I currently have portfolio on my website that is old and in dire need of updating.

The question I would like advice on is:

Should I scrap it and start over with a new web design,
Modify the existing design or
keep it as is and update only the images in the portfolio

juliafrancisco.com (http://www.juliafrancisco.com)

Any critiques on the existing would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to this forum and am thrilled to have found in one place so my amazing talented people doing what I do and love.

The question I would like advice on is:

Should I scrap it and start over with a new web design,
Modify the existing design or
keep it as is and update only the images in the portfolio



Hi Julia!
I think your portfolio is impressive, but certainly, if you can update it, it's always a good idea. People grow and change direction, but the current under the surface of quality does nothing but improve, in my opinion.
I like the format you have now for your gallery. It flows well, there's no clash within the structure you have now, and a lovely array of color that does nothing but highlight your work. It's difficult as you most assuredly know, to incorporate flexibility and flow at the same time, when there is an wide array of variables and perspectives. I think the current gallery does a very good job of leading the eye from one image to another.
Best of luck in your endeavors.
Teri

too much flash....its a great design, it really is and I like your color palette...but too much flash.

Also your samples are good...but without anything to compare them to, it doesn't really let your skills shine through. Try using some method for showing before and afters...either mouseovers, or side by sides.

good luck

The design is very nice, very slick and simple and the flash isnt obtrusive. One thing I would like to see is larger sample, perhaps launch a popup with a higher res version of each image - and ofcourse, everyone wants to see what it looked like before - you are selling your services as a retoucher - not a full service agency. If you were also the photographer it would be acceptable to only show the finished product but without a starting point of reference it is difficult to assess your skills.

Thanks for the comments so far. They've all been very helpful.

Regarding showing before and afters: Can anyone tell me about the legalities or such regarding showing the work in this form? I've never had the guts to ask the photographers for permission to show their work in the before stage, then there are the models (who would not be happy) and the magazines. Does anyone know if as a retoucher we are legally allowed to show this without the photographers/models consent if it's only for the purpose of portfolio?

I have asked a few photographers that I can speak more freely to and they have been very adamantly against showing befores.

Legally we're not allowed to show ANYTHING without the photographers permission, retouching is a 'derived work' and the copyright remains with the photographer/ original copyright holder

I am FULLY aware that permission has to be obtained to show a photographers work. Of course! I only wondered if all of out there showing before and afters are asking the photographers to specifically show before and afters and are they saying yes?

No one that I work for seems to want that out there -- their images in the before stage.

You might strike a compromise and post a few before/after photos specifically done for your portfolio (non-published, non-commercial work) This way you can at least give a sense of what you do and then show the professional application of those skills in the afters of your commercial work.

I would be surprised if you were allowed to show the before photos for the commercial projects you've done, though I'm not a legal expert.

You have a wonderful site.

I like the site. Simple, nice colors, and the Flash content isn't overdone. It seems there's a common prejudice toward sites that have Flash content, but I don't feel there's anything wrong with it, other than the fact that it may lower your search engine ranking. Flash wasn't always browser-friendly, but these days I believe it's viewable by nearly everyone (correct me?).

Ken