I did most of this the day the new customization came out. I just haven't posted it here until now.
As well as what the others have said, I did start of my newly revamped site with a background image, with an overlay of links and galleries. But after a short period, it does clash with the eyes and can become distracting. I drastically simplified my way, but you don't have to do that.
You cannot see the middle of your background image, because of your central menu system, and the plethora of colours means it doesn't flow as well as it could, despite all the individual images being fantastic in their own way. Are we missing the main reason of your background image? Should it be something that is very easy/simple - pattern and colourwise?
I think I am done with my site creation with new smugmug. Though I am using it for a long time, but I was not sure about the design. Finally,. I have felling that I will stop here.
Please let me know how you feel about this design. Please let me know if you there is some obvious scope of improvement, I will do that with you guys help.
Only horizontal scroll bar is disturbing to me, not sure how to deal with that.
jarboedoggart, thank you - appreciate your feedback, it is really helpful. I agree with your 1st point, I have trouble with English and working on it and now after your feedback I will look at it seriously.
For point 2, it could be a bug from Smugmug site or I don't know what it is. Even, it is behaving the same way in my screen too when I downsizing the screen, but it settle down after a refresh, it is adjusting as needed.
Do you know if any special setting I need to do for this?
Thanks,
Sudarshan
Your site is stunning.
Until you sort out all of the grammar on your site, for English, I suggest one change:
Incorrect: Exploring what make sense
Correct: Exploring what makes sense
I'm still in the process of naming and tagging alot of stuff, there is quite a bit of content jammed in there (maybe too much??) and there are probably a bunch of rookie mistakes also. Any comments or advice please hit me
I'm still in the process of naming and tagging alot of stuff, there is quite a bit of content jammed in there (maybe too much??) and there are probably a bunch of rookie mistakes also. Any comments or advice please hit me
Cheers
I think you should make the width of your site stretchy. It must look OK on your monitor, but here is where your menu and social links are on my computer... (see below)
Other that that, your site is good. The About page is amazing and I couldn't look away from the family pics till I saw them all. Your work is very unique and I certainly poked around in your galleries much longer than I normally would. Keep it up!
There are a couple of things that jumped out at me though. First, your background slideshow on pages other than the homepage sometimes essentially erases your menu bar (because of the background color of some of the images). Overall I find background slideshows distracting anyway - you can't fully see the images in the slideshow since they sit behind the images in the galleries so why not remove it?
The font you have chosen for your logo makes your name look choppy.
The font you are using for your menu and keywords / descriptions has "holes" in the letters. For example, an F is missing the middle bar. I find that somewhat problematic.
Thanks, I was having second thoughts about the slideshow background, I had to replace it on other pages as you couldnt see text, I guess you've just confirmed my fears. I've used that font for years and it looks nice and sharp in PS but when I put it on the page it looks a little rough. Any tips on saving sharp logos with transparency?
Colin, I also noticed that on your homepage, you have your twitter, facebook and youtube icons just floating part way to the right. It looks a little off, as it seems out of place (to me anyhow). Wouldn't it be a little better if it were within the menu system?
As Denise mentioned, the font and logo (perhaps sizewise as well as font style) break up on my screen too, so the words do look a little broken up and distracting. The background slideshow does make your menu disappear from time to time, depending on your image...
Hmm, I'm not to confident with code yet, I take it you just copy and paste it and replace the images, is that about it? Looks great, I think it would work well with my stuff too.
Just spent a very amusing 5 mins looking at the slideshow on your 'about me'. I'm a bit miffed at the possibility that you are even more crazy than I am (but I can catch up ) I particularly liked the shot of the baby in the cooking pot.
The website? Yeah, it's fine. Crazy, but fine. What do they put in the water on Lewis?
updated and renovated a few weeks ago....I know not everyone is going to dig it but I like it with that being said, I LOOOOVE constructive criticism so please let me know what I am missing or need to change. I kind of feel my drop down menu when selecting galleries is too long so I think I'll change that to somehow shorten up the choices. Love you guys!
updated and renovated a few weeks ago....I know not everyone is going to dig it but I like it with that being said, I LOOOOVE constructive criticism so please let me know what I am missing or need to change. I kind of feel my drop down menu when selecting galleries is too long so I think I'll change that to somehow shorten up the choices. Love you guys!
I could only look for a second at the home page (pretty color combo)... An odd behavior: When I hover my mouse over the galleries link, the entire background image jerks about 1/8 of an inch to the left. I will see the left edge of the image move further left, and the right edge of the image move left. The banner and menu don't move, and the image only does this hovering over the Galleries link. This behavior is the same in FF 29.0.1 and Chrome. Version 35.0.1916.114 beta-m.
In IE8, which I have to use for work reasons, both the banner with the menu, and the background image, move left, but the left edge stays fixed. To my eye this means there is re-sizing going on for the background image.
I could only look for a second at the home page (pretty color combo)... An odd behavior: When I hover my mouse over the galleries link, the entire background image jerks about 1/8 of an inch to the left. I will see the left edge of the image move further left, and the right edge of the image move left. The banner and menu don't move, and the image only does this hovering over the Galleries link. This behavior is the same in FF 29.0.1 and Chrome. Version 35.0.1916.114 beta-m.
In IE8, which I have to use for work reasons, both the banner with the menu, and the background image, move left, but the left edge stays fixed. To my eye this means there is re-sizing going on for the background image.
One other bit: I clicked to visit a gallery and a very large "Must be logged in to comment" sign flashed up briefly, then disappeared. This behavior repeated on every test page I visited.
updated and renovated a few weeks ago....I know not everyone is going to dig it but I like it with that being said, I LOOOOVE constructive criticism so please let me know what I am missing or need to change. I kind of feel my drop down menu when selecting galleries is too long so I think I'll change that to somehow shorten up the choices. Love you guys!
I can second that the drop down gallery list seems a little too long. Maybe condense some of those galleries together.
On the actual 'Galleries' page I would change it so that you don't have to hover over the pictures to see the name of the gallery. Also the 'Sportsfest' gallery is aligned to the left rather than centre which felt a little off to me.
I like your 'my faves' link. This was the first link i clicked on and I imagine will be for a lot of first time viewers so always make sure you have your best images in there but keep it a short and sweet list
I could only look for a second at the home page (pretty color combo)... An odd behavior: When I hover my mouse over the galleries link, the entire background image jerks about 1/8 of an inch to the left. I will see the left edge of the image move further left, and the right edge of the image move left. The banner and menu don't move, and the image only does this hovering over the Galleries link. This behavior is the same in FF 29.0.1 and Chrome. Version 35.0.1916.114 beta-m.
In IE8, which I have to use for work reasons, both the banner with the menu, and the background image, move left, but the left edge stays fixed. To my eye this means there is re-sizing going on for the background image.
That is weird that the images are moving like that.....i'm not entirely sure how to fix it?? any ideas?? I just looked on Chrome (logged off) and IE, but i'm not able able to replicate it. Maybe I need to clear my cache and try fresh.
Also, all of my friends see the comment box that is on the bottom of every gallery page and get mad that they cannot comment so I put "must be logged in". but that box shows up before the images do for some reason for a quick second. Again, I have NO idea how to get that to correct itself haha.
I can second that the drop down gallery list seems a little too long. Maybe condense some of those galleries together.
On the actual 'Galleries' page I would change it so that you don't have to hover over the pictures to see the name of the gallery. Also the 'Sportsfest' gallery is aligned to the left rather than centre which felt a little off to me.
I like your 'my faves' link. This was the first link i clicked on and I imagine will be for a lot of first time viewers so always make sure you have your best images in there but keep it a short and sweet list
I agree, I think i'll change around the menu a bit....its a bit much.
Thats a good idea on changing the title so you dont have to hover over it. I didnt notice how annoying it is until you pointed it out haha. But the sportsfest one is aligned center, or are you in one of the 3 galleries in there? I just went through them and they are all listed center. please let me know!
I'll shorten up the favs....I slowly add more and more without thinking how many I get in there. I need to keep it sub-10 I think. Agreed?? Thanks for your feedback!
That is weird that the images are moving like that.....i'm not entirely sure how to fix it?? any ideas?? I just looked on Chrome (logged off) and IE, but i'm not able able to replicate it. Maybe I need to clear my cache and try fresh.
Also, all of my friends see the comment box that is on the bottom of every gallery page and get mad that they cannot comment so I put "must be logged in". but that box shows up before the images do for some reason for a quick second. Again, I have NO idea how to get that to correct itself haha.
Post these questions on a separate thread for help.
I agree, I think i'll change around the menu a bit....its a bit much.
Thats a good idea on changing the title so you dont have to hover over it. I didnt notice how annoying it is until you pointed it out haha. But the sportsfest one is aligned center, or are you in one of the 3 galleries in there? I just went through them and they are all listed center. please let me know!
I'll shorten up the favs....I slowly add more and more without thinking how many I get in there. I need to keep it sub-10 I think. Agreed?? Thanks for your feedback!
It might just be because of my monitor resolution but it's on this page that the sportsfest link is aligned to the left. http://www.photospaced.com/browse
You might rethink your /browse (or galleries) page - right now your menu / logo and galleries header uses more than half of the vertical space on my large monitor. The same is true on your collage landscape-style galleries. Are you trying to showcase your photos or your header?
I'd also recommend you look at your site on different sized devices - many people are viewing from tablets. You can check the behavior on different devices at http://quirktools.com/screenfly.
You might rethink your /browse (or galleries) page - right now your menu / logo and galleries header uses more than half of the vertical space on my large monitor. The same is true on your collage landscape-style galleries. Are you trying to showcase your photos or your header?
I'd also recommend you look at your site on different sized devices - many people are viewing from tablets. You can check the behavior on different devices at http://quirktools.com/screenfly.
--- Denise
Oh wow, I see what you mean now after going to that site! Thats crazy how big it gets. I'm going to change that up a bit tonight and see what I can come up with. Thanks so much for the link Denise, really helpful!
Looks a lot better with each photo having a complete border.
Your header covers part of every photo I can find. Not one is seen whole. Might remove
pinning it on galleries. Tried full screen to small browser windows.
Looked at keyword portraits gallery. Part of photo either under bottom of browser, off screen, or
scrolling up to see photo bottom the top is under the header.
Looks a lot better with each photo having a complete border.
Your header covers part of every photo I can find. Not one is seen whole. Might remove
pinning it on galleries. Tried full screen to small browser windows.
Looked at keyword portraits gallery. Part of photo either under bottom of browser, off screen, or
scrolling up to see photo bottom the top is under the header.
Hmm... I'm not sure I understand. Maybe you looked at some of my none-private galleries that have unlisted? All of my client galleries are setup to display in collage mode, which requires the user to click to display the larger preview. When this happens, the header is not displayed. Just like on my home page.
Can you give me an example of a photo you saw where the header covered the image?
Hmm... I'm not sure I understand. Maybe you looked at some of my none-private galleries that have unlisted? All of my client galleries are setup to display in collage mode, which requires the user to click to display the larger preview. When this happens, the header is not displayed. Just like on my home page.
Can you give me an example of a photo you saw where the header covered the image?
Thanks for looking Allen. Really helps.
Alex
/keyword/portraits
Might be just the way Smug's default galleries show.
Comments
As well as what the others have said, I did start of my newly revamped site with a background image, with an overlay of links and galleries. But after a short period, it does clash with the eyes and can become distracting. I drastically simplified my way, but you don't have to do that.
You cannot see the middle of your background image, because of your central menu system, and the plethora of colours means it doesn't flow as well as it could, despite all the individual images being fantastic in their own way. Are we missing the main reason of your background image? Should it be something that is very easy/simple - pattern and colourwise?
Just my tuppence worth of thoughts.
Your site layout and design is excellent, and your images outstanding!
What template did you start with?
Your site is stunning.
Until you sort out all of the grammar on your site, for English, I suggest one change:
Incorrect: Exploring what make sense
Correct: Exploring what makes sense
Hi folks, if you have a chance, head over and have a look at my new site that I've been working on;
http://www.colincameronphotography.co.uk/
I'm still in the process of naming and tagging alot of stuff, there is quite a bit of content jammed in there (maybe too much??) and there are probably a bunch of rookie mistakes also. Any comments or advice please hit me
Cheers
I think you should make the width of your site stretchy. It must look OK on your monitor, but here is where your menu and social links are on my computer... (see below)
Other that that, your site is good. The About page is amazing and I couldn't look away from the family pics till I saw them all. Your work is very unique and I certainly poked around in your galleries much longer than I normally would. Keep it up!
Jarboe Doggart Photography - jarboedoggart.com
There are a couple of things that jumped out at me though. First, your background slideshow on pages other than the homepage sometimes essentially erases your menu bar (because of the background color of some of the images). Overall I find background slideshows distracting anyway - you can't fully see the images in the slideshow since they sit behind the images in the galleries so why not remove it?
The font you have chosen for your logo makes your name look choppy.
The font you are using for your menu and keywords / descriptions has "holes" in the letters. For example, an F is missing the middle bar. I find that somewhat problematic.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
Cheers, yeah I see what you mean about the stretchy, I'll need to change that, looks fine on my comps, thanks.
Thanks, I was having second thoughts about the slideshow background, I had to replace it on other pages as you couldnt see text, I guess you've just confirmed my fears. I've used that font for years and it looks nice and sharp in PS but when I put it on the page it looks a little rough. Any tips on saving sharp logos with transparency?
As Denise mentioned, the font and logo (perhaps sizewise as well as font style) break up on my screen too, so the words do look a little broken up and distracting. The background slideshow does make your menu disappear from time to time, depending on your image...
Thanks, for my homepage I used the code from this thread:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=238292
Jarboe Doggart Photography - jarboedoggart.com
Hmm, I'm not to confident with code yet, I take it you just copy and paste it and replace the images, is that about it? Looks great, I think it would work well with my stuff too.
Colin
Just spent a very amusing 5 mins looking at the slideshow on your 'about me'. I'm a bit miffed at the possibility that you are even more crazy than I am (but I can catch up
The website? Yeah, it's fine. Crazy, but fine. What do they put in the water on Lewis?
I can see you are a very good photographer.
http://www.photospaced.com
Newbie in Action
http://www.photospaced.com
I could only look for a second at the home page (pretty color combo)... An odd behavior: When I hover my mouse over the galleries link, the entire background image jerks about 1/8 of an inch to the left. I will see the left edge of the image move further left, and the right edge of the image move left. The banner and menu don't move, and the image only does this hovering over the Galleries link. This behavior is the same in FF 29.0.1 and Chrome. Version 35.0.1916.114 beta-m.
In IE8, which I have to use for work reasons, both the banner with the menu, and the background image, move left, but the left edge stays fixed. To my eye this means there is re-sizing going on for the background image.
One other bit: I clicked to visit a gallery and a very large "Must be logged in to comment" sign flashed up briefly, then disappeared. This behavior repeated on every test page I visited.
I can second that the drop down gallery list seems a little too long. Maybe condense some of those galleries together.
On the actual 'Galleries' page I would change it so that you don't have to hover over the pictures to see the name of the gallery. Also the 'Sportsfest' gallery is aligned to the left rather than centre which felt a little off to me.
I like your 'my faves' link. This was the first link i clicked on and I imagine will be for a lot of first time viewers so always make sure you have your best images in there but keep it a short and sweet list
Follow me on:
Instagram | Facebook | Flickr
That is weird that the images are moving like that.....i'm not entirely sure how to fix it?? any ideas?? I just looked on Chrome (logged off) and IE, but i'm not able able to replicate it. Maybe I need to clear my cache and try fresh.
Also, all of my friends see the comment box that is on the bottom of every gallery page and get mad that they cannot comment so I put "must be logged in". but that box shows up before the images do for some reason for a quick second. Again, I have NO idea how to get that to correct itself haha.
Newbie in Action
http://www.photospaced.com
I agree, I think i'll change around the menu a bit....its a bit much.
Thats a good idea on changing the title so you dont have to hover over it. I didnt notice how annoying it is until you pointed it out haha. But the sportsfest one is aligned center, or are you in one of the 3 galleries in there? I just went through them and they are all listed center. please let me know!
I'll shorten up the favs....I slowly add more and more without thinking how many I get in there. I need to keep it sub-10 I think. Agreed?? Thanks for your feedback!
Newbie in Action
http://www.photospaced.com
Post these questions on a separate thread for help.
It might just be because of my monitor resolution but it's on this page that the sportsfest link is aligned to the left. http://www.photospaced.com/browse
Follow me on:
Instagram | Facebook | Flickr
I'd also recommend you look at your site on different sized devices - many people are viewing from tablets. You can check the behavior on different devices at http://quirktools.com/screenfly.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
Oh wow, I see what you mean now after going to that site! Thats crazy how big it gets. I'm going to change that up a bit tonight and see what I can come up with. Thanks so much for the link Denise, really helpful!
Newbie in Action
http://www.photospaced.com
Took some time and a bit of creative coding, but, I matched my Worpress site with the feel of my Smug site:
http://www.paulconrad.photography
and
http://blog.paulconrad.photography
Photojournalist
Pablo Conrad Photography
Seattle, WA, USA
c: 206-450-8632
http://www.alexsotelophotography.com/
Love it if you guys would take a gander and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Alex
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
Photos don't look quite right touching the edges.
My Website index | My Blog
Check it out now.
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
Your header covers part of every photo I can find. Not one is seen whole. Might remove
pinning it on galleries. Tried full screen to small browser windows.
Looked at keyword portraits gallery. Part of photo either under bottom of browser, off screen, or
scrolling up to see photo bottom the top is under the header.
My Website index | My Blog
Hmm... I'm not sure I understand. Maybe you looked at some of my none-private galleries that have unlisted? All of my client galleries are setup to display in collage mode, which requires the user to click to display the larger preview. When this happens, the header is not displayed. Just like on my home page.
Can you give me an example of a photo you saw where the header covered the image?
Thanks for looking Allen. Really helps.
Alex
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
Might be just the way Smug's default galleries show.
My Website index | My Blog