Feedback on my new web site design needed...

[Testosterone boy]

My "designer " has given me a two week dead line to submit changes to my web site.

I don't know why but I have a very hard time studying it and submitting changes. Perhaps I grew attached to the old one...I was extremely familiar with it.

www.jadamsphoto.com is the page. I know it needs some tweaking.

 

[wutangnomo]

Here's my input for what it's worth.

Extremely "texty", meaning way too much text. Instant turn off. I didn't read most of what I saw because it comes across as too essay-ish. I read like maybe 5-10% of what I saw to be honest. You need to condense it much more and basically just cut to the chase because there are many things that are either redundant or simply don't need to be there. For example,

"Ninety percent of the wedding photography failure stories that are told are the result of hiring a relatively inexperienced wedding photographer. All experienced wedding photographers made some significant mistakes on their way to achieving reliable results. High quality wedding photography is quite challenging."

"A 2005 minivan maximizes dependability and holding capacity. John normally lugs up to 250 pounds of gear to weddings and receptions."

The first one is common sense as we already know that. The second one do we really need to know something like the minivan you drive? A LOT can be taken out and/or condensed. Simplification is always best.

Another example is in the discounts page (for the weddings). Instead of listing every single day (takes up too much space and makes you not want to read), you can simply list it as:

Monday to Thursday and Sunday - 10% off
Friday discount is 5 -10% 5% from May 25 to Sept 5 & holiday week ends

October and November - 5% off
December - 10% off (Exception : Dec 30 and 31)
January and February - 15% off
March and April - 10% off
May - 4% off

See how something like that greatly reduces space and makes it easier to read. Just one example of many things you can cut back on.

Also, on your home page, the very first sentence "My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive wedding, portrait, and event photography available" needs to have the commas removed.

 

[Testosterone boy]

Here's my input for what it's worth.

Extremely "texty", meaning way too much text. Instant turn off. I didn't read most of what I saw because it comes across as too essay-ish. I read like maybe 5-10% of what I saw to be honest. You need to condense it much more and basically just cut to the chase because there are many things that are either redundant or simply don't need to be there. For example,

"Ninety percent of the wedding photography failure stories that are told are the result of hiring a relatively inexperienced wedding photographer. All experienced wedding photographers made some significant mistakes on their way to achieving reliable results. High quality wedding photography is quite challenging."

"A 2005 minivan maximizes dependability and holding capacity. John normally lugs up to 250 pounds of gear to weddings and receptions."

The first one is common sense as we already know that. The second one do we really need to know something like the minivan you drive? A LOT can be taken out and/or condensed. Simplification is always best.

Another example is in the discounts page (for the weddings). Instead of listing every single day (takes up too much space and makes you not want to read), you can simply list it as:

Monday to Thursday and Sunday - 10% off
Friday discount is 5 -10% 5% from May 25 to Sept 5 & holiday week ends

October and November - 5% off
December - 10% off (Exception : Dec 30 and 31)
January and February - 15% off
March and April - 10% off
May - 4% off

See how something like that greatly reduces space and makes it easier to read. Just one example of many things you can cut back on.

Also, on your home page, the very first sentence "My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive wedding, portrait, and event photography available" needs to have the commas removed.

Thanks.

Others have said the same thing while others compliment how informational it is. Everybodies web page has nice pictures and reasons to hire them.

He copied from the wording in September, a few of those changes were made by me and not transferred.

Part of the reason I say so much is that it takes 60 miles of driving (round trip) and a 1/4 of a day to meet with people. So I try to answer questions beforehand and save time. I try to get hired without meeting...most of the people who meet me are competitive photographers posing as customers.

 

[jaded]

Also, on your home page, the very first sentence "My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive wedding, portrait, and event photography available" needs to have the commas removed.

No, I think the commas are in the right places. He's not saying "wedding portrait and event" as in he does photography just for weddings, the portraits as well as the event. I think he's saying he does photography for weddings, but also portraits and general events. Is that correct, testosterone_boy? If so, the commas are fine. If not they need to be removed.

I can see some people finding sections of it too text-heavy. That said, people serious about your services will probably want as much initial information as possible and will likely read the information. It really isn't *that* much text, but you might want to consider breaking it down under different sub-headings (for example, under the 'Wedding' section, you might want to put the info on that page under sub-headings). That may make it easier on the eyes or for people who don't want to skim through blocks of text to look for specific pieces of information.

I think the site looks good though - I like the colours that you used, and the fact that the text isn't hard to read. I hate when people put dark text against a dark background so you have to highlight it all to read it without straining your eyes.

 

[Testosterone boy]

No, I think the commas are in the right places. He's not saying "wedding portrait and event" as in he does photography just for weddings, the portraits as well as the event. I think he's saying he does photography for weddings, but also portraits and general events. Is that correct, testosterone_boy? If so, the commas are fine. If not they need to be removed.

I can see some people finding sections of it too text-heavy. That said, people serious about your services will probably want as much initial information as possible and will likely read the information. It really isn't *that* much text, but you might want to consider breaking it down under different sub-headings (for example, under the 'Wedding' section, you might want to put the info on that page under sub-headings). That may make it easier on the eyes or for people who don't want to skim through blocks of text to look for specific pieces of information.

I think the site looks good though - I like the colours that you used, and the fact that the text isn't hard to read. I hate when people put dark text against a dark background so you have to highlight it all to read it without straining your eyes.

Thanks...sure is nicer to read good feedback though wutang makes some good points.

I got me degree in Marketing and tend to use a lot of "sales type" phrases. Probably too much. I already implemented a few of his ideas....I doubt they care about the year and model of car. However....many people are concerned about destitute photographers showing up in jeans..or not showing up at all.

 

[wutangnomo]

No, I think the commas are in the right places. He's not saying "wedding portrait and event" as in he does photography just for weddings, the portraits as well as the event. I think he's saying he does photography for weddings, but also portraits and general events. Is that correct, testosterone_boy? If so, the commas are fine. If not they need to be removed.

I can see some people finding sections of it too text-heavy. That said, people serious about your services will probably want as much initial information as possible and will likely read the information. It really isn't *that* much text, but you might want to consider breaking it down under different sub-headings (for example, under the 'Wedding' section, you might want to put the info on that page under sub-headings). That may make it easier on the eyes or for people who don't want to skim through blocks of text to look for specific pieces of information.

I think the site looks good though - I like the colours that you used, and the fact that the text isn't hard to read. I hate when people put dark text against a dark background so you have to highlight it all to read it without straining your eyes.

The commas are not correct because he is NOT providing a wedding. If you break apart the sentence from the commas it will read:

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive wedding.

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive portrait.

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive event photography.

Is he providing a wedding? Nope.

 

[jaded]

The commas are not correct because he is NOT providing a wedding. If you break apart the sentence from the commas it will read:

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive wedding.

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive portrait.

My goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive event photography.

Is he providing a wedding? Nope.

Hmm. Okay, re-reading it now.

Do you think this would be better, gramatically? "My goal is to provide the best, most comprehensive wedding photos, portraits, and event photography available."

 

[jaded]

^ Then it is clear that he does not just do wedding photography, but portraits and photography for events as well

 

[wutangnomo]

Thanks...sure is nicer to read good feedback though wutang makes some good points.

I got me degree in Marketing and tend to use a lot of "sales type" phrases. Probably too much. I already implemented a few of his ideas....I doubt they care about the year and model of car. However....many people are concerned about destitute photographers showing up in jeans..or not showing up at all.

I do agree that your site is informational, and that's a positive. You site is very good. I didn't intend to make it seem as though there were no good points. I was just giving you an honest critique, instead of simply kissing ass.

My biggest caveat with the site is that it's too gimmicky at points. Another exmple (upon further reading) is:

"A Magellan RoadMate navigation system in a late model vehicle helps ensure that John will be there in spite of traffic / road conditions and missing signs. Click on Advantages to see why employing John Adams Photography is the wise move."

Will potential clients really care about a Magellan RoadMate, let alone know what it is? Will they care about your late model vehicle? Isn't it already assumed that when someone hires a photographer for their services that he/she will know how to get there and be on time?

It seems that, at times, you are telling a story moreso then anything else and that detracts away from the purpose of your site..... to sell your photography services. Also, when you must make the point of pointing out exactly what model navigation system and late model vehicle you have (amongst other things) that only ends up making it seem like you are more or less an amateur rather then a professional.

Trust me simplicity ALWAYS wins out. You will see that some of the best and most successful (e-commerce) sites are usually the simpliest. Let your services sell for yourself. People who go to your site are not fools. They know what they want, know what to expect from a photographer, and simply want to see your work and prices.

 

[wutangnomo]

Hmm. Okay, re-reading it now.

Do you think this would be better, gramatically? "My goal is to provide the best, most comprehensive wedding photos, portraits, and event photography available."

Yeah that's better.

 

[Dunk]

now i get why* you wanted to take pictures of the hooters chick i took a picture of with my camera phone.

*this does NOT mean your still not a sick fuck in my eyes you sick fuck

p.s. you took pictures of some ugly ass people

http://www.jadamsphoto.com/weddingpics.asp

 

[Testosterone boy]

now i get why* you wanted to take pictures of the hooters chick i took a picture of with my camera phone.

*this does NOT mean your still not a sick fuck in my eyes you sick fuck

p.s. you took pictures of some ugly ass people

http://www.jadamsphoto.com/weddingpics.asp

Hmm...you really sound like a classy guy here.

 

[Testosterone boy]

I do agree that your site is informational, and that's a positive. You site is very good. I didn't intend to make it seem as though there were no good points. I was just giving you an honest critique, instead of simply kissing ass.

My biggest caveat with the site is that it's too gimmicky at points. Another exmple (upon further reading) is:

"A Magellan RoadMate navigation system in a late model vehicle helps ensure that John will be there in spite of traffic / road conditions and missing signs. Click on Advantages to see why employing John Adams Photography is the wise move."

Will potential clients really care about a Magellan RoadMate, let alone know what it is? Will they care about your late model vehicle? Isn't it already assumed that when someone hires a photographer for their services that he/she will know how to get there and be on time?

It seems that, at times, you are telling a story moreso then anything else and that detracts away from the purpose of your site..... to sell your photography services. Also, when you must make the point of pointing out exactly what model navigation system and late model vehicle you have (amongst other things) that only ends up making it seem like you are more or less an amateur rather then a professional.

Trust me simplicity ALWAYS wins out. You will see that some of the best and most successful (e-commerce) sites are usually the simpliest. Let your services sell for yourself. People who go to your site are not fools. They know what they want, know what to expect from a photographer, and simply want to see your work and prices.

Dependability is one of their greatest concerns. Many photographers are poor and people are very concerned about their ability to get to a strange location..on time. It can be pretty challenging with a major dead line and all the prep work needed.

 

[Island Son]

not to be harsh but.... ok i might be.
1. Fire your designer, that layout is so 1994.

2. OK so you already paid him. Change the front page. The best test is to replace all the text with random latin and guess what it's about. You sell engraved glassware? NOTHING about it cues photography, show PICTURES dammit. You own the rights to the pics you shot, or you charge them higher if they want the full rights? They've signed model releases? Show some rotating CRISP, COLORFUL shots on the front page, mixed between CLASSY and CUTE! Nothing artistic!! Make it stock photo-worthy!!

3. Who's your average buyer? Put those pics on the front page. What kind of work are you really aiming for? Put those pics in the gallery to show your range.

4. For god's sake put the photos near the FRONT before you list prices. And put photos on EVERY PAGE.

5. The backgrounds make it too hard to read, not enough contrast.

6. Change the font to something more readable, like Verdana. Look at EF. George doesn't use serif fonts here because they're too hard to read.

7. Get the logo redone, it's fuzzy. I'm not hiring a photographer who's comfortable with fuzzy, it implies you don't pay attention to details.

8. The front page..... you might want to check the terms of use, but I really doubt Visa and MC logos are allowed to be on top of each other. And, it looks bad. Take a look at the Visa site.

9. The logo must be linked to the home page. Standard web practice.

10. The advantages page is far, far, far too long. And who cares if it's a late-model vehicle? On the other hand, if it's a "rugged van" or "SUV" then that's a selling point.

I'd redo it as:
Flash splash page that shows some photos (wedding, portrait, etc) for 5-7 seconds, then forwards to the home page. A visible link "skip intro" or "go straight to John Adams Photography" for that extra bit of branding

Home page with logo on the top left, slogan on the top right "The best at everything" or "I've done it all"... it should reek experience and dependability.
6 appropriate photos, under the first 3 is your biggest moneymakers, "weddings", "portraits", "events", then the last 3 are "my advantages", "rates" and contact. You could stagger the photos up and down OR left and right. It's visually more interesting to the eye, to have movement over the page. If you're really daring, you could put them in a left-right top-bottom diagonal to lead the eye down to "Contact John Adams Now". Draw it on paper, you won't be able to keep youur eye from seeing it.

Inside pages, eg weddings will have some photos and under each one, a recommendation or thanks. Events will have no recommendations, just a description of the event type (mitzvah, birthday, miss cow patty contest 2005 (its colorado right?)).

Did I say cut down on the advantages list?

SHIT I JUST READ THE FIRST ONE
BRO YOU DO NOT WANT TO SAY THAT YOUR CAMERAS HAVE ALL QUIT WORKING FOR INEXPLICABLE REASONS AS YOUR FIRST "ADVANTAGE", ARE YOU CRAZY?????

you're trying to say you got backups, not everyone has backups. Cool. Don't say they've all quit working.

 

[Mr. dB]

Nice that you caught an image of that cute little girl before the leopard killed her.

 

[B0ARDIN087]

i was expected a disaster, not a bad site bro just go with that they said

 

[BUBBLES]

Hmm...you really sound like a classy guy here.

Dunk is full of class as of late.


TB, nice website. I am unable to provide too much feedback on it because I am not into marketing but I like the phrases you used and the colors.

Other people on this thread have provided you with some cool ideas which is great for me also to learn for my future business website.

Make sure you post the link to the updated version when it is done. How much is this website costing you by the way? Are you allowed to say??!!

 

[Testosterone boy]

Dunk is full of class as of late.


TB, nice website. I am unable to provide too much feedback on it because I am not into marketing but I like the phrases you used and the colors.

Other people on this thread have provided you with some cool ideas which is great for me also to learn for my future business website.

Make sure you post the link to the updated version when it is done. How much is this website costing you by the way? Are you allowed to say??!!

This site is an update, it went online last week. Yes...it has some bugs due to its newness.

It is pretty much the same as the last web page...just broken down into more "sub pages."

I photographed the designers wedding and he did the work on the new page for $300. At that price, I can't really expect too much.

I have asked him to make the logo clearer, no idea why he made it "fuzzy."

 

[The Shadow]

The Visa/MC logo's on the front page need to go


Also:

Since 1997, my goal is to be Colorado's best event photographer...Right Now



^^^need to be reworked a bit.....



"My goal HAS been"


etc....

 

[Testosterone boy]

The Visa/MC logo's on the front page need to go


Also:

Since 1997, my goal is to be Colorado's best event photographer...Right Now



^^^need to be reworked a bit.....



"My goal HAS been"


etc....

I appreciate everyones input!

However...people are often recommending what would...look good or read well.

Taking credit cards is a huge advantage...that is first thing that many couples ask about.

I think the wording of "my goal is to be" vs "my goal has been" is getting a bit nitpicky. I will install that particular change because it seems to make sense however.

 

[The Shadow]

I appreciate everyones input!

However...people are often recommending what would...look good or read well.

Taking credit cards is a huge advantage...that is first thing that many couples ask about.

I think the wording of "my goal is to be" vs "my goal has been" is getting a bit nitpicky. I will install that particular change because it seems to make sense however.

it might be picky but you are mixing tenses in the statement


I know credit cards is a big deal - I actually broker rates to merchants.....the colors and placement, imo, kill the look of the page.


Can you move the logos to the actual packages page??

 

[ChefWide]

Tboy, here is a site that I designed and programmed... do you find any interest in this type of look/feel?

http://www.louiswallach.com

 

[Testosterone boy]

Tboy, here is site that I designed and programmed... do you find any interest in this type of look/feel?

http://www.louiswallach.com

I liked several things about the page. He is marketing his services in an entirtely different manner than I am.

A.T. Cross has an entirely different perspective than a 2o year old bride..or her parents who have to pay for the darned thing.

My studio/office is a long story. It is in a slightly below average neighborhood (very eclectic...neighbors home values range from $100,000-$500,000. It is paid for and has a lot of potential (basement and 100 foot deep back yard)..so I will use it for some time. My own tax value is $180,000 which is too high.

Due to my neighborhood and my own values, I should market my services based upon value while assuring them of reliability and quality.

 

[Testosterone boy]

Thanks for the input folks! It is providing me with the motivation and energy to analyze things.

I had grown attached to my web page and was having a hard time studying the new page.

As for the font...I don't like it. I believe it is the default font and using the default font really simplifies things while changes are rapidly occuring.

 

[wutangnomo]

TBoy your business is all about PHOTOGRAPHY. Therefore, as Island Son mentioned (all of his recommendations are spot on), your website should be full of PICTURES. Not text. You are not selling your photography from what I see, you are selling your writing skills. That sends the wrong message. I agree that the colour scheme should be light (primarily WHITE background). This makes sense because weddings are generally correlated to white, so it would be fitting. Don't try to deviate from what everyone already knows.

Let me tell you one thing. Two of my brother's are getting married next year. You want to know how many bridal shows I've been to? Want to know how many photographers we've looked at?

If I were a customer, those things you list in your site about a minivan this, Magellan that, yada yada yada instantly turn me off. SHOWCASE your pictures. That should be first and foremost. This is the biggest crutch to your website.

 

[Testosterone boy]

TBoy your business is all about PHOTOGRAPHY. Therefore, as Island Son mentioned (all of his recommendations are spot on), your website should be full of PICTURES. Not text. You are not selling your photography from what I see, you are selling your writing skills. That sends the wrong message. I agree that the colour scheme should be light (primarily WHITE background). This makes sense because weddings are generally correlated to white, so it would be fitting. Don't try to deviate from what everyone already knows.

Let me tell you one thing. Two of my brother's are getting married next year. You want to know how many bridal shows I've been to? Want to know how many photographers we've looked at?

If I were a customer, those things you list in your site about a minivan this, Magellan that, yada yada yada instantly turn me off. SHOWCASE your pictures. That should be first and foremost. This is the biggest crutch to your website.

I've been removing some data today. People complained about the mention of minivan, then complained when I called it late model. So I now call it very reliable.

Many people think photographers are highly paid professionals who show up in a late model Lexus etc. The reality is more likely that photographers are artists who have a hard time showing up. So experienced people do ask questions about transportation because getting there is not an option.

There are more photographs than most people have and the resolution is higher as well.

Most of the photographs that I had interspersed in the text got lost. My last web master was not in the habit of reading his emails.

If you trust web masters with your data...you may have a very, very long day.