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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Website Critique
Andrew Truong, Photographer
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Irvine | CA | United States | Posted: 6:17 PM on 02.09.09 |
->> Hi, I am trying to get into the wedding/portrait photography business, I realize times are tough on the ecconomy. But I would rather do photography than working in retail or in restauraunts.
Anyhow, I made a website to help market my photography services. Also I have made business cards. I need to hand them out, but since I am on a college campus it is kinda hard for me to market to profitable clients (not poor college students). So as far as marketing is concered I think I should drive back home to orange county and market to contacts i have in that area. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as marketing is concerned.
My website is at http://www.andrewphotographic.com, I would appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.
Best,
Andrew |
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Matthew Williams, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | USA | Posted: 6:58 PM on 02.09.09 |
->> Andrew,
The blog format is not doing any favors for your photography. Secondly, it's way too hard to actually find your images. Thirdly, I think you need to find a vision, style, or niche and go from there. The photographs you present don't really tell me anything about your passion and I feel like you need to take it to the next level. Get creative. Show us something different, make us feel something.
In terms of design, the photos need to be the showcase of your website. Let the photographs speak for themselves and design around them.
hope this helps |
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Kevin M. Cox, Photographer, Assistant
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Galveston / Houston | TX | US | Posted: 8:14 PM on 02.09.09 |
| ->> Andrew, welcome to SportsShooter. The first thing I noticed is that the slideshow on the front page covers the bottom of your welcome text, both in Safari and IE7. I didn't have any trouble finding your portfolio photos but agree with Matthew that they are fairly small. The last thing I noticed is something that always bugs me personally, I hate all the dead space at the bottom of every page. It isn't consistent and your copyright notice moves up and down within that dead space from page to page. |
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Wesley R. Bush, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | U.S. | Posted: 8:50 PM on 02.09.09 |
->> I didn't get a "feeling" with your website. Today's markets are supersaturated with photographers who can make good photos. You need to develop a brand and have that brand come through in your website. When I see a website, I expect the same creativity and effort to go into the development of that site as I do the photography. It may not be a true comparison, but it's your best shot at grabbing me.
As far as marketing, you mentioned handing out cards and it made me think of another link someone posted here that I bookmarked.
http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/01/22/30-memorable-and-creative-busin.../
I'm not saying copy any one of these, but just think how a few extra dollars here and some creativity resonates with a potential client. It's not a card that is going to get dropped in a junk drawer. It's one that will be shown to others. One that will be remembered. Tie that in with a website that represents WHO YOU ARE as a photographer, and you've got a brand that will trump the guy with a portfolio.
Just my 2 cents. I am not a professional businessman, but I am a professional customer. |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 10:09 PM on 02.09.09 |
->> Andrew
For whatever reason I have big problems with your site in Firefox re the flash player - Safari is ok.
Not enough images - you can talk the talk about weddings but you need the shots to back it up. Same as sports, corporate whatever. If you don't have the shots then figure out a way to get them. Shoot free for portfolio if you have to, shoot more, shoot shoot shoot and get them on your site. As a client I want to see your vision, your creativity, your passion, your art, and what sets you apart from everyone else |
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Max Gersh, Photographer, Student/Intern
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 10:53 PM on 02.09.09 |
->> I agree with a lot of what was said above. In terms of readability, I find the sub-head in the different categories spaced too tight. The words like "Quality Time and Time Again" become hard to read.
Also, is this website a venture for your photography or do you have a business with multiple photogs? If it is just you, it is a little silly to say "Our Promise" and continually said "We" when it should be "I." You don't have to make yourself sound like a giant organization if you're not one.
I suggest reading a book called "Don't Make Me Think." http://tinyurl.com/8l3xq6 It is a short, easy read that really breaks down how people view websites and how to make yours work for your clients. One thing that should go is the "welcome" chuck of text on the home page. No one wants to read that. If they do want to read that, they want to read it in the appropriate places. Much of that info fits the "About Me" page. Other parts would suit the "Our Promise" page.
I also think you offer more links than the average client wants to be offered. Instead of listing portraits, corporate, weddings, religious events, etc., why not have one link that says service or something like that.
I know some of what I said may sound crazy but I have studied web usability and worked in the web industry. I highly recommend picking up that book to help you restructure your site. |
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Andrew Truong, Photographer
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Irvine | CA | United States | Posted: 1:31 AM on 02.10.09 |
->> Thanks Everyone for the input. I the page kinda felt bland after I made it. I agree with what has been said about let the work speak for itself. Makes sense after all the clients are judging you off what you do not what you say.
Much appreciated,
Andrew |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 7:51 AM on 02.10.09 |
->> Max,
"Don't Make Me Think" is an excellent book. We used it in class all the time. Andrew, take your time. Do lots and lots of research. Some of the SS members have excellent websites. Take a look at joining WPPI http://www.wppionline.com/ that is an excellent source of information. Also take a look at joining PPA http://www.ppa.com/ an excellent source for marketing your business. There are also a lot of excellent wedding photographers that are SS members that may be willing to guide you in the right direction. But like I said earlier, take your time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Good luck..... |
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Dave Breen, Photographer
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Somerset | PA | USA | Posted: 9:07 AM on 02.10.09 |
| ->> I'd pay more attention to your text, too. The first paragraph has one complete sentence -- following two fragments. I realize you're selling a visual service, but incorrect grammar/spelling in websites, blogs and message boards says "I don't care." |
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