Very nice work - and I share your response to the question you were asked. Finding that image is the trick
For me, scrolling right (edit) to view each image is a nuisance (one reason: I'm using an open drawer with a stack of CD cases to hold the mouse pad - regather limited motion - and I know I should change it but it works NTL). Consider other than desktop users and how they might navigate a page (if you have a choice in the matter). In general, I find scrolling vertically preferable using the wheel. Also a vertical presentation uses the empty space in the lower area of the display.
I like your 'portrait' but must ask, is that a sheer window curtain composited with the image, water drops? Also, the shingles are off horizontal as well as the planter but perhaps that is your intent? I guess if you align them horizontally you would be leaning too much?
Best of luck and success in your endeavors,
Bob
Edited by Bob Jarman on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:05 AM GMT
I agree, the scrolling to the right is not intuitive. On my display (23" wide screen in 1920x1200) I could see exactly two images and didn't even realize each page had more than that until I came back here to read the previous comment.
Very nice work - and I share your response to the question you were asked. Finding that image is the trick
For me, scrolling right (edit) to view each image is a nuisance (one reason: I'm using an open drawer with a stack of CD cases to hold the mouse pad - regather limited motion - and I know I should change it but it works NTL). Consider other than desktop users and how they might navigate a page (if you have a choice in the matter). In general, I find scrolling vertically preferable using the wheel. Also a vertical presentation uses the empty space in the lower area of the display.
I like your 'portrait' but must ask, is that a sheer window curtain composited with the image, water drops? Also, the shingles are off horizontal as well as the planter but perhaps that is your intent? I guess if you align them horizontally you would be leaning too much?
Best of luck and success in your endeavors,
Bob
Edited by Bob Jarman on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:05 AM GMT...Show more →
Hey Bob,
thanks for the thoughts.
With your "portrait" question, I'm unsure as to which photo you're referring. Could you give me the file name (right-click, properties)?
I think side-scrolling is both a challenge and a reward, and I like the visual aesthetic it gives in imitating a real gallery, but do you guys have suggestions as to how I can make it more clear for my viewers that they need to scroll in that direction?
The other issue is compromising on resolution size... I can either leave it as it is, or I can make a second version of the page for resolutions larger than 1024x768, which I think I would make it the most simple by having the user click on their resolution size? Or I can get a JS script in there to auto-detect and redirect, but I think this opens the potential for problems. Thoughts?
By portrait, I'm referring to the image on your profile page.
I have to agree with leadZERO, my screen resolution is 1680 x 1050 and two images very nicely fit, quite possibly leaving the impression that is all. In part I think your targeted audience should influence design. If the gallery paradigm is that important, go with it.
Perhaps placing some text directing the viewer to scroll right for more images would suffice - certainly not the elegant solution. I don't have the experience to suggest anything else.
The resolution is fine for me - if you want to do more, and I don't know how to do this, but certainly there is code available somewhere, I'd use the magnifying glass cursor with the embedded +.
I work in web design/development, so this is intended to help, not criticize. Overall I like the site, it's simple aesthetic keeps the focus on the shots, just have a few suggestions.
I would agree with the others that the side scrolling is not intuitive, but also comment that it is more aesthetically appealing. Suggestions for helping with the navigation...
-You could PS up an arrow in the style of your site, pointing right. To be even more explicit add a "More" caption to it.
-Written instructions could work also, as long as they were minimal.
-If you want to get fancy you could build up a Javascript or Flash based algorithm to run the scrolling within the window you have, so you wouldn't need to physically scroll. There are some very elegant flash based versions of this out there, sorry no link right off hand.
-Finally, you could leave it as is... I'm running 1280x800 and get about one and a half shots per screen, so it's obvious that there's more to the right.
If you do any of that I'd recommend adding more empty space between the shots, it helps to frame the a little more. Also I think running the shots all the way to the border of the dark gray is not the right approach... again, more "white" space. That or you'll need to lift the "Robin Ryan Photography" title off the top of the dark gray. The title immediately flush with the picture is distracting.
I would definitely change the menu... even just changing the font could be enough. I'd say there's too much empty space to the left and not enough to the right.
Resolution wise... I think the images are a good size for visual impact, but all those biggish pics are a lot of data to pull down. Even on my moderately high speed connection I had the scroll bar jumping around a bit as it loaded each shot initially. You might consider running two pages of shots to cut down on the load.
Finally your strongest, most visually engaging shot should be the first of each category. You have to grab peoples' attention so they don't skip on. In my opinion some of the later shots in your collections were more grabbing than the first ones. For instance, in "the world (colour)" I would start with the candelabra, not end with it.
Alrighty, that's entirely too much from me, best of luck.
I'd probably put the shots in a frame (EDIT: eg iframe, html frame tag, etc) of some sort... without it you lose the navigation & title and have inconsistent framing for your shots once you scroll.
I don't know if it's just me, but on Safari your menu items for the Black and White selects fall into a second line and slightly overlap the menu item below
I don't know if it's just me, but on Safari your menu items for the Black and White selections fall into a second line and slightly overlap the menu item below
srapson wrote:
I work in web design/development, so this is intended to help, not criticize. Overall I like the site, it's simple aesthetic keeps the focus on the shots, just have a few suggestions.
I would agree with the others that the side scrolling is not intuitive, but also comment that it is more aesthetically appealing. Suggestions for helping with the navigation...
-You could PS up an arrow in the style of your site, pointing right. To be even more explicit add a "More" caption to it.
-Written instructions could work also, as long as they were minimal.
-If you want to get fancy you could build up a Javascript or Flash based algorithm to run the scrolling within the window you have, so you wouldn't need to physically scroll. There are some very elegant flash based versions of this out there, sorry no link right off hand.
-Finally, you could leave it as is... I'm running 1280x800 and get about one and a half shots per screen, so it's obvious that there's more to the right.
If you do any of that I'd recommend adding more empty space between the shots, it helps to frame the a little more. Also I think running the shots all the way to the border of the dark gray is not the right approach... again, more "white" space. That or you'll need to lift the "Robin Ryan Photography" title off the top of the dark gray. The title immediately flush with the picture is distracting.
I would definitely change the menu... even just changing the font could be enough. I'd say there's too much empty space to the left and not enough to the right.
Resolution wise... I think the images are a good size for visual impact, but all those biggish pics are a lot of data to pull down. Even on my moderately high speed connection I had the scroll bar jumping around a bit as it loaded each shot initially. You might consider running two pages of shots to cut down on the load.
Finally your strongest, most visually engaging shot should be the first of each category. You have to grab peoples' attention so they don't skip on. In my opinion some of the later shots in your collections were more grabbing than the first ones. For instance, in "the world (colour)" I would start with the candelabra, not end with it.
Alrighty, that's entirely too much from me, best of luck.
Sam...Show more →
That was a terrific post, Sam. I've taken your advice and modified the margins already. I'm using a php call to get the images....
Okay gents, I redid the menu and added an explanation that the galleries read horizontally. What do you guys think of the updated version? I know I could use a slicker menu, but that will come with time I think.
Here's my suggestions. I did not read all of the above before commenting. I only read after looking so its a fresh look.
Even with the arrow and explanation I did not realize that you had to scroll right to see other. I guess I should have figured it out but I did not. I did not realize until I read the comments above. I guess because I don't read the arrow words and expect it to be intuitive.
The Text does not work for me. It does not stand out to have grey on grey on menus.
Instead of "Candids, B&W" I would change nomenclature to "Candids (B&W)". Otherwise I click on the Right and left and expect something different.
As an MBA graduate I would suggest you focus on a niche rather than everythiing. I am not a professional but my guess is that weddings and portraits would sell the best if you are looking for a career. People looking for a landscape photographer are not looking for a portrait photographer.
I would prune down your pictures to only 10/10's that are very well process. For example, "World, B&W" first picture is rather unspectacular (a-coming-storm - no foreground interest, no detail in mountains, wrong time of day, not great exposure). I would go through and chop out all that are not great and make sure you start with first one as spectacular. For example, Wheel barrow is much better. I would delete between-worlds.jpg because he is exiting the frame and low detail. IMG_8535.jpg needs to be closer in on the blocks - needs cropping. into-the-valley-of-death.jpg is framed badly, overexposed and the people don't fit the picture.
I am not sure I would have a seperate menu item for b/W vs color. This is good for showing yourself off to peers but the picture should sell itself as having the correct format.
The website is good although I don't like the home because it confused me about whether the pictures were clickable. I suggest your portrait or something like that. Also the arrow through me off.
Hey Scott, thanks for the great response. I'll look into which photos I should cut over the next little while. Ultimately, this site is designed to show perspective employers or photographers I'd like to work for what I've produced... I don't expect to sell many images.
I think I'll change up the homepage as well.. just need to think of what to do with it.
It's not just about having a platform for selling photos...I believe that when it comes to photographers' web portfolios, style of presentation is almost as important as the photos themselves...because first of all, if you're looking for commercial work that isn't strictly photojournalistic, the website reflects your artistic aesthetic. And secondly, with the volume of quality work out there, you almost have to be James Nachtwey to wow just on images alone.
The biggest problem with your site is, as others have said, the horizontal scroll. It's uncommon enough to be annoying, and isn't compatible with most scroll wheels. With the inconvenience of having to sideways scroll to get to the next images, Icarian was right on with saying that the first photos need to be stronger.
On your next iteration of a site, I would strongly recommend looking at a solution like Slideshow Pro. Your site doesn't look like it's very easy to maintain, with the static imagemap menu. I don't think your font choice is good enough to justify making the entire menu an image (it also conflicts with the serif font used in your profile)...on a more minor note, none of the text on your front page is readable by search engine robots since it's embedded in an image.
I think one of the best examples of presentation really boosting content is Matthew Mahon's website (an oldie but a goodie...he's obviously a great shooter but I imagine his website was more memorable to employers than the photos alone, and helped him stand out in a competitive field. Obviously, it's not feasible for most photogs to hire the developers needed for such a creative site, but again, I think you should check out SSP because people with minimal development skills have been able to make very clean, very professional looking galleries that are very easy to maintain.
