New Portfolio
For some time now, I have been contemplating on whether I should create an actual online portfolio for my photos or keep everything on my WordPress blog. The original portfolio page on my blog just didn’t give me the certain flare that I am looking for. It was alright, but I wanted something more. The majority of the photo blogs that I follow have their online portfolios set up, and they all look great. I wanted something similar.
Over the weekend, I found myself looking at several different sites to host my portfolio. I narrowed it down to two different sites: Smugmug and Zenfolio. Both have excellent reviews and most of the photographers I know use either one of them. I’ve put up mine on Zenfolio, I am on my 12th day of trial, but if all goes well, I will probably end up signing with them. I could go with either of the two, but Zen seems to be a little less expensive than Smugmug.
You will find the site on the Portfolio tab on my blog. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can give me about the site before I fully commit.
On another note, I have been nominated for a couple of awards lately, although I don’t have the time to do what are being asked, I would still like to thank them for the nomination.
Kim Clements of I Am for the wonderful Clements award.
Norma from Poetry and Ice Cream for the Blog of the Year 2012
April from Bob’s Wife for the Beautiful Blogger Award.
Very nice. Simple, elegant, and the focus is all on the pictures. Perfect for a portfolio.
Thanks for checking out the portfolio and for the feedback. I really appreciate it
Gallery looks great!
Thank you
it’s very nice your portfolio. as for the sites i never heard of them and i don’t know the price but you might want to compare it with the theme photography that you pay for at wordpress? it has a similar structure to yours, you can have a look at mine vingerelliotfotografi.com even though it is in Swedish i think it will give you the comparison. it’s not perfect though, for example the front images and the thumb nails don’t have the right dimensions, so you might want to stick to the one you’re at! /elin
Thanks for checking it out, Elin. Zen’s prices are actually reasonable, in my opinion, but I guess it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Your portfolio site is amazing, by the way. And you’re right, the style is very similar to mine
The photos on my front page actually had to be re-sized so that they would all look the same in size. I’m sure you can do that on WordPress too.
Your photography is beautiful- love your new portfolio!!! I haven’t updated or even looked at mine in so long I had kind of forgotten about it. Another thing to add to the to-do list! I also love your illumination photos below- gorgeous!
BTW, I did get a free download of Simplify and had so much fun playing with it. It’s expired now- I just might have to buy it!
Thank Melinda. I am so glad you like the photos and the portfolio.
I agree about Simplify, it is so much fun to use.
I’ve done the trials for both smugmug and zenfolio, and I liked smugmug better (though I never ended up signing on with either one). I’m basically in the same boat as you – I’d *like* to start a business website, but to be honest, I’m not really sure where to start.
By the way, I really like the set up for your new website.
Thank you, Kate.
I also did a trial for Smugmug, and I liked it too, which is why I was torn between SM and Zen, the deciding factor for me was the price and the ease of customization for Zenfolio.
I’ve been thinking about smugmug and Zen as well. Zen is definitely more economical. Have you looked at 500px.com or squarespace.com? If you haven’t yet, you might just go there and take a look. There are lots of really good images on 500px if you need to do some image studying to improve your craft.
I’ve been checking out 500px too. And yep, the photos on there are seriously mind-blowing. Now that you mention it, didn’t check out squarespace yet. I will check it out. Thanks for the tip.
If you are thinking about making a living from photography, I encourage you to read VisionMongers by David duChemin. You can get the book at Amazon or maybe even find it at your local library. Very good though. I just finished reading it a couple of weeks ago. I actually did a review on my blog. Right now I’m almost finished with Going Pro by Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen. It’s okay, but not as good as VisionMongers.
I think I saw a review about that book. I will seriously pick up a copy tomorrow if I can find one locally, if not, Amazon it is. Thanks!
Hey thanks! I’ll keep an eye out for it
I don’t follow many photo blogs so I can’t be helpful but to me your new portfolio looks amazing. Will you be keeping the link to your blog? I like that idea. Anyway your photos are awesome either way
Thanks Norma. The blog will stay active on WordPress since i like how it is set up here. You will be able to toggle back and forth between my blog and my portfolio.
WOW, Gracie … i was and still am in awe! your portfolio is a DREAM!
i am sorry i can’t suggest anything to you regarding your request, i hope the real photo bloggers can give you the appropriate inspiration on which direction to take on your new endeavor. i will forever be a fan, though
keep clickin’ and i know you love what you are doing! Mabuhay ka!
APRIL
Thank you, April!
I have been getting great feedback both on and offline, and everybody is very helpful. I really am so glad I have such supportive followers and friends
Beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!
Thank you, Rexlin!
Congratulations on your impressive portfolio, Gracie. I hope you find the home for it that does it justice.
Elisa
Thank you, Elisa.I sure hope this will be it
I like the layout, fonts and colors. Very nice!
Loved your portfolio. Great job!
Thank you
Really looks terrific Gracie. Good luck.
Thank you, Edith!
Hi Gracie… I like what you have done with the site. I was also looking to set up a web site and actually settled on Pixpa. I created my own domain name and it was a simple integration and easy to use. The problem I am now having is trying to find something local (or at least Canadian) to link for printing etc. I found that Zenfolio and Smugmug all use American labs and the shipping cost to Canada were not worth it in my mind…. so the search continues…
Thanks, Sayvan. I am also thinking of offering prints for sale soon. I wish they would find a Canadian lab to fulfill orders as well. If you find a good site which would offer reasonable shipping rates Internationally, please let me know too.
I will… right now I have just been using Shutterfly. They are in the US but seem to be reasonable. Perhaps we need to start our own lab business for Canadians!
Ha! I’m with you there! Both Smugmug and Zenfolio don’t deal with Canadian lab.
You did a grand job in the development of your portfolio. I’m sure that it was time consuming, but it turned out well. It’s got a delicate touch and well executed. It’s smart to have everything on the Internet. I’ll have to take some time to look at both sites. You should be content with your product; it looks really professional.
Thank you for the feedback, Sally. I did spend a lot of time on it, but I am really happy with the result. I am hoping to make it even better in the days to come.
Best of luck with the new portfolio gallery Gracie!
Thank you, Phil.
Loved the leaf on a bench photo in your portfolio. .
Thanks Cardinal. That photo seems to be a very popular choice too.
so agree with cardinal, the leaf on a bench is my favorite too although every photo is beautiful.. good luck gracie on your new site.. my photos are so simple (obviously a newbie) compared to yours, you really are a very good photographer and i admire you a lot
Thank you, Elizz! Appreciate the feedback