Critique My Website

[benjid]

Hey-

I am pretty new here, but I just finished my website and would like some feedback.

www.benjamindell.com (http://www.benjamindell.com)

Also, do you guys think I should add a pricing page? Or should I create a form so clients can ask for quotes? Let me know your thoughts etc.

I appreciate it!

[HaroldC3]

You definitely know how to design a web site. It's pretty unique.

I don't care for the rollover effect, I would try something different (maybe the whole image brightens up a little bit?

The orange and blue in the middle, while not hard on the eyes, is not attractive to me.

I really like the overall look though. If you were to add pricing where would it go? Do you plan to allow people to order pictures form your site?

You should probably put a copyright notice somewhere.

Is there any way to shrink your About and Contact pages? Lots of space in them.

The gallery takes awhile to load. I'm not sure I like it without thumbnails to choose from.

One last thing, you have a very good style to your pictures, I enjoyed them all.

[Big WIll]

Wiked little site.

The roll-over is handy and visually pleasing.

Add a copyright notice.

Add more to your contact page, including an email FORM! Most people prefer a form to an actually having to email someone.

Possibly a photograph on the about page or some other content :)

Congrats :)

[Picture North Carolina]

I like the mouseovers on the main page.

I do not like the "forced" slideshow. Allow your users to view a slide show AND allow them to click on a display of individual thumbnails if they choose.

Stats show web visitors are generally impatient. Many will not sit idly by as you feed them the images you choose to feed as opposed to allowing them to click on a thumbnail that attracts THEIR attention. /Dan

[Banbert]

As already mentioned a form that people can complete online on your contact page will get you more enquiries than just an email address. I have experienced this first hand as I started out without a contact form annd definitely saw my enquiries jump when I added one, people prefer to complete a form rather than compose their own email message.

[Picture North Carolina]

As already mentioned a form that people can complete online on your contact page will get you more enquiries than just an email address. I have experienced this first hand as I started out without a contact form annd definitely saw my enquiries jump when I added one, people prefer to complete a form rather than compose their own email message.

And do it the proper way. Some of the free form-to-email gateway scripts expose your email address to spambots. /Dan

[Rubi Jane]

I lost interest in the portfolio pages, took WAY too long to load for me. From what I did see you have some very nice & varied images.
If you do add a contact form make sure to keep your email on your site. Although most people like to use forms, some prefer straight email so cater to both.
I don't care for the white vignette as the mouse-over animation, do something punchier. Maybe start with darker thumbnails and have them lighten to correct exposure on mouse-over, or have the thumbnail enlarge a little.
There must be more to you than what you have on the About page. Have you entered & won any contests, or shot anything that really moved you that you can add a sentence or two about. Potential clients are looking to get to know you.

I think there should be pricing but that's my personal opinion. I think most people looking for a photographer are interested in pricing so they can decide if you're on their contact list or pass you by, not wasting time for either of you. I think you could change 'Contact' to 'Info" and have contact there along with a link to a pricing page.

I like the design. Clean, simple but a little flashy. I like the greyish blue, orange & brown. Has a warm feel to it.

[stathunter]

Nice site but I agree it took too long to load and I lost interest.

[Sauk]

Since I do web design as well, I would upload better images so that you cant see how pix elated the buttons are before you roll over them.

Galleries load a little slow (3000 down on my internet speed)

Your site is unique just needs to be sped up a bit in the galleries but better front end images might make it looks cleaner.

[benjid]

thanks for the tips. I will definitely work on improving the site. I really appreciate it.

[MikeMcL]

You are missing an "image 10" in the travel gallery, there is just an awkward frame with nothing in it.

Other than that I like the feel of the site. It doesn't feel specialized or like you are trying to sell me something, but that may be exactly what you want. At no point do you offer a service or ask for work... but again, that may be your preference.

I like the way the pics scroll across, and the subdued style.

[rowdyred94]

I really like it, and you've managed to avoid most of the big web design mistakes. I don't like losing control of my browser, which is what flash and similar sites often do. I'd like more control over the gallery. It did load acceptably quick for me, but I'm fortunate enough to have 3Mb broadband.

Still, it's very nice, and it's unique, which earns points for me.

[benjid]

does anyone here know if it is my server/hosting or if it is my coding?

that would be a big help with the speed issue.

[MikeMcL]

it really depends on the size of those images. they should be roughly 600pixels or so on the long side for max speed.

If you uploaded them as 8megapixel... there is your problem. If they are already saved for web and constricted in size, then it isnt your fault.

best of luck.

[rossdagley]

The sites nice.

I can really only add to the above - the contact page needs some more info in it - fill it out a bit. Perhaps a photo of the photographer(s)?

The galleries are great - apart from the missing image in travel and pic 4 in the portrait section where they're all looking at (perhaps?) a second shooter?

Good job :)

[PhotosGuy]

should add a pricing page? Unless you are targeting a specific type of work, like a wedding "package", I wouldn't put prices in. Joe Blow would see that you charge $50 for a mom portrait & expect to pay the same thing for his CEO?
I'm not liking the mystery navigation arrows in the slide show mode & would prefer a simple "Next" button outside the pic. The "close" button wasn't obvious in one of the slide shows, & the Back button is not available in flash.
Overall, the Home page looks a bit "cute" & non-professional. A cleaner look might be better for a pro site.
OTOH, several people complained about my site, so there's a lot of room for opinions.

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