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  1. #1
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Default  Website Critique  
      
      

    Hey everybody,

    I don't know if this is the right spot but I am looking for some critique of my site. What do you like, not like and what is needed or could be better?

    Any input would be great.

    http://www.ckimballphotography.com

    Thanks folks,


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  2. #2
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    Rock, since you're trying to make money from the site, I moved this to the "Making Money" section. I'll check out the site real quick and give you my thoughts in a second.

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    Initial thoughts...

    It's too cluttered. There's too much for me to look at and read. Also, you might consider double-checking a good deal of your spelling/grammar on the front page.

    Overall, it's a damn good start/site and much better than anything I can make. Maybe tell us what your main objective with the site is? I know you're trying to sell your service, but are you trying to show off your work to people you meet in person more than get new clients via the web or vice-versa? Just a little bit more basic info about the site is what I'm after.

  4. #4
    *spirit fingers* subimatt's Avatar
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    I like the site overall, IMO I think the gallery needs to be redone. Id also consider simplifying it. It has alot of information but depending on the client you are trying to market, it may be a bit overwhelming.

    Just my .02$

  5. #5
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Thanks guys. My proof reader is sleeping so I will have her go over it in the morning. I will look at the layout as well.

    What would you different with the galleries? I didn't want to use flash on them cause alot of folks don't seem to like it.....

  6. #6
    *spirit fingers* subimatt's Avatar
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    ^ Not really sure, I just think the framing and presentation needs to be altered to really peak the interest. You can view all the images from the gallery and not click a single one because its clear enough to see the image, but not striking enough to click... I guess thats the best way to describe it. You want to draw people in. Maybe do Categories then run a slideshow?

  7. #7
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by subimatt View Post
    ^ Not really sure, I just think the framing and presentation needs to be altered to really peak the interest. You can view all the images from the gallery and not click a single one because its clear enough to see the image, but not striking enough to click... I guess thats the best way to describe it. You want to draw people in. Maybe do Categories then run a slideshow?
    Okay, good.....

    This has me thinking. If I change a bit of code.....Hrmmmmm...

    Thanks that does help.

  8. #8
    cheesehead jacobsen1's Avatar
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    needs way less words and more images, especially on the opening page. If you need all the info, put it on one of the other pages, but the first page needs to be eye catching and sell the photography right away. Then explain what they'll get.
    I own this joint!
    gear list.
    yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.

  9. #9
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Thanks all.....

  10. #10
    fanboi thomps6s's Avatar
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    my first impression was "too much going on, where do I start?"
    I have to be honest, I looked and almost clicked away from the page immediately.
    Keeping a visitor's attention is key.

    I think the keys to a good website are:
    a. Keep it clean and simple
    b. make your images easily accessible (and easy to order if you are selling)
    c. briefly talk about yourself and your history
    d. simple and clean contact page.

    I think once you clean it up you will be on to something.

    My site is pretty simple and is in no means perfect. It needs to be cleaned up as well. My gallery especially.

    I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

  11. #11
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    Agreed with Shawn (thomps6s), my website is by no means perfect, but I made it as simple as possible. You actually reminded me of something I need to ask in my own photo website thread..

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    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Well I see what you are saying. I have moved some stuff and trimmed down the index. I will keep working at it.

  13. #13
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    Yeah, just let us know whenever you make an update and we'll check it out again.

  14. #14
    QJ
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    All good critiques. Looking forward to to seeing the progress! This type of photography service has always been intriguing to me.

    One thing I did notice that hasn't been mentioned is your "Quotes" page goes off the screen and requires scrolling right. Easy fix.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by quirkeejames View Post
    One thing I did notice that hasn't been mentioned is your "Quotes" page goes off the screen and requires scrolling right. Easy fix.
    huh.... I don't see that here. I checked it in 3 different browsers and it looks fine. What screen resolution are you using?

  16. #16
    QJ
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    1024x768, not a widescreen monitor. It's only dong that on the Quotes page which sounds like a margin is off in the template for that page. The sentence:

    "Use this form to send us information regarding your project. We will review the information and send you a quote."

    looks to be forcing the photo more right like the margin for the text is off. The word "you" is the last word in the first row and is kissing the edge of the photo.

  17. #17
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    Made a few changes. I am a long way from there but I would like to see if you guys think I am heading the right way.....

  18. #18
    QJ
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    Looking good and the Quotes page changes are much better! You are headed the right way. Three things I noticed:

    1. The copyright date at the bottom should be updated to include all years of your work from 200?-2008.

    2. The Gallery page opens in a new window and is the only tab that does that. If you make it open in the same window as all the other tabs it will be easier on the navigation for viewers.

    3. This sentence on your Dispatch Photo page - "I am equipped Canon with high resolution digital camera(s) with wide angle and telephoto lenses."

    The potential client is going to expect you to be equipped with good gear so no need to explain exactly what you are bringing. Your photos show what you can do. That sentence could be eliminated altogether. Just my $.02 as an editor with a little OCD.



  19. #19
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Thanks I will look at all those things. I am not sure what I am going to do with the gallery yet so that is temp. but I do want it embedded in the page when it is all said and done.

  20. #20
    QJ
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    BTW, I love this on your site - "Chris became interested in photography at an early age when his father started taking photo's. His father game him his first camera, a Pentax film SLR and a couple lenses to get him started."

    I hope my son or daughter picks up on my passion and makes it their own some day.

    (just noticed "photo's" is wrong on your page. See, OCD at it's best! )

  21. #21
    cold-blooded internet insult machine Markitos's Avatar
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    ^ That's why I take photos--cuz of my dad--largely, anyway...
    “Sharpness is a Bourgeois concept.” -- Henri Cartier-Bresson

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Markitos View Post
    ^ That's why I take photos--cuz of my dad--largely, anyway...
    Me, too, I think. My dad loves photography and I loved tinkering around with his old camera as a kid. The walls of my room were always full of snapshots I took of people and places with my own little cameras - 35mm, 110mm, Kodak Disc...

  23. #23
    Working Rock's Avatar
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    Yeah my Dad got into it and got me interested. We used to go shoot together he just isn't up for it anymore. Glad he got me started though.....

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