I just finished my website and would love some feedback. I was going for something simple and clean, no flash. And as you'll probably be able to tell from the site, I mostly shoot headshots and model tests. Thanks.
Also, I'm on a mac, so I've been able to test it in Safari, Firefox and Camino, but can someone tell me if it works properly in Internet Explorer? I want to make sure the javascript for the hoverbox and lightbox is working in IE. Thanks.
I agree with Ole, it's a nice site, but I hate it when pics cover other pics. I'd much prefer that when you rollover the image it appears to the right, as when you click on it. It would be different if the clicked image appeared to the right in a much larger size, but it looks like it's the same pic as the rollover with a little bit of white border added. Either way, I'd like to see the images on the right in a larger format than what you have currently.
I agree with the others that the simplicity of the site and the muted tone is pleasing and very well done.
The way your portfolio displays is different but...I like the fact that you don't have to click on anything to get an enlarged version. I'm always amazed at how unwilling people are to click on something to get a better view (...I study my Google analytics religiously).
If it becomes to much of an issue you could always switch to this:
The benefit of going that route is from an artistic perspective it drowns out the noise and allows the viewer to really focus on what's in front of them.
Anyway, I think your hard work has paid off...Great Job!
I like the nice simple and clean layout. I think that enough sites use the convention of having the logo be the home button that you don't really need a separate one. I do like the idea of using a lightbox script to highlight the photos on-click instead of on-hover.
Just a side note... unless that address is scrictly a work address I would remove it. You don't want crazy folk getting a hold of it. I've listed my mailing address on websites and email before and had actors think it was okay to just show up unannounced.
jfinite wrote:
I agree with Ole, it's a nice site, but I hate it when pics cover other pics. I'd much prefer that when you rollover the image it appears to the right, as when you click on it. It would be different if the clicked image appeared to the right in a much larger size, but it looks like it's the same pic as the rollover with a little bit of white border added. Either way, I'd like to see the images on the right in a larger format than what you have currently.
Oh yeah, I'm on a PC/Vista and it works fine....Show more →
Thanks for the feedback jfinite. You say the image in the lightbox comes up on the right when clicked? Hmm... in all the Mac browsers it's centered on the page. Should be in IE too. I'll have to figure that out.
Evolv3, thanks for the comments. Actually, if you click on the image rather than just mouseover, you do get the lightbox. The javascript I used has both the hover and lightbox feature.
VuFoto, on the actors page since some are landscape, the enlarged photo sometimes covers the one next to it so you need to move the mouse off of it first or go to the one above. I don't like flash for all the typical, debated reasons; no direct linking, can't use back buttons, bad SEO, etc. Thanks.
Thanks Photonik.
For those who asked why I choose the hover method, I tried this way because it doesn't require clicks, you get the image instantly vs. a click and load, plus you can still click and get a lightbox effect if you want.
chris sorensen wrote:
For those who asked why I choose the hover method, I tried this way because it doesn't require clicks, you get the image instantly vs. a click and load, plus you can still click and get a lightbox effect if you want.
I'll add my vote for click and load over the hover effect that is there now. It interferes with the navigation in that if I want to see a photo in the bottom row, but my mouse is above the top row, when I move to the photo I want, I get at least one, if not several larger photos popping up and getting in the way. It becomes very annoying.
It would be better to have fewer images on the page and a larger image to the right or left, like many of the flash-based galleries.
Or just do the lightbox thing, requiring a click before popping anything up. With that it would be nice to be able to navigate forward and backward within the lightbox once you've popped an image up.
Kudos on the quick loading images, though. That is a definite plus (and your images are well done as well).
Didnt read the above posts, so excuse any repeats.
1. Like the simplicity and overall look. I would shrink down your name a bit and not make it as wide, but that is a nit.
2. I do not like how/where the thumbs are in the galleries. I think it would work better if they were across the bottom of the page (smaller). Then, if you scroll your cursor over the thumb, the larger image would appear in the middle of the screen, and if possible, bigger. I would personally prefer a click rathern that scroll over. I also do not understand why the thumbs are indented as you scroll down the page? Maybe my browser (internet explorer)?
3. I'd like to see a separate icon for 'pricing'.
4. Your photo is really good in your about section...works really well with the white background. I also think you mention some really great stuff in your short bio. I do think that section could be written a little more effectively, but the base is there.
5. I like the link to your acting site...definately gives you credibility. Perhaps another link in the 'about' section?
Thanks canerino. I'll have to figure out what's going on with IE cuz based on your comment and an earlier one, something is working differently than in other browsers. And it's funny that I didn't even think of the acting link adding credibility. I put it there cuz the main page used to be the acting stuff and I wanted people who were looking for that stuff to be able to find it. Thanks for the good suggestions.
I will add my vote to Ole and jfinite. I'm not a fan of the current gallery setup because of the way the photos become larger on hover and then cover the thumbnails of the photos behind. I think either causing the larger image to appear in the center on hover, or simply on click, would be better. Other than that, I really like the clean and simple approach you've taken.
First your photography is wonderful and I always enjoy your posts.
I did not read all of the other posts so maybe this has been said already. The navigation is really annoying. I think clicking on an image and getting a larger version and then clicking to close that would be MUCH cleaner and better.
