Early Website Development Critique

Hello Everyone,

I am working on our website, and before I get too much further into it, I wanted to get some feedback from the experts! constructive criticism appreciated! Only the 'HOME' and 'SENIORS' pages have content!
www.marshallphotograph​yKS.com

Some things I would like specific comments on:
1. Logo
2. Background- is it a good color? Distracting? It's bokeh from Christmas lights I shot.
3. The main links above the picture change colors, I think the first color is nice, but what color would you go with for the mouse-over? I don't like the way it is now...
4. Photo slide show- I went with a java coded one for i-pod users, no flash- can someone try it on a i-pad and i-phone?
5. Facebook link- where should I put this?
6. Packages on the seniors page- are those good packages? How about prices? (we are obviously trying to make money only through prints right now)
7. Any other things you notice I would really appreciate feedback on!

Thanks so much!!!

Since you asked...

I don't care for the logo at all, especially the camera graphic. The font is okay, but not great.

Lose the background image, it's VERY distracting. Using black or white is a good start. Once you change that play around with the navigation colors. Just do use that ugly blue that you using on your Portrait page right now.

I would NOT use a image for your prices. It can be done w/o the image.

Not a big deal, but not everybody is using a "large" monitor. Some of us still use a 1024 x 768 monitor and I have to scroll (horizontally) a bit to see your whole site. That should keep you busy for a while.

Mike's hit the basic points. The width and site layout is a BIG issue and unfortunately you have quite a few big issues. Here's assuming you designed this yourself...

Don't design around a fixed width, the layout must flow although a good minimum is 900px (or as wide as your mainpage slideshow, don't got over 900px). Do not by any means design a website that won't comfortably fit inside 1024px width. I'm saying this coming off 1920x1200, don't listen to those that say, "1024px is dead, so I design to 1280 which is the new 1024." That's rubbish because it unnecessarily stretches the layout of a website.

Another thing is centering. I know I've said design on smaller width, but those on higher resolutions are sometimes going to have their browsers fully maximized, and uneven empty space is a killer.

Please have a look at your code, it's in a bit of a mess. USE CSS!! I'm sorry but I had to say it with at least that much emphasis.

To support Mike's other comment, do not ever use images for actual text.

Don't ever have links that lead to nothing on your website. If it's in construction or being 'worked on' people should not be able to see it.

On the points specificaly:
1. What Mike said. Keep it simple.
2. He said it again, bad background.
3. Both colours must match each other and contrast whatever background is used.
4. Go with new jQuery sliders. There's a tonne out there, no need of what seems like very old script.
5. Discreet display of social links on your website. But prominent display of your website on social sites. Social links are additions to your online presence and more of a marketing tool than a replacement for your website, so treat it that way.
6. Can't comment.
7. Above.

If your not good with design, I would suggest a wordpress site, buy a portfolio theme. Thesis is a great theme with built in SEO. There are thousands of plug ins available most for free. There is a bit of a learning curve , but there is PLENTY of help on the web. Pm me if you need more information

I made several changes last night, tried to find a new background that still had some depth, but wasn't too distracting, I really don't like boring solid colors.... Also changed the minimum width to 1000 pixels, and it expands for larger screens. Also changed the link mouseover colors. What do you think now? Specifically on the background?
www.marshallphotograph​yKS.com

Still working on all the other suggestions, just didn't have time to change anything else yet!