c&c my website and photos

[figmented]

So, i'm really new at this whole photography thing. I read this site and fredmiranda throughout the day, every day. I've been doing photography for 2 years (got my first camera then).

I'm wanting to start my own photography business, i'm 24, in the Dallas Texas Area.. I love anything to do with weddings or women.

I've done mostly free photography for family and friends, ive also been a second shooter on about 3 weddings. So I decided it's time to try and do it on my own. I have no clients yet, im still messing around with my website.

What do you guys think so far?
What do you think of my quality of work as a photography only doing this for less then 2 years.

What do you think of my website, for someone starting new, without really having any clients to show off much work, and just have random shoots i've done pretty much unpaid?


My website is http://www.slantphoto.com (http://www.slantphoto.com)

Thanks and I really appreciate your comments in advance, I like the group of people that post on this forum.

I just really wish there was someone who could go into this venture with me, so I wouldnt have to be photographing alone. (anyone reading this send me a mail if you'd like me to work with you) jon@slantphoto.com


somephotosjustforpeoplewhodontclicklinks
http://lh6.google.com/slantphoto/RqouZFJHeCI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/xK6thIUjOmI/s400/077-josh_502.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/slantphoto/RqouHVJHdaI/AAAAAAAAESQ/UVWuSARGm90/s400/10Dec2005.mike_wedding.545.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/slantphoto/RqouJ1JHdgI/AAAAAAAAETA/QbzYS1Xo0Zo/s400/07APR06_dgsc_1182-Edit.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/slantphoto/RqouQVJHdtI/AAAAAAAAEUo/1P6Jei9Eoow/s400/076-danny_210.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/slantphoto/RqouXFJHd8I/AAAAAAAAEWg/iy6U_Cb8a5g/s400/077-josh_103.jpg

[MrsOpie]

I think your photos and pricing are right on but I don't like the website.

1. Remove the colum navigation on the left. Leave the top navigation as the main navigation.

2. Your Home page should be a slide show of your pictures or just one big picture. Your home page right now is your blog.

3. Keep the rust/orange banner on the top. Love those colors. Change the colors on the portrait page and wedding page to the same rust color instead of blue and green.

4. put 1 of your pictures on the contact page.

[figmented]

I know im going different about this, as in having a blog and webpage as one.. instead of 2 seperate sites.

yeah was thinking bout getting rid of the navigation thing on the left.. main reason i didnt, it's a pain in the ass.. main reason i want to.. to have larger photos on the blog part..

now, this was all done on my own, i dont have the money to get a fancy webpage designed for me.. yet..

so it was just easy to use wordpress and some blog crap and make a website out of it..

I agree about the colors on the portrait and wedding pages, im going to make them more neutral.. (instead of omg make my eyes bleed red and green)

What do you think of having the slideshows above the pricing options on the portrait and wedding pages?

So I should make a simple opening page, be like a sideshow or some images, and then a click through to get to my blog? i dunno but im not usually a fan of having to click through to somewhere everytime i go to a website..

My pricing is extremely cheap, cause, im an extreme newbie in this area, hopefully they will rise once i start getting business. But with expenses I have to charge that to atleast break even..

how bout if i make a more prominant 'sticky' post like i have there, with a slideshow at the top etc.. and still have it go to the blog as the main page, but with a 'main' post at the top that doesnt get removed? (thats how it is now)

[figmented]

i'd like some more comments before i do any changes to it.. i plan on removing the sidebar and having a 'main' page before the blog and other pages..

[tlc]

first off, i would change this sentence immediately! your coming off as a bit of a snob (which i am sure is not your intention) do you not photograph plain women as well? just in that sentence alone, i can see you running off a lot of women.

"I love to photograph weddings and gorgeous women (who can blame me).

next sentence - is fine, but - not everyone wants 'trendy' looks - especially for albums - you want traditional as well, otherwise album will not be 'timeless'.

I love to capture the moment, the emotions and the beauty that is around me. I try to stay with the current trends and hip looks my photos can portray."

i would think twice about the whole conglomeration of a blog and a website - its way too busy, on first blush, i almost clicked away becuase it was a bit overwhelming.

the pricing page does not appeal to me at all - there is nothing personal about it at all - it screams walmart at me. sorry to be so blunt but i just do not find it appealing at all.

if your trying to market yourself - i dont think you should state your still learning... etc. etc. - if your trying to get bookings that is going to be a sure fire way to scare people off - who wants to hire a wedding photographer who is still unsure and still in the learning process?

i like the colors the black and orange do look good together.

[figmented]

well go ahead and shove some money my way if you think my blog/website 'conglomeration' is a bad idea. until i can afford it, or until i spend way too much time on learning it (and not enough time taking photos), then this is what i got.

I'm a realist. and to be honest, i'd rather weed out brides that think they aren't gorgeous.

and if they want timeless/classic/traditional (whatever these words even mean), then go somewhere else, i don't want their business.. I'm not trying to cater to everyone out there getting married.

and why not tell someone that im still learning? I'm not trying to start a mult-million dollar corporation with $10k+ wedding bookings, so who cares if im still learning or new to this. I was trying to be on a more personal level, which you obviously dont want to be on.

but thanks for your inspiration and words (and for your full screen popup window on your site)

i guess ill keep on tryin.

[tlc]

well go ahead and shove some money my way if you think my blog/website 'conglomeration' is a bad idea. until i can afford it, or until i spend way too much time on learning it (and not enough time taking photos), then this is what i got.

I'm a realist. and to be honest, i'd rather weed out brides that think they aren't gorgeous.

and if they want timeless/classic/traditional (whatever these words even mean), then go somewhere else, i don't want their business.. I'm not trying to cater to everyone out there getting married.

and why not tell someone that im still learning? I'm not trying to start a mult-million dollar corporation with $10k+ wedding bookings, so who cares if im still learning or new to this. I was trying to be on a more personal level, which you obviously dont want to be on.

but thanks for your inspiration and words (and for your full screen popup window on your site)

i guess ill keep on tryin.

i love people who ask for critique, then can't take it. you'll do well.

not.

if this is the kind of attitude you carry over into your business, it wont last long (the business).

[figmented]

ah i took your critique and am putting them to use, along with mrsopie's. I still have to manage with this blog conglomeration, but ill find a way to make it better.

I just don't think its necessary to cater to everyone. I didn't mean to come off as an ass, but i just think too many people are trying to be "the cheapest and my photos are greater then all" mindset which, and to think everyone has to be some polished corporate company is stupid.

I guess its not good to ask about business stuff in a forum where there are competitors and ill stick to photo critiques.

[tlc]

ah i took your critique and am putting them to use, along with mrsopie's. I still have to manage with this blog conglomeration, but ill find a way to make it better.

I just don't think its necessary to cater to everyone. I didn't mean to come off as an ass, but i just think too many people are trying to be "the cheapest and my photos are greater then all" mindset which, and to think everyone has to be some polished corporate company is stupid.

I guess its not good to ask about business stuff in a forum where there are competitors and ill stick to photo critiques.

ok maybe we just got off on the wrong foot - i was sincerely trying to help you and i guess you didnt see it that way - so apologies. i'm learning too and i am trying to share with you, not compete - i'm on the other side of the globe!

being too selective in the beginning of starting a business will run you into the ground. i honestly dont think i am wrong here - you shoudl see some of the weddings i am having to do! hopefully down the road, when i am more in the black, i can be more selective and raise prices and so on and so on. but until then, i need to take everything that comes my way - within reaason of course.

remember, the more weddings you do - the more practice you get. regardless of how beautiful anyone is, or now nice the venue - it all counts.

i know there are templates out there for websites that are affordable - one thing you should invest in is a good site - as you know, wedding photography is a very visual art - brides surf the web these days and a good site is worth it. if i were you, that would be my first investment.

[figmented]

yeah once i get some money coming i plan on getting a nice site made.

and i agree i am trying to take what i can get, which is why my pricing is what it is, and i give high res photos with the packages. hell i wouldnt mind even doing it for free at the moment just to get experience.

I have some good ideas to make the site better with what i got, ill post more when im done ..

[sm1rf]

Being in the same position as yourself(not got my website up and running yet) I would take all the advice I could get. It's been said more than once, "beggars can't be choosers" and when your starting out you can't choose. To make the point if you would feel happier telling people you are new and just learning then do so, but don't say it before you've even got them through the door. Brides that think they aren't gorgeous are good money earners because with some thought and patience and photographic skill you can make them gorgeous and that in turn will generate the best advertising you could ever ask for, WORD OF MOUTH. Try it and see, you won't regret it, I didn't!

[bnlearle]

being too selective in the beginning of starting a business will run you into the ground.
I couldn't disagree more. Obviously, being "too" selective could be problematic if you were crazy with it. But in my business (which is decent - I've been doing it for only two years now and am able to be completely full time with a family already), I have found that the fact that a) I shoot a certain way b) let my client know that upfront and c) let them decide if that's what they are looking for has gotten me far more business. I let my client know that I absolutely want to shoot their wedding....IF they absolutely love what I already do. If not, I encourage them to go and find it elsewhere (sort of what the OP said). I believe this way I come off as eager and excited without seeming desperate. But that's just my two sense.

And I generally agree about not stating that you are new to photography, but I think your images are so good that they can see that you are actually talented beyond your experience (I was quite impressed with many of your images, btw). Keep it up. I think you'll go far. All I would suggest is a more simple, clean website (which I think you said you'll get around to when you can).

[figmented]

I couldn't disagree more. Obviously, being "too" selective could be problematic if you were crazy with it. But in my business (which is decent - I've been doing it for only two years now and am able to be completely full time with a family already), I have found that the fact that a) I shoot a certain way b) let my client know that upfront and c) let them decide if that's what they are looking for has gotten me far more business. I let my client know that I absolutely want to shoot their wedding....IF they absolutely love what I already do. If not, I encourage them to go and find it elsewhere (sort of what the OP said). I believe this way I come off as eager and excited without seeming desperate. But that's just my two sense.

And I generally agree about not stating that you are new to photography, but I think your images are so good that they can see that you are actually talented beyond your experience (I was quite impressed with many of your images, btw). Keep it up. I think you'll go far. All I would suggest is a more simple, clean website (which I think you said you'll get around to when you can).

exactly where i was coming from, sometimes i have a loss for words. thank you.

and I appreciate the compliment.

I'm going to be messing with my site a for a bit, i have a few ideas to make it more clean and sleek with what i have for the time being.

[daclozer]

well go ahead and shove some money my way if you think my blog/website 'conglomeration' is a bad idea. until i can afford it, or until i spend way too much time on learning it (and not enough time taking photos), then this is what i got.

I'm a realist. and to be honest, i'd rather weed out brides that think they aren't gorgeous.

and if they want timeless/classic/traditional (whatever these words even mean), then go somewhere else, i don't want their business.. I'm not trying to cater to everyone out there getting married.

and why not tell someone that im still learning? I'm not trying to start a mult-million dollar corporation with $10k+ wedding bookings, so who cares if im still learning or new to this. I was trying to be on a more personal level, which you obviously dont want to be on.

but thanks for your inspiration and words (and for your full screen popup window on your site)

i guess ill keep on tryin.

WOW, all that was pretty tasteless in my opinion. If you really didn't want honest critique then you shouldn't have asked for it. I am at a loss for words about the not wanting brides that don't think they are gorgeous.. All in all, I think you are in the wrong business with some of your ridiculous attitudes towards prospective clients.. Good luck, I think you are going to need it..

[figmented]

WOW, all that was pretty tasteless in my opinion. If you really didn't want honest critique then you shouldn't have asked for it. I am at a loss for words about the not wanting brides that don't think they are gorgeous.. All in all, I think you are in the wrong business with some of your ridiculous attitudes towards prospective clients.. Good luck, I think you are going to need it..


First of all, not everyone has endless amounts of money to throw around. so people have to WORK WITH WHAT THEY HAVE. You can't tell someone to buy a dodge viper to promote their company, if they do not have the money to buy a dodge viper.

Second, I have my right to pick and choose a client. If I don't like peppers on my pizza, then i don't have to have peppers on my pizza.

There are TONS of people on this forum that DECLINE clients because they do not suit the photographers style. Which means they probably do not suit the client either.

If the bride doesn't have the confidence to have her photos taken (e.g.; she thinks she is fat/ugly/too skinny) then the photographer is going to have one hell of a time trying to photograph her. Trust me, I've been there done that. I want customers who want to FLAUNT themselves. Not hide.

With that said, just because i defend my position on a certain aspect, which is opposite of someone who has a difference of opinion, doesnt mean you have to get your panties in a wad. I'm just trying to get a feel for peoples opinions, and WHY they say the things they do, not just that they said something.

peace.

[bnlearle]

WOW, all that was pretty tasteless in my opinion. If you really didn't want honest critique then you shouldn't have asked for it. I am at a loss for words about the not wanting brides that don't think they are gorgeous.. All in all, I think you are in the wrong business with some of your ridiculous attitudes towards prospective clients.. Good luck, I think you are going to need it..

This was unnecessary, I think. They had their words with each other and then they worked it out. Why bring it back up? They fixed their misunderstanding. No need to drag it out...

[figmented]

Alright i made a few significant changes to my site, please check it out and tell me what you think..

I need some ideas on what to do on the MAIN/HOME page and on the PHOTO GALLERY page.. I don't know what to do, im kinda blank about it atm.. what's there now is just 'placeholder' stuff.

i could put some 'press play' slideshows on the photo gallery page.. or i have no idea.

i also plan on adding some smugmug ordering stuff for clients.. but i really dont know what to add to the pages to make it more complete..

[bnlearle]

I don't have too much advice, to be honest. I think it already looks much better. I really just wanted to say that the photo on your contact page is amazing. I keep going back and looking at it.

[bnlearle]

The gallery is up now so I have my two cents...

I would suggest dropping your slides down to your favorite 20 or 30; mixing them randomly (not in order like all weddings, then all portraits, then all kids, etc.). Also, I'm sure you're still mixing it up, but I would also suggest some wedding photos in there. That flowergirl one you posted originally comes to mind. Great photo.

Just my thoughts. Looks good though!

[Yeoer]

Just my 2p worth (in the UK we don't have cents...lol)

Likes:
The site as it is now looks quite funcky and modern... you have some really great images on there...

Dislikes: (not really dislikes more what i would do thats a little different)

The images IMO don't display in the correct order... eg. Shot 3 is far... far... superior than shot 1 in the current sequence... if your visitor logs on for only 10 seconds you want them to see the VERY best so they remember you or want to see more.

You use pictures of the same models quite often... all very good images but it gives the impression you haven't take pictures of many different people, you'd be better having 20 shots of different people, just gives a better impression of the size of you client base.

Also some of the slogans are a little cheesey... eg... the cost of the awesome... that made me laugh which is not good (for me it totally devalued the rest of the site)... sounds like something a 15 year old would say...!

All in all not bad thow and i quite like some of the idea's... might just 'borrow' a couple myself... ha...ha...

[Banbert]

I like the funky look and I am sure that will appeal to some bride and grooms as its different to many wedding photographer sites.

* I think you should include photos from past weddings in your gallery.

* Is that static photo of people jumping on your gallery page one of yours ? i nly ask because it looks very familair, maybe its one from when you have second shot but I though I remember seeing it somewhere else.

* On the blog page the website is centered in the browser window, on the other pages its to the left, this looks messy imo.

* Your prices are cheap at the moment so your obviously going to want to increase them at some point, I think its better to give the impression that you current prices are a special offer due to you just starting up rather than you just being cheap, but thats just my opinion.

[gateruner]

Your site looks fine to me, who am I to criticize as mine is a simple work in progress that I am never happy with.

Here is a piece of advice. This business is alot about photographing average people who may be overweight, not a beauty queen etc. As my mentor, who shoots 50+ weddings a year, told me; "these are the real world weddings that will keep food on your table. You will shoot more of them than you will the pretty ones in nice churches." All of this as we prepared to shoot a 7 month pregnant bride in a wedding held in a bar. This is from a top notch photog in the area.
I think you are dead on when you want to find a couple that wants to use you for your vision and style. Just be ready for that to be more than the "Pretty People". Part of being a photographer is learning to make the average people look and feel amazing. That is where your bread and butter will come from. Also, dont discount formal posed photography as you will eventually see, all brides say they dont want it but it is an essential part of the process and in reality they will be unhappy if you dont provide them. Even if it is only 30 minutes of posed formals the mommas and grandmas are going to look at those shots first to purchase. It isnt a good idea to leave money on the table by refusing to do them.

Best of luck. I know Dallas is competitive market just like Houston.

[nicolerork]

Your photos are great but your website reminds me of some sort of music ezine or band website. I don't think the website compliments your photos very well.

[figmented]

woot, lotta comments..

the home page and photo gallery page are kinda placeholders till i figure out what to do with them really.. the photos arent even sized right for the slideshow..

I was trying to be funny.. (the cost of awesome) and ill think ill keep that (now i might change the contact page cheesy line) because i want the client base to know im kind of witty and away from the norm ,boring alternative.

and yes, all the photos there are mine (the people jumping is from when i second shot in florida). though i do not have a lot of photos to go though because i haven't been shooting for that long, which is why i do have the same people in most of the photos..

ive shot 2 small weddings solo (1 was a friend, the other my uncle)
ive second shoot for 1 beach wedding in florida
ive second shot 3 weddings here in texas
taken photos of 2 families paid
taken photos of 1 person paid
and a like 3 unpaid.

so i really dont have THAT many photos to go through, but yes i will reorder some to make the best ones at the beginning for whatever slideshow they go in..

Banbert, I dont understand what you mean by the page being centered then not..
the page for me should be centered on every single page. are some pages being flush left for you? (thats not supposed to happen) or are you talking about the extra blog search functions that are available only on the blog page?


with all that said.. anyone have any idea how i should make the actual front page.. im kinda drawing a blank as to how it should even look.. same with the photo gallery page.. im lost..

[figmented]

hah loaded up the my webiste in internet explorer and its all ****ed up.. lame.
bah this sucks.

[Banbert]

hah loaded up the my webiste in internet explorer and its all ****ed up.. lame.
bah this sucks.

Yup, always check in IE and FF .. and safari if you have that as well ..... IE breaks a lotta rules with what they do but your sites gotta look good in that as its still the most popular by quite a way.

You see what I mean now about it being centered and then others aligned to the left ?

[figmented]

ya im gonna fix it, its gotta be something wrong with the stylesheet. i will prevail!

[picturecrazy]

hmmm, coming into this thread pretty late...

interesting theories you got there.

...but I always thought it was our job, and one of our necessary skill sets to make NORMAL people look gorgeous, and not just take normal pictures of gorgeous people. In that lies the skill of a true professional.

To each their own I guess. Best of luck in your venture.

[figmented]

hmm, well i don't think its the photographers job to make normal people look better. I think that would be the job of the MUA. I beleive its the photographers job to make whats available look it's best. And im not saying we take normal photos of gorgeous people either. its a combination of good looking people and good photos.

[th3r0m]

hmm, well i don't think its the photographers job to make normal people look better. I think that would be the job of the MUA. I beleive its the photographers job to make whats available look it's best. And im not saying we take normal photos of gorgeous people either. its a combination of good looking people and good photos.

I disagree, but to each their own. Good luck as you begin your business :).