I’ve been undercover and doing tons of research for the Totally Rad Actions. In the process of creating databases (yes, me! With databases!), I’ve had to visit the websites of the best-of-the-best in the photographic industry. In many cases, their websites are fabulous.
In some cases, though, visiting is like arriving in the midst of a shitstorm. Not terribly helpful or productive, and a bit yicky. Thus, my list of the Top Five Mistakes Famous Photographers Make, and how you can avoid them:
1.) Don’t let your awards overtake your work.
When there’s a flash introduction for the sole purpose of outlining how many times you’ve been named ‘Best of’ or Super Fudge or Captain Awesome, your work (and your clients’ needs!) are taking a backseat to your ego. Gross.
2.) Old images.
Since we presume that famous photographers are SO busy, they get away with not updating their galleries for 2+ years. Update your portfolio on a regular basis, showing us that you can produce fabulous photographs today.
A refresh of your photography galleries every six months keeps your work inspiring to clients and fellow photographers.
3.) Old text and promotions.
I spotted a giant ‘Catch ______ on the cover of Grace Ormonde in 2004′ banner on a famous photographer’s website. I mean, REALLY!? You haven’t checked your website out enough to catch that outdated snippet in SIX EFFIN’ YEARS!?
If you can’t keep up with promotions listed on your website, save them for your e-mail newsletter and keep them away from your portfolio.
4.) No blog.
I just don’t understand why photographers wouldn’t want to show off their latest images and travels, connect (and reconnect, and reconnect) with both former and potential clients, and generally create greater brand loyalty through a blog. Especially since the ProPhoto 3 Theme launched (shown below), and it’s easier than ever to create KILLER blog design with a few clicks of a button.
Get a blog, and update it at least once a week.
5.) All things to all people.
A few websites listed sports, seniors, newborns, kids, families, weddings, and bar mitzvahs, complete with galleries, on the same website. If you can find me ONE person on the planet who needs to buy all those things AT THE SAME TIME, I’ll shut up. Otherwise, I suggest separating your galleries, portfolios, and target consumers into as many branches as possible to help potential clients get the most value out of your website.
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