Things that say "I'm not really a professional"

[Mchilly]

If you've been copying 99% website content and images from a professional website that really is the stupid thing to do... unfortunately someone did that with our site... up until now they deleted the images but then the content is still the same

[MissLihs]

I set my site up with livebooks, I think it looks good but that's just my opinion. If any pros out there wouldn't mind taking a second to look it over and giving advise Id be very appreciative. I also don't advertise that I re-touch but want to let people know I do it, should I make another site or just add a portfolio?

Thanks!
www.AlexLihs.com

[plugsnpixels]

Originally Posted by Doug Nelson

Paradoxically, I tend to rate flash sites as more professional (but not less irritating)

While I agree that Flash has great potential, it's very rarely used effectively! It offers designers the means of creating byzantine navigation and show-off effects that merely frustrate the visitor via long load times and an overall difficult browsing experience.

I wonder how many photographers actually design their own Flash sites?

This is a non-photographer site, but The Beatles website is an example of maddening brilliance. Most of the time there you will be trying to figure out what you're supposed to do. And the cool stuff is teeny-tiny; you can't enlarge it--unless you somehow download and view it from your hard drive.

[plugsnpixels]

Alexandra, your site is a minor example of what I was referring to--specifically, the area where the thumbnails pop out is a bit hit-or-miss (hide and seek). Unless you hit it just right, it keeps disappearing, making navigation of your images frustrating.

This has nothing to do with your photo work, BTW!

I wanted to learn more about liveBooks (I assume you're using their template), but the "liveBooks.edu" link does nothing (except take you back to your own main page).

[MissLihs]

I do agree about the thumbnail problem. When you have a "pro" site they give way more options and its easier to navigate around the page. If you go to Livebooks.com you'll be able to find more info about it all.

So far their templates and design is the most professional I have seen, its pretty much idiot proof.
I'd like to hear what other people are using.

[TommyO]

Originally Posted by flice

Coming to RetouchPro and exerting oneself through writing what constitutes a pro.

A pro doesn't care about what others do and why. He knows that the only one he should be comparing himself to is himself and his latest job.
If you measure your "pro-ness" by amateurs you're only one step up the ladder...

Unfortunately, you may be assuming too much about the type of people that use this forum. Yes, very busy pro's may not have time for this. However, we retired pro's enjoy it quite a bit. I thoroughly enjoy lending assistance to those just starting out and willing to learn. I think that is the essence of many of the sub-forums here at RetouchPro. After 25 years of "comparing myself to myself and my latest job", I'm tired of that. Hopefully, the newbies can learn and remain enthusiastic until they too are so busy they don't have time for RetouchPro. In the mean time, you are welcome to put down your camera and stylus and come visit me sometime in St. John (USVI). It's much more fun than "not caring about what others do and why".

Cheers !

[Cryspatus]

I think you're right about all of this. If you are good at retouching you think you would have a basic understanding of good web design. The most important part of web design in my opinion is making it usable to everyone. The font should be readable, links in the text should always be blue, and there should always be a menu and a link to the home page at the top. I would also advise against auto-playing music and black backgrounds. A lot of people have trouble reading white text on black backgrounds.

[Markzebra]

There are some highly professional London retouchers sites, who honestly do have absolutely TERRIBLY designed amateurish websites. Sometimes quite good retouchers have the arrogance to think that they are web designers too. Its a very different discipline with a raft of completely different knowledge required, and really best left to the experts.

[zganie]

I guess there are a lot of things that say if your proffesional or not,but people still make money
Also as in everything when your starting out you make mistakes its the learning process
One thing most marketing people say is not to use flash and keep your website simple,but people still use it
I think most of us are still trying to see what works and what does not
zganie

[Markzebra]

I think there's good Flash and bad Flash

[jagerman]

I used livebooks too. Updating it is easy and the cost is low. But, the design is a little limited for a great retoucher site, no roll over gifs etc... In the last year there has been a bunch of new companies doing the same kid of thing with better designs. Just look around and you will find them.

www.AlexLihs.com you should really upgrade from the edu site.

-W

[MissLihs]

I started my site when I was in school and it only cost $100. I'm not sure how much it costs to upgrade, but they have some sort of plan, if I find something else better I'll switch, but its just Sooo easy to navigate, and its really all I need for now.

www.AlexLihs.com