You have some very nice work posted truth. I like the blog over-all. I don't particularly like the color scheme. Seems to busy. It IS however laid out very nicely.
Jessica Claire just recently did away with her site and made a "Slog". A website that is a blog as well. The only thing yours lacks for doing that is larger images. Take care.
Lovely images, very impressive.
Personaly i'm not convinced of the idea of a site and blog in one. When a client visits they want specific information and a blog is not usually that easy to navigate. Not as easy as a site with a clear set of links.
The mistake we often make is to assume our clients are internet addicts and they are not (generally).
A client only ever goes to a site for two reasons. To make a purchase or to get information, specific information.
Often they are hitting the net with a limited time frame too, on a lunch break or morning tea. If they cannot get to what they want quick they will leave.
Identify that information for the new site.
The info that they want:
Are you the photographer they want - Indentified in images.
Are you within their budget - They won't risk embarrasment by asking if they don't have to so have a price list.
A justification for booking you - Once a client wants you if you are over their budget you need a simple justification that they can adopt and pass on. Nothing too wordy, a simple sentence or two if possible. A paragraph at the most.
A reason to meet you without feeling like they have to book. Once a client meets you they are 90% booked.
After that those who have extra time may keep looking and the blog will pick up some of those also it will help with repeat visits but as a priority it is down the list. Put it up front and you have not nailed your clients initial needs.
Hope the new site is up to the standard of your work.
When I started out I also watermarked my pictures, but I gave it up, because it looks bad and I realised that not even a pro PS guy can get anything decent out of the pics. It is better with more wow factor, then never mind that a single couple should steal some pics.
Thanks for all the comments, Marcus, I appreciate what you said about my work. I hope my site turns out good also.
Clausjepsen, I have gone back and forth about the watermarks, I had some other photographers steal the photos and put them in their portfolio. Now I'm at the point where I'm just trying to protect my work. I know they can be annoying but what can you do?
Tom, thanks for the comments, my blog is hosted by Go Daddy.
