My Website

[jaime]

Hey guys and gals, I was just wondering if someone or many one's could go through my site and tell me what it needs/doesn't need. Thanks!

www.jaimehogge.com (http://www.jaimehogge.com)

[andrewr]

Hi Jaime and welcome to the forums.

I liked a lot of your images, but I think the presentation needs some work. I didn't see any pictures until I went four pages into the site, and I'm not really sure if those first three pages serve any real purpose. If you need or want to have an intro page, limit it to one page and get people into your portfolio as quickly as possible. You also need to keep the menus and navigation consistent. On the first pages you've got contact and about links, but those links aren't in the menus on the portfolio pages. You don't want people to have to hunt for your contact details after they decide they love your pictures and want to hire you. I personally think your phone number or email address should be visible on every page of your site, but a link to your contact page is absolutely essential.

I don't want to sound too critical, but I personally hate pop-up windows. There is just too much opening and closing of windows. I know that it's hard to avoid this with html galleries, but if you can find a better solution I would really recommend it.

Website design can be a real challenge and I've personally been pulling my hair out for the last couple of months redesigning my own site. So I know it can be tough, but a great site is worth the effort. It has been my primary means of advertising for the last few years and most of my new clients have found me through my web site. If you want your site to do this for you, you've also got to learn about SEO (search engine optimization). Again, I don't want to be too critical, but your site needs a lot more body text and metatags if it's going to show up in the search engines.

Cheers,

Andrew

[minogue_photography]

Hi Jaime,

I agree with Andrew. You've got some great photos, but the layout needs some touching up.

[cori]

I have to agree with the above people as well, its nice to see pics right away, instead of having to click at a few pages to find them, and it takes awhile when you have dial:angry: up.

[RayS]

Well I stumbled my way though and found your work... WOW! Great stuff!! This is what I always looked for when hiring shooters. Diversity, meeting the requirements of the situation. Read your bio on Canphoto - Student - ambitious and talented. Here is just a suggestion and I'll probably get heckled my the masses here - but - check out the large studios who are doing commercial work see about assisting and mentoring programs. I totally lucked out when I graduated by working with Peter Gowland in California. He was the one who got me my first full time commercial model contract with Ford. Don't let borders hold you back - the American commercial markets love young talented people from Canada - many times I was told they like my work ethics. You have the eye and ability now learn how to market it to your best end. Your young and have the world at your door step use it!!