Web site for review: www.mikebernard.com/

crazyphotoman666 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 09:34 AM

Hello there!

I would appreciate any positive constructive feedback.

I'm just a guy, trying to make a living. Fashion Photography is my main trade. Regretfully, I don't have the money, the market base and the talent to do the job right.

So what you will be reviewing was create by a guy in Frontpage with limited web design skill experience mainly as a photographer and graphic design artist.

Please forward your comments to following:

sales@mikebernard.com

Thanks,

Mike

<Mod edit to comply with Site Review Rule #1 - Syren>

SyrenSong · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 10:54 AM

Hi crazyphotoman666, and Welcome to WebProWorld!

I took a look at your site and you've got some beautiful photography!

The first thing I noticed, though, is that your site appears to lack a little focus in the index page.

You appear to be promoting your professional services as a photographer, but you've got links to MSN news, Expedia Travel, and a chat room on your index page. Those just don't speak to being a professional. I would first suggest removing those links. If you want to have links to those websites, try including a page just for links. That would allow you to have professional links, news links, and personal/fun links without undermining your professional "first-impression" on your home page.

Another problem you've got is the quality of your graphic images. I'd either shrink the dimensions of your thumbnails, or improve the quality of them. They just don't look very good, and that also undermines your credibility as a photographer. Images you have elsewhere on your site show me that you're a professional, but the quality of the images on you homepage just don't reflect your abilities.

I'd also suggest a change to your logo. It's really difficult to read. A heavier and/or more well-defined font would look much better and be easier to read. Particularly with the background you're using for your site.

You've got some great photos on your site, and I'm sure one of the reasons for the lower quality of your images is that you're trying to protect them.

I'd suggest using a few larger and/or better-quality images that truly reflect your capabilities, and that you don't mind people "taking" without your permission. That will let potentional customers know what you're capable of. In the long run, it's more important that visitors see what you can do so they want to hire you, rather than worrying about someone taking some of your images. It will do more to increase your reputation. ;)

HTH!

tikanet · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 12:03 PM

Great advice, as always, SyrenSong. Your keen eye and ability to clearly articulate always make for good reading.

A popular method of protecting images from theft, while not necessarily effecting their quality, is to watermark or in some way brand them.

... not that anyone would want to steal the above example ;)

SyrenSong · #4 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tikanet

A popular method of protecting images from theft, while not necessarily effecting their quality, is to watermark or in some way brand them.

... not that anyone would want to steal the above example ;)

I don't know, tikanet. Tika's a pretty cute dog! ;)

And that comment about the watermark is really good advice.

A watermark makes it difficult for anyone to use the image without advertising where they got it.

It also makes for great free advertising for your website if your image is used somewhere else. ;)