Photographers need a great website almost more than anyone else in the world. Photographers are artists, and generate interest in their work through visual means. Web sites are a completely visual way of communicating - if you are a photographer without an excellent website, you will not be able to sell yourself effectively and lose work.
Why you need an online portfolio
Simply put, you need an online portfolio because without one you are missing out on business. More and more of your clients are searching the web to find photographers for their weddings, events, head shots and family portraits - and if you aren't on the web they aren't seeing what you can do.
Design matters
The design of your website matters. People don't just want to see your photos: they want to see who it is they are going to be working with. Create a unique user experience through colors and textures. Let your work be the centerpiece, but never underestimate the power of details. You can hire a freelancer or an agency to build your website for you if your computer skills are not up to scratch. You don't need to design and code your website yourself, and if this is something you are not skilled with you probably shouldn't attempt it for the first time with your professional portfolio.
Recognize your audience
When you design your website, be aware of who your clientele is and the type of photos you like to shoot. Your website should be a combination of who you are and who you expect to work with.
Do not create a flash website
Creating a flash website for your online portfolio is a recipe for disaster. Instead, use HTML5 for the latest and greatest in website techniques. Flash is an unstable plugin that frequently crashes, further many people don't have it or don't keep it up to date and won't be able to see your gorgeous work.
Flash is also difficult for SEO. Flash can prevent search bots from reading the text on your website, effectively killing your ranking.
Flash is slow, cumbersome and difficult for people with, who need to change the size of their screen. It is best to stay away from Flash.
Keeping your work safe
Before you put your work online it's important to watermark your photos so that they can't be used without your permission. Your watermark can be large or small, but should always be present. You can also consider adding your logo, but this destroys the overall effect of the photos. Some photo hosting services, like Flickr, embed photography so that it cannot be downloaded, except by the photo's owner.
Make sure your website is usable
One of the most frustrating things about photography websites is that they take a long time to load, and slow down your computer. Minimize this problem by placing thumbnails on the website, which the client can click on if they are interested in seeing the whole thing.
Other benefits
A portfolio website allows you to deliver your work to your clients right away. Simply upload the photos via a special FTP server and create a password protected page for your clients' eyes alone.
Develop an online portfolio to increase your photography business. Design a website that shows who you are and what you can do for your clients by showcasing your work.
Why you need an online portfolio
Simply put, you need an online portfolio because without one you are missing out on business. More and more of your clients are searching the web to find photographers for their weddings, events, head shots and family portraits - and if you aren't on the web they aren't seeing what you can do.
Design matters
The design of your website matters. People don't just want to see your photos: they want to see who it is they are going to be working with. Create a unique user experience through colors and textures. Let your work be the centerpiece, but never underestimate the power of details. You can hire a freelancer or an agency to build your website for you if your computer skills are not up to scratch. You don't need to design and code your website yourself, and if this is something you are not skilled with you probably shouldn't attempt it for the first time with your professional portfolio.
Recognize your audience
When you design your website, be aware of who your clientele is and the type of photos you like to shoot. Your website should be a combination of who you are and who you expect to work with.
Do not create a flash website
Creating a flash website for your online portfolio is a recipe for disaster. Instead, use HTML5 for the latest and greatest in website techniques. Flash is an unstable plugin that frequently crashes, further many people don't have it or don't keep it up to date and won't be able to see your gorgeous work.
Flash is also difficult for SEO. Flash can prevent search bots from reading the text on your website, effectively killing your ranking.
Flash is slow, cumbersome and difficult for people with, who need to change the size of their screen. It is best to stay away from Flash.
Keeping your work safe
Before you put your work online it's important to watermark your photos so that they can't be used without your permission. Your watermark can be large or small, but should always be present. You can also consider adding your logo, but this destroys the overall effect of the photos. Some photo hosting services, like Flickr, embed photography so that it cannot be downloaded, except by the photo's owner.
Make sure your website is usable
One of the most frustrating things about photography websites is that they take a long time to load, and slow down your computer. Minimize this problem by placing thumbnails on the website, which the client can click on if they are interested in seeing the whole thing.
Other benefits
A portfolio website allows you to deliver your work to your clients right away. Simply upload the photos via a special FTP server and create a password protected page for your clients' eyes alone.
Develop an online portfolio to increase your photography business. Design a website that shows who you are and what you can do for your clients by showcasing your work.