Website and Photos Critique Needed

[DanGrasley]

Hi everyone, I thought I'd start by posting a request for your feedback. If you could have a look at my site and let me know what you think of the website itself (layout, ease of use, etc) and as well as critique some of my photos, I would really appreciate it.
Photography has been a hobby of mine for years, but it wasn't until I went through a rapid-fire series of life altering experiences did I decide to focus all of my attention on my hobby and turn it into a means of sustenance. Therefore, any and all criticism is welcome (just don't be too harsh) :o

[tegan]

Your site is typical of many photographers trying to make some money from photography and unfortunately that is the problem.

When determining what photos will be on your site, you need to look at them first for technical excellence. Anyone buying prints wants razor sharp images, perfect exposure, a subject that stands out in colour and contrast, etc. The range of technical excellence also needs to be small with only minor weaknesses in any particular image. The images need to say to the viewer: This guy really knows how to handle a camera extremely well.

Since you are trying to sell prints, composition and the artistic elements need to be at a high level as well. Framing should be perfect as well as placement of the centre of interest. Colour and tones should be well brought out in all shots. The centre of interest should have visual impact and standout in shape, colour and detail. Birds should for example not be the centre of interest unless you are using a long telephoto lens and they fill a large part of the frame.

Bottom line is that there are tons of photo web sites out there and you need to make your site stand out from the rest if you want to make money. You're not quite there yet, but don't give up. It takes a lot of work, effort, knowledge, and photographic experience.

By the way, I can identify problems and weaknesses, because I have made the same mistakes myself, numerous times.

Tegan

[Marko]

I took a very quick look myself as well.

Some of the images in my opinion are very well done indeed but quite a few could use improvement in the elements that tegan mentioned.

FYI - Critiquing a whole website is not practical or effiicient. Far better to post 1-2 images in a thread (on this site) and have the critiques focused on those images.

Hope that helps,

Marko

[kiley9806]

I took a look at your site, and think it's pretty great! I like the clean, simple, easy to navigate layout of the site. Many of your pictures are wonderful - I especially like the wedding and art and gallery ones. Of course, just like anyone, there is room for improvement, but I think you've started out on a very good foot! Nice job! :)

[AcadieLibre]

I like how your site navigates and looks. I must agree with some of the others if you want critique on your work it would be far better to pick and choose a few photos at a time and post them and get feedback on them that way. To look through all your photos and give a critique is far to difficult and would take too much time and effort to give you worthwhile critiques. Nice work on the website though.