Help with website design

I am considering setting up my own website but have little idea about the techincal aspects of the process. I know that there are some companies who have templates for professional photographers and can set up websites painlessly. Does anyone have experiences and recommendations along these lines. Thanks.

Not along those lines, but I used Web Studio 4. I knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about web sites, html code, etc. If you can type you can set up a web site. Also their tech support was pretty helpful, and they have a great forum which is better than any tech support. It has limitations of course, but for $99 it's hard to beat. They also have a hosting company that can host for you if you wish. I chose that route and have been happy, hosting cost is $9.95/month. Web site is HERE. They also have a 30 day trial period. I tried that and had my web site up and running before the trial period was over. I still bought it of course because I like to update it, etc. It was very painless overall.

I set up a website with BigBlackBag.com and have been very pleased with it. The maintenance system is slightly cumbersome but I was able to generate a website (on my own) that I feel good about and has allowed me to have a productive presence online. Their site also has a comparison chart showing how they stack up against other companies that provide the same service, so you can see several other options there as well. Most of these places allow a limited time trial service (usually 7-14 day), so you can see how it would work. Based on my experiences to date I can recommend this service....

CJ

I used www.impactfolios.com . It's not much harder than posting photos on NPN. Lots of options for layouts, plenty of room for different portfolios, pages for text, a blog, guest book page. After struggling with sites for a few years, this company was a godsend.

I'm suffering from website confusing myself. I let a local website designer talk me into upfront money back in October. He tried to get me to OK a format that was pre-existing. One that anyone can find and just drag and drop the images into pre-assigned boxes. Well I had told him up front that I wanted something unique. He's complained about writers block and other problems and I still don't have a new website. To funnel this down, whoever you get, have them show you something before you commit to money. BS

Bob,

I am sorry to hear this. This person needs to perform, or refund your money! Do you have anything in writing regarding the service you requested and/or an agreement on his part; even an e-mail exchange?

"...have them show you something before you commit to money." Better yet, draw up a contract to which both parties agree, and be sure to RTFP!

Kah: I have heard good things about Coppermine. Their site does have some nice looking templates. I believe several NPNers have used it.

-PB

Thanks for the info. I'll check them out. Should have mentioned I use OSX Tiger too, don't think We bStudio is mac compatible.

I've been using www.foliosnap.com for the past year and am very happy with it. Their customer service is among the best I've experienced in any industry. Very responsive to your needs. And, it's ridiculously easy to build a site using their point and click interface.