jmoody

I don't shoot weddings nor own the 20d (yet :-) ) so, officially this should be taken as a "newbie" response but my very-uninformed first thought would be that different scenes = different digital info. Ie:, scenes with lots of info (multiple colors, shapes, subjects, brightness etc...) take up more space on the card than do shots with less of the above. Take a look at each shot & you'll see that each one has a different megabyte value (some smaller/larger than others) So, rather than a film "counter" that relates to one physical frame of film, the camera is estimating how many shots you have left (maybe based on an average of the previous shots? Or on some other preset average based on the quality-size/ISO/shooting mode). Hope I'm close anyway

Just don't forget our commissions!! :-)

Don't know if I got the right category or not...

Anybody know of a QUALITY online printer that will either ship to Spain, or is

already in Spain? MPIX is what I use here (& am very happy with their service)

but they only ship to USA and Canada. I'm pretty sure Ofoto will do it, but I

don't have much experience with their quality.

 

Ideally it would be a company based in Spain (so as to give sizes in

centimeters that people there would be used to) that could print poster sizes

at least, and that has good-great quality & customer service.

 

Thanks.

 

No se' si es la categoria de preguntas adecuada o no pero Hay alguien que sepa

de un servicio de imprimir "online" que tenga buena calidad? Aqui en los EEUU

uso MPIX pero no mandan nada directamente a Espanya asi que me gustaria saber

de algun sitio fiable que hace posteres de buena a muy buena calidad. Gracias

de antemano Jeff

oops. sorry for the double post (funny how I apoligize for it with a "third"). one more thing though. Again, this is largely second and third hand info but if framed & matted, usually in the neighborhood of 2-3 times your "cost" (materials. ie: print=3-5 bucks, fame and mat might hit $30 or so might mean a finished product of just under/over $100). Hope to see other opinions on this too though as I will be showing in Sept. and will have the same dilemna for my prices

nowhere's near an "expert opinion", but the research I've done of online galleries that sell etc... point to roughly 30-50 bucks for an 8x10 print. I've seen a couple for radically higher as well (usually semi well-known folks or people that "only" do that for a living) and some for lower... Tough call isn't it?!

 

Do they want it framed/matted, or just the print?

 

Good luck & let me know what you come up with.

www.jmoodyphoto.com

nowhere's near an "expert opinion", but the research I've done of online galleries that sell etc... point to roughly 30-50 bucks for an 8x10 print. I've seen a couple for radically higher as well (usually semi well-known folks or people that "only" do that for a living) and some for lower... Tough call isn't it?!

 

Do they want it framed/matted, or just the print?

 

Good luck & let me know what you come up with.

www.jmoodyphoto.com

Oh, almost forgot to mention. I'm fairly close to being a total moron when it comes to this kind of stuff (easily 95%). I actually have no idea as to how I got seperate links for galleries & home, as I seem to only be able to re-creat buttons on a (2page minimum) nav bar a-la "pricing" and "about me". So.... that leaves me with some odd spacing choices (like on the page where most links are on top but two are on left side). I do promise to work like mad to fix that though. As to the gallery image names, just got lazy towards the end. Seems relatively easy to reload though so should be fixed soon.

 

Now, the part that really sticks in my craw... Don't yet know how to make an html/java back button with modifiable color and or font to past into the simpleviewer page. Anybody wanna take a stab at it? This is the script (assuming it doesn't create a button here) that I used. Just need to know how to modify it if possible...

<FORM>

<INPUT TYPE="button" VALUE="Back" onClick="history.back()">

</FORM>

Hope this isn't one of those questions that comes across like "how big can I

print with a 20d?" :-)

 

If anybody'd be so kind, I'd like some thoughts on my first site. I designed

it myself with Yahoo Sitebuilder, added the "simpleviewer" flash links for my

galleries (at the time it seemed pretty unique but I've recently seen that it's

anything "but". Oh well).

 

Anyway, is it clean, easy to use, too slow, cheesy, hard to read fonts, prices

are way off, etc...? Anything goes, so fire away, I can take it (I think).

 

For the moment the things I'd like to change would be the photo names on some

of the galleries, as well as the shape/font/color of the back buttons (haven't

figured it out yet though, so if any HTML wiz wants to lend a hand I'd be much

obliged).

 

Thanks in advance to any who critique/comment/just stop by (It'll make

my "counter" go higher if nothing else :-) www.jmoodyphoto.com

to anyone who answered here (or cares), this is my final product (sans music :-) feel free to respond with any critiques, ideas, etc... as to design, price, useability etc...

Thanks

www.jmoodyphoto.com

Wow! After seeing this reaction, I guess I'll scrap my plans to ask my next forum question.. "should I torture and kill small kittens on my site, or only puppies?" :-)

 

Had no idea this was such a sore spot for so many. Oh well. I'm still not convinced that it's THAT tacky, but I AM nervous about it slowing down my site so I'll probably forego it (for now anyway).

 

thanks again

Thanks to all... great answers, a plethora in fact (big word, I know (goes with my snoby DSL image though:-)) Anyway, I'm leaning towards giving it a shot and figure that I'll

 

1) have such low traffic that it won't much matter (mainly an ego booster & a friends and family thing) and

 

2) would imagine that I'd get a "cease and desist" order before getting an actual lawsuit (wishful thinking maybe). To which I would happily comply.

 

or 3) look for something "free" to use. Maybe I'll finally end up with the owl and timberwolf sounds after all! :-)

by the way, Nanet (sp) AWESOME stuff in your portfolio, especially the reflection shots (I've got a weak spot for those)

Oops, forgot about dialup (what a snob I am :-) It's a flash player embedded in a flash gallery, so I'd hoped it wouldn't bog down the average joe, but I'll have to do some testing. (I'll try to remember to send links if I do)

 

As to forest noises, not sure if Owls and Timberwolves are what I had in mind :-)

 

Seriously, nobody's seen a photo site with tunes? I hadn't either, but didn't think it'd be THAT odd

Yeah, I know what you mean about the "muzak" addition (darn, was hoping to finally get to use all my instrumental-only Rod Stewart tunes somewhere!). Funny too, since I'm being ultra-careful in the design not to be gaudy at all...and now I find myself wondering if It'll end up being boring instead (unfortunately, no idea how to show an example as it is not yet "published".

 

Was thinking about somewhat thematic music... "fado" music for my Spain/Portugal gallery... maybe some George Winston for the landscapes... maybe Pink Floyd's "money" for the "purchase prints section (just kidding).

 

Here's to cheese (the more it smells like feet, the better!!)

I know I know...contact a lawyer, bound to be ilegal, dumb question, wrong

category etc...

 

But, am thinking of adding some music to my website to play in the background

of my galleries (kinda like the way (unlicensed?) music gets played in the

background at many stores)... any ideas on the legalities of this? I'm not

specifically trying to profit from their work, just enhance my own (same

thing?) Thanks in advance

 

Also, feel free to comment if you think it's a bad idea in general (ie:

cheesy, might slowdown the downloads etc..)

what were you shooting before? It's been a while since I switched to the "dark side", but I remember reading lots of complaints and comments from more or less first-time digital users who thought their cameras weren't focusing properly only to be told that "unsharp mask" or something similar was needed/advisable (sp). I only bring this up due to your word "crisp". Same thing for colors and or contrast. Assuming you're making the leap to digital, start messing with "levels" in photoshop. If this is your 2nd or 3rd dslr...? Disregard all my comments and pay more attention to the other posters. Lots of practice (the kind where you pay attention and try several combinations per photo (ie: small ap vs. bigger vs. different ISO etc... then, when you're in your image viewer you can double check the EXIFF info and see which shots worked etc..) Good luck

Thanks for the honest and quick response to my response to your request (say that 10 times fast!!) Simple Viewer really looks like a great way to go.

 

Oh, almost forgot to mention... big part of what makes your site work so well is the actual photography too! Very distinct and atractive style. Love the work!

I like it. Simply, easy to use, uncluttered. Seemed to be pretty fast too (though might kill a dial-up user). Just curious, if it's not rude to ask, what's a set-up/hosting for a site like that run (roughly). I'm thinking of getting a site finally & don't want toooo much sticker shock

Thanks

does this count? :-)<div></div>

Shouldn't be too hard to find him. Just keep your eyes open for the guy walking around in a daze with a permanent grin so wide that it almost engulfs his ears! :-) (and here I am shooting sunsets at night on lonely stretches of beaches. Boy did I make a wrong turn somewhere! :-)

I've only had one exhibit so far, and one more planned for Sept. (so hardly expert advice), but the only way you'll know "for sure" what to charge is to talk to the person in charge at the place where you'll show.

 

My first exhibit asked for 40% commision, "helped" me choose what to show, and let me leave stuff up for just over a month. This next one is only charging 10%, but I've got the sneaking suspicion that they won't be "selling" anything for me (ie: ringing up on their register/visa machine, adding tax etc..) whereas the other place did. Therefore, I've got less of an expense if I do sell, AND, I may wanna price a bit lower since "impulse buyers" may be more likely to lose their impulse while they contact me directly and figure out where to get payment set up rather than just walking 10 feet to the cash register & haning over a VISA card.

 

So, what you'll want to do is quantify your costs for prints, frames, and mats, and then add in "the rest" (equipment, time spent becoming "a photographer", time/energy spent with the specific shot) which is usually 2-3 times the material cost and then add in whatever commision is being taken as well.

 

Make it a habit of visiting the places you're thinking of showing at a couple of times so that you can get a feel for other artists' work/tastes/ability/pricing and then ask whoever's in charge or works there if they've noticed any trends in what sells well or what months are better than others or what prices seem to entice etc....

 

Above all, use these as confidence builders and a way to get some exposure and have some fun. If you do it right, you WILL spend tons on framing etc... and (unless you're very good or very lucky) you MIGHT make up for your costs by the time it's over. (I think I broke even on the first & can only realistically hope to do the same on this next one)

 

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes.

Hmmm. There are parts I like, but some I don't too. Just personal taste, but I really liked the middle part of the first page (with the actual photos, and your name etc..) However, I felt like the palm tree shot at top didn't really fit in, and same goes with the upper left corner logo. For me, if it opened into that center section and maybe you had some more discreet buttons either vertical like now, or horizontal along the bottom... As is, it's a little busy, not all visible at once (without scrolling that is), and some of the elements seem like they're "extra". The actual gallery is nice, but again... seems like a little "extra" to give the shots that blue/purple frame. Might work better with a less "loud" color or with no color at all. Anyway, just thoughts. (notice, I have no site at all, so take this all with a grain of salt)

doh, just erased my whole message. Here goes again. Nice to see a vote for Newport! :-) Quick tip though, I think it's highway 20, not 34 from Corvalis (or maybe 34 to 20. Hard to remember). If you go, eat clam chowder at Moe's on the bayfront. The place is a dive, but the food is very good. The brewery a few doors down is nice for Microbrew beer (food too) and used to have a trivia-night that was a blast if you were with other people (might be a little tough if you're alone :-) Agate beach is nice, as is Nye beach (neither have any rocky outcroppings I think, but they can make great shots anyway). The harbor and bridge are very photogenic (right at the bayfront either post or pre eating). One lighthouse at the state park just near the bridge (supposed to be haunted and you can tour inside) but there's a prettier one a little north (Heceta Head I think?). It's a very nice town if you go... odd mix of super artsy/hippy and redneck/logging/fishing.... works out well though. Anyway, post shots of what you get. Hope you enjoy

Holy Moly! You're gonna need a ton of coffee! Seriously, 3 days sounds like a terribly short amount of time for even half. The main factor to consider is that lots of highway 101 (coastal highway) is not I-5-like in its construction. Catch one Winnebago or one log-truck in front of you and you "might" get to drive at 40mph if you're lucky. I grew up in Newport and tremble with fear remembering some of our drives to California on those roads. Lots of luck though, it's a beautiful state and a beautiful part of the state. Wish I could give you more tips on what to see but it's been ages since I've been there. (Crescent City's at the far South end is supposed to be very nice, and Canon beach towards the north is as well... There are great sweeping vista views from Tillamook... Newport has a nice bayfront with a lot of fishing boats, lighthouses, and a great bridge.) Long and the short of it... more $$ but maybe bettre to fly to Portland, rent a car and drive south.

good luck!

Where are you visiting from? Point REyes has lots of things to see... some of them will strike your fancy, others might bore you senseless. I'm no expert on the area, but I've been to the lighthouse (VERY WINDY and a tough climb back up the stairs) as well as Mcclures beach and some other beach whose name I'm blanking on (keanu is all I can think of, but that's not right). Mcclures was somewhat steep in (out was tougher) and both beaches presented areas of flooding and mud when I went. I didn't get the "shots" I was looking for, not even close, but I've seen some really nice stuff at Mclures, so maybe if you've got the time, a flashlight, and some boots. Tamales bay is nice (I've got one shot from there in my b&w folder). Lots of good places to eat and enjoy the rural coastal feel. Sorry I couldn't be more specific. Let me know what you find

I agree with Frank. You must have THE MOST understanding wife in the world (based on photo equipment vs. family time/photo time equation) :-) Are you pulling a trailer for all that? :-)

 

Anyway, as mentioned by others, your time constraints are tough but shoot the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands if you get the chance (the other side of the bridge and left). Views of the city and the bridge are incredible from there. Sauselito is also a decent little artsy town on that sane side of the bridge with good views and restaurants etc...

 

Golden Gate Park isn't a bad way to spend time with your family...not very touristy at all, but some nice gardens and arboretums, sometimes concerts and the De Young Museum has just recently re-opened.

Other family things could be the Fisherman's wharf area I guess. Much noiser/more hectic than the park, but your kids won't be bored.

 

The coast area around S.F is nice, though I think that a good sized portion of highway 1 around Devils Slide is closed for the foreseable future due to just that... slides (if you could swing it, drive south just past Carmel & you'll have the beginnings of Big Sur... or go north and you'll have Point Reyes).

 

Weather can be very sketchy in SF in the summer, and can sometimes be the coldest of the year (lots of fog). Bring layers and be amazed at how fast things will change between SF at 60 degrees and foggy while 1/2 and hour drive south will be 90 degrees and perfectly clear.

 

Enjoy