Win a Custom Designed Smugmug Website
** I Need a New Web Site Contest **
Contest: I need a new web site for my photography business – help!
How to enter: Simply enter answer the following question in the comment section of this blog posting:
“Why do you feel you need a new web site for your photography business ?”
Please answer that question in the comment section of this post on the MCP Blog. Do not post your comment via Facebook if you want your entry to count. Provide your name, company name, and current photography web site address (if one exists).
Winner: One year free subscription to smugmug – pro account
Basic customization of your new smugmug site by jR Customization.
jR Customization specializes in implementing Smugmug customizations and WordPress blog customizations that will bring your web site to life!
A total value worth over $750
Entry Deadline: ** Saturday 14th, midnight eastern time **
Winner will determined by:
- Top 10 entries: The selection will be conducted by jR Customization and will be based upon your current web site structure and “why you feel you need a new web site for your photography business?” The selection will NOT be determined by your photography, quality of photography or your photography subject matter.
- After the top 10 are selected, MCP fans and readers will vote for the comment/site that is most deserving of a new web site. The chosen 10 entries will be posted on Sunday the 15th, and voting will begin. By entering you are giving us permission to do a screen capture of your current site and to publish your comment to use for the voting if you make it into the top 10.
- The entry with the most votes on the 21st will win the jR customization and smugmug pro account.
Here are a few of the many smugmug features:
- Ability to right-click protect, unlist and password protect your galleries
- Unlimited storage of pictures, video, including amazing HD
- Nine different photos sizes
- Automatic back-up of your galleries
- Social networking capability for your galleries – share on facebook, twitter and several other social networking platforms
- SEO as well as the ability to view specific statistics on your photos,
- EXIF data on your pictures, assign captions and keywords to your pictures
- Availability of custom themes designed by smugmug (holidays, colors, sports, events, etc..)
- Ability to print and create products for your customers such as cards, calendars, books and videos
- Ability for you to customize your smugmug site to match your business need/market branding
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Here are some examples of customize smugmug sites by jR Customization:
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| Moments Photography – www.louisianamoments.com Smugmug/Wordpress Customization |
Dakota Cuvee Events – www.dceventsnola.com Smugmug/Wordpress Customization |
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| Galt Wedding Photography – www.galtweddingphotography.com Smugmug/Wordpress Customization |
Get the Picture – www.triciahackney.info Smugmug/Wordpress Customization |
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| Seven Gables Photography – www.sevengablesphotography.com Smugmug Customization |
Studio KykPhotography – www.studiokyk.com Smugmug Customization |
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| John Harrison Photography – www.jharrisonphoto.com Smugmug Customization |
Kirit VoraPhotography – www.voraphoto.com Smugmug Customization |
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| Janet Masterson Photography – www.janetmasterson.com Smugmug Customization |
Cathy Hartman Photography – www.cathyhartmanphotography.com Smugmug Customization |
(to see more examples visit jR Customization)
Good luck to all entries – Jodi and Jerry
Next Post: Making Holiday Cards In Photoshop {Brush Style}
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[...] 1 votes vote Win a Custom Designed Smugmug Website ** I Need a New Web Site Contest ** Contest: I need a new web site for my photography business – [...]
I would love a new site! I am currently working on a new logo and branding with the hopes to go full time soon. I love the blog aspect of my site, but I am missing out on a few things that could really help. Like customized galleries, client ordering and a header that needs some work. I love the colors, but the background is goofy right now. Help a girl out!
I would LOVE this opportunity! I’m just getting started and feel I don’t have the money to invest in a logo, website, etc. I think in this day and age, a good website is just as important (if not more!) than print marketing (i.e. business cards). Even if someone gets your web address from a business card, that’s the first thing they do is check out your website! So, I need mine to be great
I tried to set up my own site by using a blogspot. Unfortunately the result is just not what I had envisioned. I have set up several different blogs with galleries and linked them together, but in order to update these links and galleries I have to completely redesign everything. I also love to scrapbook and design papers for backrounds etc and would love a website that portrays my creativity. Please, please, please pick me!!!
I am totally in need of a site design! I have been DIY’ing it since I began and have never been happy with the layout, user-friendliness, and lack of branding that is going on there. I would also like to link my blog and website and be able to sell through my website. This would be a great boost to my fledgling business!
A few weeks ago I was in Russia teaching an impromtu photo class to university students. I was there to help our film guy gather stories from the field. We work for an organization called OneHope which reaches out to children worldwide. One of the students asked for my site and all I could do is direct them to Flickr. I have quite a collection of photos over the past few years but have not been able to use them to the advantage of my needs and the children I work with.
I travel a lot taking photos of kids on assignment for OneHope. This past year I worked in South Africa, Honduras, Haiti and Russia. I am self-funded and considered a missionary. I need a website to display my photos and to fund my equipment needs which my budget does not cover. I also want to raise money to fund photo projects for children.
Thank you for consideration,
~Kim Clark
KimArt4children
I am in serious need of a website! I’ve tried setting my own up at sodarnhappyphotography.com for a good week now. I’ve bashed my head against various hard surfaces because I’m totally clueless. I’m trying to build my business so I can quit my part time job & be at home more with my babies.
Thank you for the opportunity! What a wonderful giveaway.
After a self-imposed maternity leave, ending January 1st, I will be ready to hit the ground running. With 4 kids – that leaves little time to bring a fresh look to my site. I’d like to abandon the separate website/blog and merge into a “blogsite”. This would be the perfect boost to get me going!
To be honest – I don’t. I’m not a pro. BUT, I have a great and darling friend who is more than deserving of having a fabulous website for his up-and-coming biz. I’d love to “gift” him this opportunity. Because he’s a photographer, and should be focusing on that rather than beating his head against the wall trying to design a website for his work.
I am trying to “ramp up” my photography business and have been using iweb to create my website. But I am not a webdesigner and with a 3 month old baby at home, I am spending too much time on my website and not enough time on photography. Please help.
This is the next step in my journey to being the photgrapher I want to be…but my husband has been out of work for over 5 months and a website has to be pushed WAY down the list. I do know the importance of a quality website though and completely udnerstand how awesome this contest is…the time and talent….those great sites shown above..def. something I am “Wishing” for.
I would LOVE a custom smugmug site. I’m still getting started & have been using a blog to show my work but feel like I’m in need of something more. I know if I win this giveaway that having my own custom smugmug site would be the next step for me & my business. Just thinking about it makes me excited. Please pick me!!
This opportunity would be like a dream come true for me. I already have a smugmug website but to say I need a makeover on it is an understatement! I’ve been in business for 5yrs and I feel like I’ve just been treading water. I don’t have the capital to invest that I would like to, so I get by with what I have. I know that redoing my website could be the boost I’ve been waiting for to take me to the next level. I just need a little help so I can start swimming instead of simply “not drowning”.
I need a new website because…well…mine currently sucks! Seriously! It needs some serious help, not to mention, a gallery option, and a more professional look! My current website doesn’t match what I really want to convey to my customers…a photography professional with class, style, individuality, and a rockin’ website! Thanks, Jodi, for offering another great contest.
Did I mention my current website sucks? 
i need a new website because…well, because i don’t have one yet. i am currently working to build my portfolio in preparation to launch my business after the first of the year, but i keep hitting financial roadblocks (job loss, unexpected major expenses, equipment breaking) that push that dream farther + farther away. when i launch my website for my business, i want to do it well, but right now the only option available to me would be a free blog. which obviously places a limit on the possibilities of what i can do. the most common questions that i get + that people referring me get is…do you/does she have a website? i think that a website would really help me to spread the word + to attract new clients + it would also give people somewhere to go to validate my work rather than my personal website. thank you for such an incredible opportunity!
OMG!!! That would be ridiculous to win.
Here’s my deal…I have a blog but not a website. I knew I needed to get SOMETHING on the internet to show my work, and I’m pretty darn proud of my blog. But, in order to grow my business off the ground floor I know I need a website. I think people when looking to book you, want to see a classy, professional website that reflects your branding. I believe I have a GREAT grasp of my branding and how I want my site to look, but need to see that come to life on a website. Plus, my husband got laid off from his job. So, besides not being able to invest in a website…I’m working two jobs to fill in the loss of income. Just another reason to grow my photography business HUGE so that we don’t have to worry about layoffs from The Man. 
My blog is at http://www.katienealphoto.com/blog.
All I have is a blogspot, and I am pinching pennies to get a website up and running. This would be so perfect! I have my brand all planned in my head, but I’m at a loss as to where to start turning it into a real website…
HI!! Wow what a great contest idea! I would love a photoweb page – in fact I desperately need one! I think that in today’s market, one needs to be accesible at all times of day or night, and what better way than through the www? I am beginning my business and would love the aid of building a web page. If you click over to my site, you’ll see that I am telling the truth. I love the look of the sites that you have already designed – I really want to build this dream of mine into a reality and I believe that with the help of a proffesional web page, my dream could be a reality for me! I have put off persuing my career while raising my 4 kids and they are almost all in school, so the timing is sooo right! I sure hope I am the lucky one!! http://www.gingersnapsyou.blogspot.com Thanks for the opportunity!!
It sounds like my response is similar to that of many others . . . that I realize in order to really get going in this business, I need to get going with something that actually showcases what I’m trying to market. And obviously a professionally-designed website is key! While I really love my little blog, I know it won’t be able to help me take my “wished for” business to the next level. There’s a reason my photography is called “wishful thinking photography” . . .
Why do I want this? I just want something that is refreshing and me. I’ve tried everything and just can’t find that next level that I really think this website would bring my business. I’m not new to this by any means but I have never had a wonderful website that I know Smugmug provides it’s clients. I would love love to win this and really get to show off myself, my business and Smugmug!
I have been taking photos for people for about six years. This year, I am finally getting paid for my work. I am so excited for the possibilities of growth in the future. I am a stay-at-home mom of three young children on a very limited income. I have been wanting to have a professional website but just can’t afford to pay someone at this time. I often have people asking me for my website address. I am hesitant to send them what I have because it isn’t as professional as I would like it to be. I have a basic portfolio but would love to knock their socks off with a great site!
This would be such a blessing for me. I am certain it would improve my business. I know it would help me be more aggressive with marketing my business!
What a great opportunity!
Why do you feel you need a new web site for your photography business ?
I feel like I need a new web site look for my business because the one that I have currently is just too plain and simple. I want something that makes my pictures stand out as well as showing who I am as a person. I love smug mug and I actually already have a pro account (expires in January!) and I would LOVE to have him customize my site for me. I always have such difficulties customizing my site and that is part of the reason why it is so plain and simple.
wow !!! what a cool prize
i am just starting out and since i don’t really have cash flow right now i made my website out of blogger. i have had a blog for a long time a knew how to customise it so i use that for my base for the website, it looks OK and it pretty easy to customise but ….i feel i need a real one.
I’m tired of taking FREE photos! I must get myself going. This would really help!
I am a photographer, not a graphic/web designer and this would help tremendously! I recently worked with a graphic designer friend for a new logo and bought a domain – but am stuck and need help displaying my work online and getting my business up and running. jR Customization websites are so beautiful and I would love this opportunitiy.
Thanks for this great contest MCP!!!
I have a website, but there’s nothing on it! I can’t afford to do it right at this point in time, so it’s not done. It’s really hard to showcase my work without a good website. I can only show people prints and that’s been limiting my business potential.
I currently use smugmug and love it…however I do not have the pro account nor the style that I need to lift me to the next level. I do have a blog but would really like a site that will promote my photography business. Time to get down to business!
OMG … do I ever need this. As a photographer AND graphic/web designer, I constantly have this nagging that I can do it all, myself. Sure, I have the skills, but I just don’t have the time. Some day, I have to relinquish control, and realize that I can’t do it all and the more I let go of the more that will come back to me, in ways I never imagined. Maybe this can be the first step!
I really need to start branding my work this year, I want something original, something different than everyone else, something ME! Just as my business was getting going I got pregnant which put a hold on my photography business and now it seem like I am starting over just to get my name out there again. A new website would be 1 step
to getting that branding going!!
Not only is this a great opportunity but this is a WONDERFUL gift that someone could give someone. I appreciate the opportunity to write a comment in this section of your blog. I just got started in this photography field a little over a year ago to help the family out. As a stay-at-home mother of 3 girls and a wonderful hubby who has to provide for alot of things, I believe that God blessed me with a talent that could be used to “help out”. I do not have a professional website, and have been looking to do one for my clients, for future marketing, and also just to showcase my work. I want a “WOW” factor when people open my website and see the photos. However, with “helping out” it is impossible to be able to afford a great looking and professional site. There are many photographers out there, and they all deserve a chance at this wonderful opportunity as well, and would be just as excited for them if they won this opportunity as well, but I would be absolutly FLABERGASTED if I was given this unique and wonderful gift.
“Why do you feel you need a new web site for your photography business?” I’m in school, learning my craft now and feel like I’m ready for a more professional look. I plan to rebrand and get a new logo so I need a website to reflect the new direction in my career. Thank you, Jodi and SM for offering this contest.
I need a new website because my current website does not represent the quality of my photography or my business. I have a new logo designed already. I have started to design a new website around it but just don’t have the skills to make it what I want. I’m just starting my business so I still work another job. I want to concentrate on honing my photography not learning web design. I believe outsourcing is important but don’t have the capital to do so with my website now. SmugMug rocks! I need to renew my pro account next month so winning this would be awesome.
I’m a college student (junior year) and while my ultimate dream would to be a photojournalist, I’m trying to start up my own business first, so I can hopefully make some extra money on that side. I would love to have a website upgrade, but with being in college in full time (and saving for all these loans!), I just don’t have the money saved up for all those upgrades at the moment.
I have recently started a new, but blossoming, photography business. While searching for ways to release all of this pinned up creative energy; photography has become a much needed creative outlet for me. I feel alive, natural, comfortable with a camera in my hands. All of the static swimming around in my head disappears. I am still in shock … Read Morethat I can get paid doing something that I love and enjoy so very much.
A new website would only help my business to grow and improve. For that I would be ever grateful!
Hi, I already use smugmug but my website lacks the professional look that jR Customization offers. Please pick me! I need a website makeover!
Oh I would love to win this. I already have a smugmug account which is going to expire soon and even though I’ve tried so hard to make it look decent I am very incompetent when it comes to smugmug designing. I have been doing rodeo photography for the past 2 years and this year I decided to expand my services to portraits. I don’t charge alot for my sessions because it makes me feel great to know that I can help someone get decent pictures without spending a fortune, all my extra money is spent to get better equipment (and MCP actions LOL) so that I can improve my work therefore I cannot afford to have someone design a website for me. I believe that how you present your work is important and is a small factor in someones decision whether or not they will want to hire you and that is why I would like a new website!!!!!!
I would love to earn this. I have been working on my marketing and branding. I know nothing about html or css. My site could use a lot of help. There are many photogs in my area. I need to stand out a bit more than the rest. Thanks in advance if you choose me.
After several years I can honestly say my photography has reached a level I can be proud of. I was really excited about sharing my images with everyone! To do that I knew I needed a website. I did some research and made a choice. Unfortunately I made the wrong choice! Sure, it worked out fine when I just had images to show, but recently I have taken my business to a whole new direction and now I’m finding I don’t have the flexibility in my current website to show and talk about this exciting part of my business. In addition to my images as standard prints, mostly landscape and nature, I can now put my images on ceramic and glass tiles, plus I do custom framing work. I invested a substantial amount of money getting the tools and equipment, but now I’m missing the most important tool of all … a website that can show and tell everyone. It’s very frustrating!
They say … If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people. That’s why I need Smugmug!
My goal for 2010 is to launch my website! I currently use SmugMug and LOOOVVEE it but am VERY overwhelmed when it comes to customizing it! This would be an amazing opportunity!! Thank you soooo much!!
I hate smugmug and love it, but my website is due for a major overhaul!! It would be great to just customize smugmug to my style… right now my smugmug part looks too amiture-ish.
I am actually in the process of building our photography portfolio! and I feel that I am getting all I need from the current provider, but I am it’s a matter of time to get used to the website and get to know more about it!
I felt that I need a new web site since Galleries were not working the same way I was looking for them to work! Also, I faced some limitations with the background and textures I have to use with the website. The provider I used before did not have the new social media tools and strategies! such share links and updates!
I have been looking around and did not find that much much features! and I am still looking around!
Regards…
My current site is actually just a blog with a few pages of information thrown in. It’s also sharing space with my acting career, which, while convenient for me, is not terribly professional. I’ve also had requests for online sales of some of the more fine art pieces that I’ve done and I’m just not sure how to do that with what I’m currently using. I would LOVE some professional help! Thanks for considering me.
I have been 100% DIY on the website side. I have read all about SM
and the glorious possibilities but it wasn’t until I saw some of the sample solutions JR did in a recent preview that I thought I might be interested in giving it a shot. I have a fuddled mess of client stuff going on right now and I’d really like to streamline.
I have dappled in PHP gallery scripts and done creating my own thumbnails and all sorts of methods (WP slideshows, manual order forms, you name it, I’ve tried it). I need a once-and-for-all solution. I need to be able to host my client pics and let my family order kiddo pics with as little intervention from me as possible! Is SM the right choice? Let me find out!
I am a stay at home mom to three boys and we recently moved to a VERY small town. I am having a hard time breaking into this small town environment where “everyone knows everyone” except me. To have a website that is professional looking, that offers right click protect, proofing galleries and more would be just the boost I need to get into this market! jR’s work looks absolutely amazing and combined with SmugMug will help me have that professional site and look I have been desiring for so long! Then it will be “everyone knows everyone… and ME”!
First of all this contest could not have come at a better time. I am a photographer fairly new to the portrait business. Currently I do in-home proofing and ordering of prints on my own. I have been so busy recently that I do not think I have the time to do in person ordering with everyone before Christmas. I have been searching for the perfect gallery option and SmugMug definitely was top on the list. Honestly I have not taken the plunge because I have been so swamped with editing, and taking care of my son while my husband is out of town for work. I really hope I win, I could really use this. I am sure my clients would be very excited as well. Currently I use a blogsite. I do not even have a website. This would really help me look more professional and allow me time to spend with my family during the holidays instead of proofing and ordering. Thanks for such a great opportunity SmugMug!
This would be awesome! Although I really like the look of my site the way that it is I feel that I need to do something to make it more unique. I am currently using the same template as hundreds of other photographers out there. I would like something that is personal to me. I have been in the business a few years and it’s really starting to take off and kick butt right now. I feel like if I am going to make any big changes it would need to be NOW. In a few months it may be too late.
photography has always been a dream of mine and it has come to reality and is snowballing quickly. i am currently showcasing my work on my family’s personal blog. which, looks really unprofessional but i have no idea where to even start with the website thing…i need major HELP getting started with this next step so that my business will look and be more professional and official! what an awesome opportunity this would be to win!
Oh, my web presence is so lacking! Right now my main website is taylored to only one type of photography that I do and I tend to send everyone to my blog (www.lorimercerphotography.blogspot.com) instead since it is updated more often. Even my blog is blah! I would love to combine them both so that there is fresh content often and all the other contact information is there also. I really need your help!! PICK ME please!!
Lori Mercer/Lori Mercer Photography – http://www.lorimercer.com/www.lorimercerphotography.blogspot.com
I have a smugmug website, going on my second year. But I have never been able to get it just right. I’ve tried many things, and the css/html is beyond my understanding lol . So I need this!! I like the simple look, easy is better. One click and clients see the image, I’d like to be able to password protect a Proof gallery, and not have to do it gallery by gallery.
In the end, I need some serious help with my site.. So thanks for a chance like this.
Tonya
Wow! My business partner and I are just about to start fresh. After one year in the business, having started out with a free blog and logos I created myself, we are feeling the need to look more professional as we are getting busier and busier! We are two mothers who are in love with our work, but we hardly make enough right now to cover all our costs with new equipment needed, etc. We don’t want to go in over our head with costs so we were going to wait to get a website! But….(fingers crossed) maybe we will win this fabulous contest!
Our business could really use some professional help in order to help us get “out there” and reach more clients who want us to work for them!
Please, please pick us! I have heard nothing but good about SmugMug!
Tamsen Donker
Creative Clicks Photography
I would just LOVE to win! I’ve just been using a blogger blog and would be thrilled to have a SmugMug website. This month is the official start of my business (I’m finally charging people…) and a real live website would make it so much more professional! Thanks for doing this!
This would be so great. I would really appreciate the customization and getting some help in setting up a stellar website! I’m afraid to change things on my current blog and don’t know how to do much besides a simple post. My photo hosting site leaves A LOT to be desired. I’m watching every penny since our income is based on automotive in MI (nuff said) so I need all the help I can get. It’s hard to move forward without funding for essentials like a great website. Thanks for another great opportunity mcp and jR Customization.
oh my gosh, i need one because i don’t currently HAVE a “website” yet… my blog is doubling as my site for now because i haven’t seen it as affordable to set up a real website yet. this would be perfect for me! you can find my blog at http://apryldeeterphotography.blogspot.com/
oh my gosh, i could use this because i don’t currently HAVE a real website – my blog is doubling as my site because i haven’t found it affordable yet to set up a real website. this would be perfect for me! thanks jodi!
http://apryldeeterphotography.blogspot.com/
I would love to have a custom designed website! I had no idea you could customize Smugmug sites to look so pretty! Right now I just have a blog and just starting my side photography business, and I have been wanting a website for a while, but the price has been cost prohibitive since I’m unemployed right now.
I would love this opportunity to have a new website to showcase my work. I just moved to Seattle and have been wanting to get a more profession look for the area I live. I spent the summer redesigning a blogger blog to make it have a more professional feel but just don’t think it’s cutting it. My husband is a grad student here and we are on a grad student income living in an expensive city so my options are limited for atleast the next 2 years. I love photography and it’s a great outlet for me and I love being able to share my talent with others. I have been struggling getting myself out there in this new city and I know having this opportunity would be a huge help in jump starting my business. And even if I am not choosen I want to say thank you for providing this opportunity for someone who is in need. You are an inspiration and I hope one day to be able to give back in a similar manner.
I’m so busy taking and editing pictures that I haven’t even had time to think about a website. It’s rough getting started.
I started my photography business for kids and families about a year ago and overall things have really kicked into gear the past few months. In January I will have a new logo/look and would LOVE an amazing custom site that incorporates all the colors/elements and truly reflects what my photography is about. I currently use a basic web design but just don’t have extra time or $$$ at the moment for creating something more unique and memorable. Thanks for blessing others with your gifts!!
I absolutely LOVE my SmugMug pro account…but (and it’s a big but) it is definitely missing some punch. While I try to customize it as much as possible with what is available, it would be so nice to add a little pizazz to set it apart from the next site. I would like my clients to come to my site and be immersed in their gallery, while not realizing they are in a SmugMug account.
The new customization feature is AWESOME, and I’ve been saving my pennies for it, but with a daughter in college, literally every bit of spare change gets headed her way. With working a full-time job in addition to my photography business (which is steadily becoming busier and busier), I am looking for anything possible in order to promote my business but also cannot be too terribly time-consuming–time is definitely at a premium as I become busier.
Hopefully, I will soon be able to quit my full-time job (or at least cut back to part-time) so I can pursue this passion of mine, and I believe SmugMug will help me as I work to achieve this goal. As always, I will continue to be SmugMug’s #1 fan and really can’t say enough about it. Thanks for this awesome opportunity!
I am just now starting a business and only have a family blog so far. I was just looking at smugmug last night as I will be doing family pictures and christmas cards for several families in the next few weeks. I’ve been working on designing all of my marketing material so I’ve just started gathering info on websites. I’m a SAHM to two girls, 3 months and 20 months, so I don’t have time to build an entire website from scratch but would love to have the extra money to do fun things for our family.
I’m still in the beginning stages of my business, although I have had my website for just over a year. Whilst I do have a website it just seems ho-hum. I’m currently building a studio in my home which should be complete after christmas and a new ~gorgeous~ website would certainly help kickstart my studio!
I love ya’ll.
What an amazing giveaway!
I would love an overhaul…my site is dated, boring and muted…but thought i would wait until my husband was done with dental school next year ($$$)….sooner would be fabulous!!
Thanks so much for all you feature. MCP is invaluable to me!
-Krista Adams
Krista Adams Photography
I need a new website because…I stink at building a website!
I built a free one on Wix because I was overwhelmed with all the requests I was getting for photo sessions and I needed something other than facebook albums to show interested people. I like the overall theme I’ve created but my navigation bar, galleries and upload time really have a lot to be desired. I’m working diligently to build upon the momentum that’s happened rather quickly around my photography but can’t portray the professional, distinct image I’m desiring thru my current site. Plus some people have commented that my wording gets “squished” together on their screens. HELP!
http://www.inspiredbychristy.com
What a great giveaway! I am just starting out and need to get a website set up. I am the only photographer for a local non-profit and make zero money on those images since I put them on Shutterfly
I would like to be able to offer them to everyone in a central location that is not downloadable and recoup some cost for my time.
Jen Webster
Jen Webster Photography
No current website, but I do own the domain.
A new website would be fantastic–my journey into photography over the past four years has brought me to this point. I’ve tried using a blog format and don’t really like it–it doesn’t look professional enough. The past few weeks I have been researching more formatting–how to make drop down menus, rotating headers, splash pages…and it is just overwhelming! Managing our four kids and a police officer husband’s shift working schedule, plus having quite a few shoots (and the subsequent editing), leave me little time left to research and learn these things I wanted to do myself. I have to admit defeat. As sad as it makes me, I need to swallow my pride and forget doing a website on my own. I have over 100 wonderful photos I have been saving for my website–so I am ready to take the step and have someone help me. And I would be honoured to be chosen to have jR Customization help me–they are exactly what my business needs to make things easier and WAY more appealing to customers.
Although my website is only 9 months old, its a template that although it does its job of showing nice big photos doesn’t really showcase my style, my personality, my vision. I have been thinking of ways to customize a site for the last few months and this would be an awesome opportunity. I have some multimedia ideas that wold make a great website that would really allow me to better connect to my clients!
Mark Stagi
Stagi Imagery
http://www.wedclix.com
I only have a photography blog for my business right now and really want/need a professional looking website in addition to the blog. I see a big difference between a blog and a website and know I need to invest in the more professional “store front” of a website. The blog is a great place for me to share current photos and talk about what’s going on but I also want a place to display my portfolio, my rates, and a place to host my online viewing gallery for clients.
Wow! This is such a great great opportunity! I am currently stuck in a dead end studio job, that I am desperately trying to get out of. Its not the kind of photography I enjoy, portraits yes, studio no. I like natural light. My site is severely lacking though, using blogger, and it’s just not what I need. I feel like with a real site, I could better serve the few clients I do have, and hopefully draw in some more!! Currently I do have a basic Smugmug account, but since it is basic, it doesn’t really work how I need it to. Have thought about upgrading it several times, but the funds are just not there. So winning one, would be amazing and jR customization, just wow!
I’m in the beginning stages of turning my hobby/passion into a business. Beginning being I’m taking pictures for friends to get the experience and practice without charging. Currently I have an “over the counter” website/blog for my photography. Honestly, I’m not thrilled or excited about my site. But it works and it’s inexpensive (aka free!). For photo viewing I’ve invested a whole whopping $25 in an annual flickr account; which works, but it’s not the best avenue for picture dispursement to my “clients”. I like it for being able to use the pictures I upload to post in blogs though. I was actually looking at smugmug the other day and started pondering starting an account and testing it at the basic level for a year. My goal is to not be a photography that takes great pictures but doesn’t show them off in the right way, in a cheesy, unprofessional way. I’m looking forward to growing, and better branding myself, and providing the services that clients want and need, as well as being up to date with the available technology (especially if it’s user friendly!).
Thanks for this great give away and the opportunity to reflect (quickly) the direction I want/need to be moving in.
Feeling Very Blessed with the gift of Photography and my Buisness totally takin off to levels I never imagined,I feel that I need a new website to help bring even more Professionalism to my work and to the respect of my wonderful clients that trust me with every image and every moment that I document in there life’s. I would love to have a blog with bigger pictures and a website for my client to order from with out any difficulty’s, oh yeah and just a side not, I LOVE Mcp actions, I have them all and can say that with these actions at my hand I have grown my buisness and am able to keep up with high demand of files to edit, Thank you and God Bless kim
I need a new website for my business because my current site does not reflect who I am or what I want. And frankly, I don’t even know where to begin with all that. I have a smugmug, but stopped using it because I couldn’t make it something amazing (I don’t know code or other fancy stuff) or something that even reflected me. I am currently using Portfoliositez. It’s alright, but it’s not me either. I don’t spend much time on it because…well…it’s not really mine? I am a sahm to four young kids and have been working hard during the day with my kids and at night until the wee hours of the morning- lovingly working on my…craft.
) I am spending my fall and winter going through the portfolio I have been building up these past 6 months (and a few more portfolio sessions here and there) and a new site with my new images would be just….amazing. What a huge gift! Thank you for your consideration.
I just bought my domain name yesterday! I’m also getting a real graphic designer to create a new logo for me (your post yesterday made the decision for me…one that I’ve been struggling with for awhile). So before I really take off with everything having a complete and professional looking site would just make everything perfect!
I don’t need a new website, I need my first one. I have loved photography for years and dreamed of my own business but just this year have been taking it serious and lining up all the things I need. I am just finishing up a couple more projects for PBing and am ready to start working on a website. I thought about just doing a blogspot or something to get started but I heard about SmugMug and had been kicking that around instead. This would be such a great opportunity to get myself all official and give people a place to go when they hear of me(so far I have just been word of mouth thru friends and workmates). I am so excited and grateful that you are doing this for someone.
This would be an answer to prayer. I have always just been a hobby shooter, but do to some economic changes in my career – I have been contiplating taking a serious move towards photography. I have always given my photos away for free, but would like to start making some money doing what I love.
It is extremely obvious that a professional website design makes a definate impression on attracting customers – winning this would be absolutely incredible.
Since I’ve always given my photos away, I currently use a free website with very limited storage space. Each time I want to post some new photos – I have to dump my older ones.
Seriously, its about time I had a drool-worthy website! I’ve been working as a photographer for the past two years and things have really taken off but unfortunately my current online presence has not. I’d love a beautiful website with a design that speaks about who I am as a photographer and showcases all the work I have done so far.
Like most photographers, I don’t do alot of ironing and housework. Instead I put alot of time and energy into keeping my online life updated, getting the best photos from recent session, writing interesting posts, changing colours and layouts on my blogspot, buts that about all I can control as I’m not website designer. I’m just about to shell out hundreds of hard-earned pounds for a website. Please make my dreams come true.
I have a SmugMug site already and LOVE it but cannot for the life of me get it to look professional. This is my first year as a Wedding Photographer and it is very important to look like I know what Im doing. lol. I would pay to have my site customized but just do not have the money for it. I would love to have a place were I can showcase my work and where my clients will feel comfortable.
Thank you for having this contest!
I need a website. Period. I don’t have one at all. I just use a blogspot blog.
Please pick us! We are always changing our photos hoping to spruce up our website, but we need more! Thanks!
I would so love (and need) and custom designed website
My blog is LACKING! I just use blogspot and have tried to customize it to no avail. My husband and I just got married this past May… bought a house this September… and the Holidays are coming up. So, add all that up and there is just no room for making my blog look like I want it to look. I am also in the middle of renaming my business and creating a new logo. I’m just going to use my actual name as my brand – Brittney Melton – but I’m doing both graphic design and photography now and I would love to start off totally fresh with a brand new blogsite with this new name. I just had my first 2 weddings this year as a photographer, which was very exciting. I have been wanting and needing to get this going for the past couple of years… it is TIME!
little side note ***I absolutely love the “Moments Photography – http://www.louisianamoments.com” blogsite… gorgeous and oh so cute!***
Wow! What a great giveaway! I would love, love, love to win a new website! I’ve been looking into the Smugmug sites and I just don’t have the funds to do it right now. I’ve been wanting to go ahead and just purchase all the things I need to get a jump start. I’ve gotten plenty of encouragement from friends but just don’t have the cohonas!(Sp?) With a Smugmug website, I feel like I could really move forward and get things going!
I am currently a kindergarten teacher. I have two little boys (Jack is 2.5 years and Ryder is 3 months). I LOVE photography and have been trying to learn it for the last year. I am just now actually starting to understand it-LOL! I would love to start a website, but just can’t afford it right now. My husband had to cash out his Life Insurance this months so we could pay for daycare ($1600/month OUCH!) I have been praying for God to help me with this new business plan. I feel that a website would give me the opportunity to pursue my dream. If I win I might pee my pants—I’d be that excited!!!
“You never know when your luck may change…” someone told me just the other day. I wonder, after reading this post, if November 21st will be that day?! I don’t even know if I believe in luck — but maybe, maybe, someone will take a look at my website (which is a free blogspot account) and determine that ‘this girl is in need of a website makeover and we are about to change her definition of luck!’ I love photography — I love the opportunities that come from my work — but honestly, I would just love a bit of good luck! (What an incredible blessing that would be!)
K Stone Photography
http://www.kstonephoto.com
My current website needs a major overhaul! I’d love to be able to have galleries for clients and to display my work, as well as a more sophisticated look for my site. I’ve just recently started my photography business and need “HELP”! This would be a such a blessed gift to get me started on my journey! Thank you! -Shayna
I have a motto that I go by : “PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING”. I currently have a Blogspot blog through Blogger which I have tried to customize to try not to make it look so “blogspot” like, but with no success. I did it all on my own – my logo, my colors choices (blah), and the whole layout. I want my website to PRESENT as well as I feel like my photos do and that is where Smugmug and JR Customization can help. I don’t want to bore you because I’m sure there are many deserving photographers out there like myself – so here is my use of your ‘www.get-to-the-point.com’ theory – please pick me Jerry!!! Thank you!!!
Haley
Haley Brooke Photography
http://haleybrookephotography.blogspot.com
What an AWESOME giveaway!! I am a teacher currently teaching at a Catholic school. After teaching and doing things for little people all day (in addition to two of my own at home) I just don’t have time to do anything for “myself” at the end of the day, including developing a website. It has SO been a longtime dream of mine and while I’d love to draw in more clients with a website, it just doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us right now.
I am in the process of starting up my photography business. I have started building my portfolio and would love to have an awsome website to show off my work. I am in the process of getting my logo designed. I would love to go live on my site at the beginning of 2010. I am hoping for an awsome 2010 and getting my photography business off on the right foot and hope I can use smugmug to help me achive my goals!!! Thanks so much for putting this contest out there. Can’t wait to see all the entries!!!
I am in the process of starting up my photography business. I have started building my portfolio and would love to have an awsome website to show off my work. I am in the process of getting my logo designed. I would love to go live on my site at the beginning of 2010. I am hoping for an awsome 2010 and getting my photography business off on the right foot and hope I can use smugmug to help me achive my goals!!! Thanks so much for putting this contest out there. Can’t wait to see all the entries!!!
Kristen Soderquist with KMS Photography.
My heart longs for creativity and learning and teaching. As I am nearing the end of my college career I want to find a way to merge my love for photography and the ingenuity that goes into it while serving others and helping. I want to make it so that a portion of my profits goes to charity. Each month I plan on highlighting a Non-Profit so I raise awareness. I feel that using my craft, which attracts attention, to show what is happening in our neighborhoods, our cities, and our world, could better those around me and myself.
I would love the help of fusing this into a cohesive and thoughtful website that would make it much more appealing so I can reach more people. Thank you for doing this giveaway and good luck everyone!
Rightly so it would put a real “smug” on my “mug”. Starting my business this year has been a lifelong dream and I’ve put time, effort & money into getting it ready this far. I’ve long droooooooled over having a smugmug pro site as a way to showcase my galleries & for the ease & professionalism it offers with client proofing etc.
Unfortunately there is not much to offer here in Australia and we are forced to look to the US for many resources. I’ve thought long and hard about purchasing an account with SmugMug but haven’t been able to convince my husband about the costs involved considering all the expenses we have had to fork out for in getting started. I understand & enforce the importance of branding, consistency & a great online presence.
I look with melting puppy dog eyes when I hear the raves from Becker & Jasmine Star about SmugMug and anticipate the day I can proudly proclaim “I’m a SmugMug too!”
In an effort to save money (since I was just starting out) my husband, bless his heart, created a website for me. It is s-l-o-w! It is a freeware site, and it is so complicated to upload photos to it that I need a day to figure it out. So for a year my site has only had a few photos of my family. All the photos are compartmentalized and the compartments are sparse, let me tell you! I’m embarrassed to pass out my business cards because my web address is printed on them and I don’t want anyone to look at my site! Nowadays, I have so many beautiful photos of other people’s babies, children, families from the past year that I would love to show on my website!! I would love all my photos to be displayed and to really shine so people can see the kind of photographer I really am. Hey, I don’t only take photos of my own family – I can beautifully photograph your family too!
Thank you for the chance at a professional looking website!
I would love a new site, my SEO is so poor with the site I have. I have no idea where to start to make it better and I have been trying to research my best options do I get a blog?? do I get a blog site do I use the templete that has been sitting on my computer for year???. So I chose to do nothing. I am planning to do something in January. I think a smug mug site would be great. . elizabethreidphotography.net I also have a new .com just waiting to be used. Thanks!
I would be so appreciative if my business was selected to win a free site! Jill Jarvis Photography was started earlier this year. My budget did not allow for upfront money for my site so with the help of a friend, the current site was created (www.jilljarvis.com). While it works, it could be AMAZING with the help of a free site! With the help of smugmug, my online presence would be more established! Thank you for this opportunity!
Well, I drink from the SmugMug well to begin with! My business is a wee baby, and while I have a blog, I haven’t integrated a portfolio website into it, yet. So THAT’S why I’d love to win a free one!!! : )
Hello Jodi and Jerry,
Thank you both for such a wonderful opportunity. I am new to photography. This has been an exciting and frustrating road. Exciting because I’m getting to make my dream come true. I’m grabbing the bull by the horns and holding on for dear life. It hasn’t been easy. Frustrating because I have an artistic eye but technology wise I’m as dumb as a box of rocks. I haven’t let that get me down it frustrates me and at times I can use a few choice words at my computer but I’m still moving forward. That brings me to you. I would love for my website to create credibility with the customer and create a sense of professionalism and thru professionalism trust. Some customers don’t have the chance to meet you first so there first impression of who you are as a photographer is your website. I want to make the best first impression. Having the website customized will be a huge step towards branding myself and this too will help to partner with companies that offer a product or service that compliments my photography. The gift from Jerry and you will have a domino affect to making the business a wonderful success. Thank you for this opportunity. Take care~ Denise, Photographic Artist for Rising Sun Memories
Oh my gosh!! This is perfect. I’ve actually just recently started looking at SmugMug and cannot figure out how to use it!
I’ve had to learn everything the hard way in building my photography business. Everything I have purchased has been with cash, no business loans. I’m finally to the point that people know who I am and book me because of the brand that I’ve created.
After deciding to re-do my site, I pulled my site off the web intending to immediately fix it and re-do it. It currently has a front page that says “Page Under Construction”.
I looked through some options and now have been so wrapped up with life that I haven’t had time to put a new site up, hence no website activity bringing in customers. If it wasn’t for Facebook and Twitter, my business would be dead without a website.
I need a new website because mine is hardly existent! I’m getting good traffic via twitter but nothing to show forth.
MCP…. pimp my website!!
PS. I have a smugmug acct already so I would “pay it forward”. The one year free smugmug- pro acct subscription part of the contest can be given to another participant of the contest.
Thank you again for this opportunity.
Take care~ Denise, Photographic Artist for Rising Sun Memories
I have the middle-tier SmugMug acct, but a custom site thru them would be great!
The reason I need a new site is that I shoot horse shows and my current flash site is not very easy for competitors to view their photos and I would like to better organize the photos by show, date, class, and rider. I am currently shopping for a new site that will do this better so this is great timing!! And with my current flash site, I’m not allowed enough galleries to keep the whole year’s show photos active & live at the same time.
Because I don’t have one. My blog looks terrible. I have 6 children and a full time job so life is busy enough. Plus I would love to be a full time photographer and get away from my desk job. This would give me a place to showcase my work.
I can’t even put into words how much having a new website would mean to me. I started my photography business while on maternity leave over a year ago and it’s just taken off! I’m finding it really hard to find a balance with being back at work full time (teaching grades 7&8), being the Mom that my lil’ ones need, and trying to put in the time to keep my photography business growing. My business is something that I am very proud of and it means so much to me. My goal is to do it on a more full time basis someday. I love teaching, but taking photographs give me that “creative rush”, any photographer knows what I’m talking about. I love being able to give people pictures that capture a moment and make life pause for even a second! I know that a great website is crucial, for me it’s just a matter of finding extra hours in the day to step it up a notch. So, having this opportunity to have a professional website would be the equivalent of winning the lottery for me. It could just possibly change my life!
Why do I need a new website for my photography?
I would fall into the category of not even having a website, so my very best reason would be that a website for my business is not even in existence. Now, I do have a blog – a blogger blog. Ugh! I’ve spent many hours learning about html code in order to create a blog that I am only slightly satisified with. Currently, I am looking for a place to host my photos so clients can order online. I think Smugmug and I would be a perfect match! Thanks for the opportunity!