Critiques of website concept wanted.

I have created a few pages in Microsoft Publisher that mimic the look of a theoretical website I have designed as a concept. I'd sincerely like some honest comments about what is good and bad about the look. The first image would be representative of a home page.

In general, even I'm wondering if things would look a little crowded.

Also, I'd like to be able to search for images on the website by category or location. I understand that I may need a database program. I will be getting the newest Dreamweaver soon. Will I still need a DB, or will that program suffice? If a DB is required, are there any suggestions?

Thanks for any comments or helpful advice!

This would be the next page if one selected 'Galleries'.

This would be the next page if selecting 'Earth'.

Lastly, this would be selecting one of the particular images. Drop down menus would allow selection of print size, mat and frame options for pricing.

It looks pretty good overall. But I also think it's a bit too crowded. All of the picture icons seem a little distracting to me. I like the candle icon and the banner w/ photo looks okay, but I might not use all the other icons.

You seem to have "double navigation" on the home page - that is multiple links that go to the same place. I'd recommend getting rid of the the larger links down the left side. Also, the top header on the 'Earth' page should read Earth, since that is the specific gallery and that title area is so prominent (even though you have the specific gallery labeled below). My only other comment is on the apparent religious theme (which I have nothing against). But there doesn't seem to be much of a connection between the icon images, such as Galleries on the Galleries page, and any of the other images on the page, ie. 1 stained glass image representing a collection of landscape images. So it seems a bit incongruous (another reason for removing that icon image from the title/header bar). The difference is not quite as apparent in your nav bar. Maybe think about and work on the icon and/or making more of a connection between the icons and the images. Such as, you could use and image of light streaming through clouds (often used to convey religious symbolism) as an icon for your landscapes. That would provide more flow and intuitiveness to your navigation.

Anyway, hope this helps. Just my 2 cents.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot to mention that otherwise it looks quite nice! And as for making it all work with a database or similar technology... you should search the archives, as there are a number of good threads on those topics.

Definitely has the makings of a fine site, Steve. I agree with your suspicion and Gran't sentiment that it's too crowded/busy. My honest comment is that it's way too busy, at least for my delicate sensibilities . The images are overwhelmed by the header and link graphics; on the image pages, the text and pricing info make it even more challenging to focus on the actual image. The US map is interesting, but it's redundant given that you provide the location in text. I'd opt for the text given that it's more descriptive.

At the risk of stating the obvious, the religious theme may appeal to some; it may turn others away. Obviously it's important to you, and that may be what matters most.

If you can work with one or two fonts, I think that would help simplify things. You have numerous fonts, with various effects (bold, italics, underlined, boxed). Espeically on the main image page, it becomes overwhelming.

Can't help much with the database or searching. Jack Brauer sells a program that generates galleries based on categories; it's designed specifically for photographers to simplify gallery generation. However, I don't know if search functionality is possible. Several folks here use it and I was impressed with what Jack showed me through his demo site. I'll be using it when I find the time to complete my site redesign. You can contact Jack here.

Good luck!

Thanks very much for the input so far. This was a brain storm from actually a year back and I pretty much incorporated every aspect that came into my head. You all confirmed what I suspected that the look was too busy, but what I needed most was an objective opinion on what in particular was too busy and didn't enhance the look or functionality. I think all of the comments were spot on, as I figured they would be.

Scott, thanks in particular for another concept of a religious image that would work better for the galleries. I liked the look of the stained glass to some level because it is a 'religious light picture', but I like your idea much more. Ironically, I never taken the image you have suggested. Sounds like a photo assignment to me.

Rick, I have considered the 'religious' theme would not appeal to all, but I have decided to incorporate that into my future website. From my personal beliefs, I take photographs of something someone else actually created. It's somewhat similar to taking a good photograph of a Monet. That's not to take away from anyone's accomplishments photographically who think differently.

Thanks for the comments and bearing with the 'religious' nature of the content.

Hi Steve,

I have to agree with the others. In addition, you might think through whether the message or theme of your site is a religious one or really to display and sell your photography. I think I know the answer to this. I'm a believer myself, but you may be construed as coming on a little strong to the general population, thereby "turning them off" to altogether - whether they be interested in your photography or maybe even finding out more about Christianity. You might think about placing the religious message within your bio with links to more information should the viewer wish to learn more. You may even want to discuss this idea with your pastor?

My first thought in skimming through your home page and mockups was this home page concept is pretty cluttered. You might consider replacing the duplicated icons/links down the left with latest news or a little about yourself or your philosophy towards your photography. The upper links seem overdone, as well. I'd either decide on icons or text - and icons ONLY if it's obvious what they mean. If you wish to stick with the icons, then maybe as you hover over each one, the text could be made to appear? The goal for every Web site is to provide the viewer easy navigation. If the viewer can't easily figure that out, or the pages load too slowly, they're simply going to go off to the next Web site to find what they need...

One other thing to consider is that the header for your site is really your "branding image" - that is the graphic and site name that people will remember you by. I'd stick with what you have on the home page and carry it through on every page. If you slightly fade the foliage shot (or whatever you feel communicates your primary style) it will focus more attention to the actual branding and name on the left side.

On the gallery pages, I'd use conventional arrows for navigation, rather than the alpha/omega (cute, but unless the icons used are obvious to the general viewers, I'd leave them off). Also, it's not obvious to me what Invitational and Collector means down below. In addition, it seems your print, matte and framing sizes are not very standard. This will force all your customers to buy very expensive custom frames.

Now, for things I like!

I think the opening image and verse are very appropriate and it communicates the underlying message more subtly. The black background really focuses attention to the images. I like the little U.S. map showing where the shot was taken. The description of the image is clean and concise.

Hope this helps and I don't mean to dump water on your ideas - as I do feel you're off to a pretty good start!

Regards, Ken

So far all of the points I wanted to make have already been address along with the sentimant that you have a great concept and potential with this design. Remember Less is always more, especially with an art business based site. You want all eyes going to your work and a natural flow for them to follow to get to the check out lane.