Ken Deckinger
Hey Jeet! Thanks for mentioning me but this has my blessing, 100%. Do it to it! ;-)
Feedback on my attempt to create my website
Posted by Sarbajit Chakraborty on the Big Photo Hunt community board.
Disclaimer, this is not my attempt at self advertisement. If by any chance this post violates the spirit of this platform, @Ken Deckinger - please let me know and I'll remove it.
I never really created a site for me, but have been doing that over the weekend, and this is the result. I would love any feedback on the site. Below is the link:
<https://worldisanoyster.mypixieset.com/>
Main Intent - The primary intent is to create a link to a print on demand site finally. But initially it's primarily to get a curated sample of photographs that I like
Smugmug Site - I basically use it as a storage, and don't curate it as such. If this works, then I'll make the Smugmug site private and only use that platform for storage.
Organization - Currently, I have it sort of structured to show street/people from US/outside US, Nature, and Architecture/Human Construction. I will be honest and say I don't have a clear vision, so it might be an evolution over time.
Thank you in advance!
Replies
Nisah Cheatham
Hi Jeet!
Before I put a critical eye to you new site, I have some questions...
• What is the main intent? Is this to simply be a repository of images free from the bonds of any social media platform, or a place to attract potential clients, or a way to link your work to a print-on-demand site (or direct print sales even)?
• What about your smugmug site?
• Thematically, how are you hoping to organize it as it grows?
I as these questions because I'm about to embark on a huge website build out and this is what's rattlin' around in my head as I approach the blank canvas.
Jeannine Cartwright
I’ve never heard of smugmug or pixieset. How many ch do they cost? A lot of galleries want to see my website which I’ve set up on, “Facegram,” &, “Instabook,” (you see the problem there…). I can’t remember how to post on Insta & would prefer a site. What do these ones cost for a year or month?
Amy Kauffman
If this is made for a "print on demand" site, I would want an easier way to describe which photo I was interested in getting printed. I think the profile feels more personal than professional for the use of printing photographs. Your photography is beautiful and should be printed! BUT how would I ask for a specific print? Anyway, it's beautiful and I just felt chatty enough to share my opinion. 💛
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) Nisah - thank you for these very good questions!!!
Main Intent - The primary intent is to create a link to a print on demand site finally. But initially it's primarily to get a curated sample of photographs that I like
Smugmug Site - I basically use it as a storage, and don't curate it as such. If this works, then I'll make the Smugmug site private and only use that platform for storage.
Organization - Currently, I have it sort of structured to show street/people from US/outside US, Nature, and Architecture/Human Construction. I will be honest and say I don't have a clear vision, so it might be an evolution over time.
I have also put these on the main body of the question for reference for others to pitch in!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Jeannine Cartwright](ca3d715e-1d9f-452d-8ed0-b7b4e899d4d9) Hello Jeannine - Pixieset is free. It's something like WordPress, but for photographers. Smugmug is more of a multi utility platform, for photo storage (including RAW images), as well as setting it up in a way to display your work, and sell as well. It's more integrated. It's currently priced at $20/month.
Nisah Cheatham
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) OK - Initial impressions: oddly enough I think there are too many photos/carousels. It's especially more cumbersome via mobile. Less images with more curation - you have a deep enough catalog.
I don't know what pixieset can do as far as site building, but here are more specific thoughts:
• maybe the photo of you is the one main photo in a side by side layout with your "another Guy with a camera..." verbiage + expanded statements about you and your photography approach.
• The Info menu: since its only one thing, can you just make it a link straight to "contact me" or "connect now".
• I don't think you need any of the other images, just a strong call to action to get people to click into the portfolio(s), but if you do have photos on the landing page - maybe not duplicates of ones found again at the next click.
• Regarding the portfolios - I follow you on Foto and Flickr and I see a lot of great shots, but on this pixieset site, it feels like a very narrow selection with a lot from the same event and as diverse as your catalog actually is.
• Speaking of which, you should put links to the social sites you use somewhere on the site.
• Think about how the photos fit the themes you've laid out. Is a bridge a human construct of nature? that kind of thing.
• Lastly, you still have default copy on the contact me page. And again I think that photo seems out of place. If you have a different shot of you and can do the text / photo side by side. Or if the photo looked like someone/people "getting in touch".
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) Thank you so much for this detailed feedback Nisah. I'll look at the page and incorporate your feedback!! I really really do appreciate this!!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) Amy, thank you! I absolutely love this feedback. You are right, the site is not set up in any way to get anything printed! Such a terrible oversight! My mistake! That is one more thing I'll work on, to get that integrated!! Thank you so much !!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) actually, since you pointed that out, maybe it's better to set the site up differently totally to focus on print on demand, rather than a personal website! You are awesome!!
Amy Kauffman
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) awww I'm glad you didn't mind my feedback! I think you will have some orders!
Amy Kauffman
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) you could have both! 🤔 And you are awesome! And thank you 😊
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) Amy, I absolutely appreciate your feedback! I will probably spend time this weekend to see what I can create and ask for feedback again!! And thanks for the kind and encouraging words!!! :)
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) I made some changes, and actually added print stores for each of the galleries (same website).
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) - I am still unsure about the path I'd like to take eventually. I think right now it's more exploratory!
Amy Kauffman
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) the added print site is perfect. So now it feels balanced and authentic to be able to still chat with the artist too. Very cool! I like too that you can view albums before going to choose a photo to have printed. Personally, I might get one and send a message for the story of the photo!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) Honestly, if you want one, I'll send it to you for free, along w/ the story! I seriously wasn't trying to advertise and get a sale, so I would absolutely do it for you!!
Amy Kauffman
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) awwwww well that is super nice of you! I'll still message you on your site so you can see how it comes in if you haven't gotten to see yet. 💛