Self Promotion: updating my website

After reviewing my previous website I noticed a few things I needed to change and add to improve it. Starting with the images, the ones that I'd displayed on my website were certainly not my best images. When I began my website I always thought it was quantity over quality, however now I've realised that in fact it's definitely quality over quantity. I'd rather have a handful of my best images rather than hundreds of photos that were 'average'. 

I also felt the layout was rather young looking, especially with the logo which looked TERRIBLE... but that's because I made it and I don't design logos. At the time of making a website I thought it was a must to have a logo to present yourself with. Until James shared with us how he didn't have a logo and there was no problem with that. For now I will go without a logo, but in the near future I would like a logo designed for me to which I feel represents me. 

This is my home page for my current, updated website. It's very formal and basic however I don't want the viewer distracted by interesting backgrounds. The font is also very basic and mostly in caps so that it is easy to read and direct for navigation throughout the website. 

As you can see there is an image on the front page. I was advised to put a couple of my best images on the home page so that the viewer can see what style of work they're about to see and my standard of work. The images within the slideshow I created on the page can be viewed by holding the curser by the edge of the image. However I've has trouble changing this so I may need further assistance to re-arrange this as I'd like it to automatically flick through the images as it's not clear that you have to go through the images yourself. 

I have the home bar placed at the top of the page. I'm not overly keen on side bars and find they look professional at the top of the page. 

This page is about myself, presenting an image and a few words about my style of photography and where it all began. I didn't want to go too in depth and felt it was most important to get my current place of study, how I became interested in photography and the area of photography that I'm most interested in. 

The image of myself is far from professional, I would eventually like one taken in the studio which if I find time and assistance will do so before the end of the unit. However it is something I will make sure of when putting together a complete website.

Again the home bar is visible at the top. That way it is much easier to navigate instead of having to go back you can click one of the options above which will take you straight there. Also my name and title of the page viewed is labelled on the left hand side for the main options above. I believe repetition with the name ables the viewer to remember you and your work as it is seen on almost every page of the website. 

I haven't yet sorted what to place on the portfolio page itself, however I have a drop down menu taking you to the individual projects.

This is from the portfolio dropdown menu, Barcelona project. I photographed in Barcelona last year and quite liked some of the pictures I took during my visit. There's a few within the selection of images which I would say are the best of my ability. Unfortunately I don't have much work to present throughout my website therefore I'm glad I have images from outside the university projects to show a variation and different interests within my photographic practise.

This is from the portfolio dropdown menu, Vitality project. The work is from the previous unit which I just completed. I really enjoyed making the work and liked the outcome. I also felt again I could propose a variation of work as well as the documentary style I would normally go for. I'm always up for new experiences and challenges and I want to express this within my website.

With projects outside of university this also includes jobs that I've completed for friends and family along the way. I've placed 3 shoots on the website which I believe are again the best to my ability. 

When each album is clicked a separate page opens and you follow the page through to find the rest of the images. In the future I want something a little more professional looking as at the minute I don't find it exciting. I would want to find a design which displays my images clearly and perhaps in some sort of animation/ slideshow for the viewer to look at each individual image rather than a set at once.

For viewers who may be interested in my work there is a page for them to get in touch with me. It's very straight forward. With this form of contact I prefer not to present my contact details such as a mobile or email address, and that the website automatically emails me. I understand that if I am to present myself using business cards, etc that my details will need to be present.