing.

I hope this helps! Again, your work is truly beautiful and I just want to see your site be as good as possible to present your work on the cleanest and best possible page.