Photographer Website

So some things I've noticed with photography websites is that they tend to fundamentally misunderstand some things about web design and end up overdesigning or underdesigning them.

DON'T:
>Overuse Javascript
This includes making imgur-style photo albums. Try to avoid using it at all.

>Throw 800 images of varying resolutions on the same page
Sometimes people will put a lot of work into one giant page. Don't do that. It will take like a decade to load. Use thumbnails, use multiple pages. Separate your work based on what you think will display it nicely.

>Use badly fitting background images
The one you posted? Really good because it can be easily fitted into any screen size. That can be resized onto a phone screen really easily and not cause problems.

Don't do something with like a persistent sidebar and not have a mobile version that clean that up.

DO:
>Think about mobile users
There are a lot of them. Think of them and make sure the site is usable on a mobile device.

>Think "is this site easily navigable"?
If a user can't find out your contact information/rates/etc easily, guess what they're not going to do? I mean some still will but so often friction will take users out of the equation.

>Make sure it looks professional, but still approachable.
You want to look like a one man act, not a studio (unless you are actually a studio).

THINK ABOUT:
>Releasing fullsize/thumbnail images
This all depends on your copyright. Obviously don't put fullsize, non-watermarked images front and center, or even in background images. People will download and use them, copyright be damned.

Of course if you don't really care about certain picture's copyright status, put them there by all means. Consider watermarks, etc.

>Colors and general look
Flat is IN right now. You'll notice the example you had had a lot of "flat" elements, and it looks good. Avoid gradients. Make sure your background image doesn't clash with your color choices.

Good luck on your website!

>>3122595
fpbp, not even OP but you are fighting the good fight!

tried all the big services, ended up with Format. it was the only one with a good looking dark theme. also just werks for mobile.

I like https://22slides.com/
does anyone know of a similar framework that I could host on my own server?

>>3122929
Wordpress or joomla.

>>3122951
Thanks, can you recommend any specific wordpress galleries?