Website showdown...

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

Guys,

I am in the process of designing a new website. I am working on color schemes, shapes, etc, right now. This is a mere proof, but WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT? What are some first impressions? Be honest!

I do mostly weddings and potraits.

Charles

[staereo]

No, I dont think it suck. I feel a little odd with pastels mixed with earthtones. That isn't to say its wrong. The other thing that is playing with my eyes is that there is almost an overload of brown, between the duotone image and brown background. Perhaps a darker brown for the background, to make the image punchier?

I'm a simple guy, though, so I like the layout simplicity, A+ on that!

[HaroldC3]

I think I like a black background better.

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

Thanks! Keep 'em coming!

[tracknut]

Your slogan is going to lose you customers. I'd recommend separating your beliefs from your business, unless you're purposely catering to a subset of the population.

I think I'd go for a black background as well.

Dave

[staereo]

Your slogan is going to lose you customers. I'd recommend separating your beliefs from your business, unless you're purposely catering to a subset of the population.

On first thought, I would normally agree.... HOWEVER, one could make the argument that a client with like beliefs may prefer a photographer that advertises their beliefs this way. Particularly if the demographic which the photographer is catering to has a strong religious community. (Not to mention, this is wedding photography...)

I see two sides to that coin. Really depends on the client base you're drawing from. :)

[jacobsen1]

also not a fan of the brown. The pastel accent looks great, but maybe go with a dark gray (not black, it's too easy to pick) instead.

Also what's the font for the "photography"?

[Livinthalife]

I would personally like to see the shot with the people on the left vs middle right. Here's what I mean.

210162

Agree with the black as well. I think it's pretty good as is too. Nothing "sucks" about it at all.

[staereo]

I would personally like to see the shot with the people on the left vs middle right. .

Ugh. I didnt notice that composition issue, but now that I see it, my eyes FOCUS on that. DEFINATELY AGREE WITH THIS POST, you would benefit from the change in compositon.

[gymell]

You spelled "Philosophy" wrong. ;)

[souporman]

I like it! Black backgrounds are soooo over-done on photography sites, but I do agree that this might be a little too much brown. Maybe a slightly less or differently processed image?

I agree with tracknut about the slogan, but if that's your market then it can only work to your advantage. You know more about that then we do :)

Looking forward to seeing it pieced together!

[Rubi Jane]

Why make the client wait to get to a contact page for a phone number? You have your complete address, simply add your phone number and make it easy for someone to contact you. Might not be on their first visit to your site, but a subsequent one. You could include email with adding a small envelope icon.

For looks, do you have a 'corporate' colour you are branding yourself with? If so, use it. If not, consider choosing a colour & putting it to work consistently. I see a sea-foam blue border & "CS" is that your colour? That green/blue would show nicely on a dark grey background. Otherwise, I like the simplicity. Good start.

[cfpackerfan]

Your slogan is going to lose you customers. I'd recommend separating your beliefs from your business, unless you're purposely catering to a subset of the population.


I disagree. I was told the same thing when I was designing my logo, and chose to keep it, regardless of the 'catering to a subset' train of thought.
I figure that if my logo (or in this case, a slogan) offends a potential client, that I, myself, would most likely be offensive to that potential client and would not be hired anyway.

[rhys]

I disagree. I was told the same thing when I was designing my logo, and chose to keep it, regardless of the 'catering to a subset' train of thought.
I figure that if my logo (or in this case, a slogan) offends a potential client, that I, myself, would most likely be offensive to that potential client and would not be hired anyway.

Good point.

My logo is very plain - in fact, I don't have a "logo". I have plain text.

My "catchline" is simply: Location photography specialist and I have one only because the website design seemed to need one.

I haven't gone overboard on graphics or fancy-assed stuff. I want my website to look elegant, honest and simple. My services are honest and straightforward too. I don't go in for pretentious BS.

[canonpink]

Your slogan is going to lose you customers. I'd recommend separating your beliefs from your business, unless you're purposely catering to a subset of the population.

I think I'd go for a black background as well.

Dave

I will simply say that if you believe in the same God I do and His Son, then don't change anything regarding the slogan. Certainly, it will make you more accountable sticking yourself out like that. Most people won't stick themselves out because they are scared to live up to the expectations your clients will have.

[AussiePup]

The colors are alright (not a fan of the blue)....however it is the C S that is bothersome to me. That is the first thing that caught my eye, It almost looks the the S is part of the word Photography. And if you company Branding is Charles Smith Photography, then I would stick with that and not use C S Photorgraphy - confusing the audience in my opinion.

The slogan ties into his philosophy (by the way you have that spelled wrong on your proof) as stated on his existing web site. I like it, very power slogan that lets everyone know where you are coming from, and they can take it or leave it.

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

How about this? Any better? worse?

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

Desinging a new site and NEED YOUR OPINION.

I do mostly weddings and potraits. Any thoughts on this screen shot?

[S.Horton]

Looks fine. Might go for a darker shade of brown (add some black), but that's my personal opinion; I'm not a brown kinda guy.

And if you think that your slogan reflects you and your work, then, by all means, present it that way.

[S.Horton]

Dup thread?

[picturecrazy]

wide is nice... but your portrait oriented shots will look quite small in comparison. It looks like you can almost fit 4 portrait shots into that wide panel!

And the line, "capturing moments for the glory of God" may be a turn off for some people. I have nothing against religion (I'm christian myself) but some people, even including religious types, may feel 'evangelized', if that's a word.

But if you only want to work with clients whom that appeals to, then that's great, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Other than that, it's difficult to critique the flow of your site by just a screenshot. The colours are very nice imo and the layout is clean.

[restech]

nice

[picturecrazy]

oh yeah, one thing... there is too much space above your logo. I'd move it right to the top of the screen. vertical screen real estate is very valuable. Title bars, menus, tool bars, status bars, task bars, browser tabs etc all take up that room and you'll be lucky if you can get 800 usable vertical pixels.

[freaking102]

I like the second one. 1 man with his 5 wives ;-)
between the "god" slogan and address on seminary ct, I think you will scare a few customers off by portraying yourself as ultra focused on religion, but maybe you only 3want the ultra-religious customers?
lose the brown. ugh.

[notapro]

the image on that had me confused for a minute because it looks at first glance like five brides. Maybe I'm the only one who thought that, but it took me a minute to logic out that most of them are likely bridesmaids.

other than that, I like the clean design. I agree with Lloyd about not wasting too much vertical space, especially when displaying photos, but if you are going to go with a centred page, make sure it's really centred and not just x number of pixels from top or else it will be a big pain for people who don't have the same vertical space.

[randplaty]

I like the colors and the clean design.

I knew those were bridesmaids, but it does make me wonder where the bride is :p

[viewing-the-invisible]

Looks like any easy/ effective design for a site. Not to keen on the shade of brown but that is a matter of opinion.

[lil_miss]

I really like it.. nice and simple

[JJacula]

I would lose the religious reference.

[superdiver]

I would lose the religious reference.

Why?

Personally I dont like the way he stands out in front of the women, it makes my mind think he is "in comand" or that they are "subservient" to him, or "second" to him.

Other then that I like it....

[rhys]

The references to God might be offputting for some. Personally, if I was looking for a photographer, I would be more interested in his work than his presentation.

[drogos]

I would lose the religious reference.

+1,

[drogos]

Why?

Personally I dont like the way he stands out in front of the women, it makes my mind think he is "in comand" or that they are "subservient" to him, or "second" to him.

Other then that I like it....

because not everyone wants to have 'moments captured for the glory of god'
some people just want to have great moments captured.

[stathunter]

I am all for keeping the religious reference. But I am not sure I would include your address---- there was someone here that suggested someone was targeting photogs with addresses and stealing their equipment.

[JJacula]

Exactly ... I don't want a "religious" photographer shooting my moments ... where I would likely be making inappropriate jokes with my friends, running around in a state of undress and/or consuming varying amounts of alcohol.

But if you ONLY want to be shooting super-religious couples, then by all means, keep it in there.

[jessiper]

the image on that had me confused for a minute because it looks at first glance like five brides. Maybe I'm the only one who thought that, but it took me a minute to logic out that most of them are likely bridesmaids.

I thought that, too. LOL

Why?

Personally I dont like the way he stands out in front of the women, it makes my mind think he is "in comand" or that they are "subservient" to him, or "second" to him.

Me, either, although there are some elements of the image I like.

And the line, "capturing moments for the glory of God" may be a turn off for some people. I have nothing against religion (I'm christian myself) but some people, even including religious types, may feel 'evangelized', if that's a word.

I agree. Also, it may look like you're using God as an advertising point, which I would call "taking the Lord's name in vain." It's also a little impersonal, and not something I would ever imagine Jesus doing. I would suggest finding a more appropriate way of showing your love for God, but that's just my opinion.

I like the simplicity of the site, and the colors.

[superdiver]

Maybe they only want to work with people who dont mind or who appreciate the reference?

This freedom of speech thing has sure gotten out of hand...LOL

[didavko]

I like the colors and the clean design.

I knew those were bridesmaids, but it does make me wonder where the bride is :p

it makes me wonder as well.. I'd normally want or expect to see the bride and groom but I understand that sometimes the bride won't really SELL and you must use a good photo without her... I know it sound bad but I've seen sales made based on Great photos from the bridal party itself rather than the BnG...

as for the design.. I think your logo's green letters are maybe too big... If your happy with their size another option is to bring your logo a bit lower - overlaying on your content area. It'll work good if it's a flash site - with html it can also be achieved but there’s a lot more work).

I hope this helps

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

Ha. Well I appreciate your thoughts! They all have tremendous value! I am not looking to take over the world with this site. I realize some won't dig it, and that's o.k. I am a in school to be a pastor and draw 99% of m income from that but Over the years my tagline has allowed me to get into some very cool conversations, and that, not the money, is what brings me the most joy.

I am pumped that no one hates the design. I will move ahead with it...

[Padawan Dad]

Ha. Well I appreciate your thoughts! They all have tremendous value! I am not looking to take over the world with this site. I realize some won't dig it, and that's o.k. I am a in school to be a pastor and draw 99% of m income from that but Over the years my tagline has allowed me to get into some very cool conversations, and that, not the money, is what brings me the most joy.

I am pumped that no one hates the design. I will move ahead with it...

In one hand I agree with Lloyd regarding his view of the religious tag line, from a business perspective. However, I also think that it is a credit to the beauty God created in people. I too am a Christian and we do believe in evangelizing for God through our work. I think it works, but unfortunately believe that due to the closed minded culture in which we live, it will probably deter some from hiring you due to the outward expression of your beliefs.

As for the design. I really like it! The colors and layout work well for me.

[nikonthree]

I actually like the whole look a lot. The only thing that strikes me as does a few others is the religious undertone. I'm not sure I'd include that... but to each their own :)

[mizuno]

Why?

What if he takes some images that suck (we all do) - are bad images taken for the glory of god, too?

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

What if he takes some images that suck (we all do) - are bad images taken for the glory of god, too?


Hahah...I am not that great. And my photographical flaws punctuate God's perfection! Ha...How's that for spin!?

[CharlesSmithPhoto]

I am working on two site designs...Pick your favorite based on color, style, content, etc...

Obviously the first is low quality...disregard that and vote based on colors, fonts, shapes, etc...

BE BRUTALLY HONEST!

[Primm]

I prefer the first one.

[asxu]

yes, i'm with ruth on this one.. it seems a lot more contemporary. not sure about the photo you've used though, it looks extremely posterized - though it might be from the jpeg compression.

[Primm]

I assumed that was what Charles meant when he said to disregard the low quality.

I think the first one looks more simple and uncluttered, which is what I personally prefer. You may get others who like a "richer" look, I guess you need to consider the style of your photography and which one is more sympathetic to it. Brides will judge your studio by the look of your website, so will be disappointed if your website style is not similar to your shooting style.

Does that make sense? Or have I been sniffing glue fumes for too long? (Literally, I'm taking a break from repairing car carpet!)

[JJacula]

#1 ...

[R_Metzel]

I am going with the first one too. One thing I don't like is the offset on the first one. The rule of thirds is for photos only. :) The empty black void on the right is distracting.

[p3photogal]

bump up the blue. love it!

[p3photogal]

ahhh nevermind, now it's green! love it as is!

[Livinthalife]

I don't know about that brown AND green going together. Bu tI do like the balance of this one MUCH more than the other.

[tim]

Second.

[Solaria]

#2...

[MrsOpie]

the second one looks a lot better to me

[th3r0m]

Second

[restech]

#2 !
And THAT'S my brutally honest answer ! :D

[QX56]

#2 too .

[linarms]

#2 for me.

I'm not sure about the quote tho... and this is coming from a fellow Christian, and one who has a similar motivation for photography... I just wouldn't use that line quite so prominently. But that's just me ... in your market it might be just fine.

[joshbehan]

numero dos

[Robert16]

I agree with Luke. Number two but without that line.

[rdeguzman]

Two...

[restech]

Hi Charles,

I am a Christian, too.
I just want to give you some insight. I know your market is mostly religious people, but what's the purpose of 'salting' a sea of salt ?

If you have that motto, you may 'filter out' some of the unbelievers, which mean you are limiting the scope of people who would be blessed with your God-given talent. :)

It's just an insight, I am not trying to create a religious discussion.

[nikonthree]

Number 2 w/o the religious undertone

[notapro]

As a business insight from someone non-religious: To be honest, close-minded or not, I would probably not even contact someone with a conspicuous religious reference on their website. I think I'm a fairly open-minded agnostic/atheist but I would assume, probably incorrectly, that you are not open-minded and it's a waste of my time to contact you.

ditto to restech - not trying to create a religious discussion, just giving my perspective on how this might affect his business. As has been said before, if you are looking specifically for religious clients, then go for it. I can think of many people I know personally who would be more likely to hire you because of it.

[csm328]

#2 definitely.

[strmrdr]

#2 and love the line.
It would be a reason too pick you over someone else.

[superdiver]

What if he takes some images that suck (we all do) - are bad images taken for the glory of god, too?


LOL...well to blame God for that (like we do so many things) is just a slippery load that is a razors edge...LOL

[S.Horton]

Do what you're comfortable with.

[turbo212003]

#2 with the menus centered.

[viewing-the-invisible]

#2 except for the quote. I know I am not alone on that either because I have been following the other thread. I might try #2 in black though, then I think you would have a definite winner.

[islandphoto]

definetely #1 - you can make a poll on this too.