Updated my photo blog, what do you think?

It's a clean layout. My only comment would be you're using a prime bit of real-estate to display your copyright notice (top right 1/3rd of the display).

I'm not a huge fan of using the right hand 1/3rd of the page for all the widgets - I find the text on the left hand runs into it (not actually, but when I read to the end of a line, I'm distracted by the menus etc).
 
Furtim said:
It's a clean layout. My only comment would be you're using a prime bit of real-estate to display your copyright notice (top right 1/3rd of the display).

I'm not a huge fan of using the right hand 1/3rd of the page for all the widgets - I find the text on the left hand runs into it (not actually, but when I read to the end of a line, I'm distracted by the menus etc).
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Yeah I see where you're coming from, not sure how to change that
 
There is a lot of wrong or misleading info in the articles and also some of the text doesn't relate to the subject. Example at the end of the ISO section, it says, "so that was Exposure compensation"

The aperture section states "there is always a range of smallest apertures on a zoom lens because as you zoom the smallest F/number possible changes" This is wrong, not all zoom lenses change aperture as you zoom.

In the shutter speed section it states. "Within the lens you have multiple components. One of the most important of these is the shutter." The shutter is in the camera body, not the lens.

If you are gong to write beginner guides, then you need to make sure the information is as correct as it can be.
 
planetjamez said:
Yeah I see where you're coming from, not sure how to change that
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As Chris has said, just try out a different theme. Alternatively, remove the 'wordy' widgets from the side bar. I've just looked up the standard template you're using and it looks okay if the sidebar is used for links etc as they are a different colour and have a fair amount of space around them; it only looks 'odd' when you have a lot of the same colour text in to match the main section of the page.

TCR4x4 said:
There is a lot of wrong or misleading info in the articles and also some of the text doesn't relate to the subject. Example at the end of the ISO section, it says, "so that was Exposure compensation"

The aperture section states "there is always a range of smallest apertures on a zoom lens because as you zoom the smallest F/number possible changes" This is wrong, not all zoom lenses change aperture as you zoom.

In the shutter speed section it states. "Within the lens you have multiple components. One of the most important of these is the shutter." The shutter is in the camera body, not the lens.

If you are gong to write beginner guides, then you need to make sure the information is as correct as it can be.
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There are a few typo's true - but that's nothing getting some one to proof read over won't fix. I'd encourage you to press on - writing about something is a great way to boost your own understanding. Just get a couple of people to review the guides as and when you produce them as that will be a good way of (a) checking your own understanding, and (b) picking up typos.
 
Furtim said:
There are a few typo's true - but that's nothing getting some one to proof read over won't fix. I'd encourage you to press on - writing about something is a great way to boost your own understanding. Just get a couple of people to review the guides as and when you produce them as that will be a good way of (a) checking your own understanding, and (b) picking up typos.
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Thanks will give it a better read through before posting next time.
 
I never said stop doing it, just check it through before posting, both for spelling, accurate information and in some case relevant links to other features.
 
Hi James, just had a look at your blog and it looks pretty cool. Well done mate :)
 
James,
Blog looks good, very clear, easy to follow I looked at it before you changed it albeit on my kindle was no where near as clear. Well done. keep it going will look in from time to time
 
I think it needs a lot of work. Just being honest here, that is what you want here right? I don't think it's helpful to tell you otherwise. I think if you put yourself out there as a tutor, or at least having a blog that features basic tutorials, your site needs to really look the business. I spot a few under exposed images and others with wonky horizons further down the page. Does this represent your best work?

It's a little rough and ready all over. I don't think anyone needs to see your copyright info so prominent. You only need put a line at bottom of the blog some place, out of the way basically. Then you have a box for 'My flickr' and right underneath a 'Flickr photostream' box. Aren't they basically the same thing? And do we really need to see the tags underneath every image?

The 'Back to basics #2' article is centred, where none of the others are, so it looks out of place.

A little more consistency, proof reading, and managing of space and you'll be looking a lot better :)
 
Cagey75 said:
I think it needs a lot of work. Just being honest here, that is what you want here right? I don't think it's helpful to tell you otherwise. I think if you put yourself out there as a tutor, or at least having a blog that features basic tutorials, your site needs to really look the business. I spot a few under exposed images and others with wonky horizons further down the page. Does this represent your best work?

It's a little rough and ready all over. I don't think anyone needs to see your copyright info so prominent. You only need put a line at bottom of the blog some place, out of the way basically. Then you have a box for 'My flickr' and right underneath a 'Flickr photostream' box. Aren't they basically the same thing? And do we really need to see the tags underneath every image?

The 'Back to basics #2' article is centred, where none of the others are, so it looks out of place.

A little more consistency, proof reading, and managing of space and you'll be looking a lot better :)
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Honesty is what I need! The Blog is trying to show my journey of improving so the further down you get the worse the shots probably are! I'm trying to improve and record it on my blog at the same time. Ill have a look at the back to basics and centre them all and probably remove some of the widgets. I was looking at removing tags the other day so will do that.

As always thank you very much for your input and I will change the points youve picked up on.
 
Looks good, a nice clean layout without a lot of clutter.

A couple of further areas you could improve:
  • Watch for typos and grammatical inconsistencies, there are a couple of typos in the copyright statement and it's useful to decide whether you're going to use American or UK English and then stick with it (either -ize or-ise, for example). Your About Me section could also use a bit of a review - some minor grammar issues (was/were) - sorry, but I live with an English teacher!
  • I recommend that you always make a comment about a photo you post. It embeds the learning aspect of the blog, for example with the garden arch you could make a comment about the composition (the arch itself,leading lines,convergence, etc.). Just dropping in a photo is a missed opportunity to engage the reader further.
  • You've used some odd grammar in places, for example by always referring to "the ISO" when you appear to mean "the ISO setting". It's also inconsistent when you refer in your headings to "exposure" and "shutter speed" but then change your style to "the aperture" and "the ISO".
Good luck with this!
 
planetjamez said:
Honesty is what I need! The Blog is trying to show my journey of improving so the further down you get the worse the shots probably are! I'm trying to improve and record it on my blog at the same time. Ill have a look at the back to basics and centre them all and probably remove some of the widgets. I was looking at removing tags the other day so will do that.

As always thank you very much for your input and I will change the points youve picked up on.
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Good stuff. I know it can be hard to remark on these things, and sometimes hard to take criticism. I'm no expert, so it's just humble, honest opinion. But I know you learn more from people pointing out mistakes instead of just saying "All is fine and dandy, carry on" :) [not a poke at any of the other suggestions either, while I'm at it, just don't be afraid to actually help the guy with constructive crit!]
 
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