Website analysis 1

We have been given a task at uni, to look at some different photographers websites and write up reviews on them. The aim of this task is to get me more informed of what photography websites look like and what information they include, as well as what aspects work and what don't. Ultimately, it will help me decide on what platform to use for my own website when I come to make it. The first website I have taken a look at is Martin Parr's:

 The first thing I obviously noticed on the home page was the big photograph in the middle. I like that it's big and in your face, it shows you straight away what Parr does and shows that he's proud of his work. The photo changes every so often as well, which is good so it doesn't stay on the same photograph and get boring. I like that his name is in bright red, but I'm less decided on the icons in the top right corner. Here's a better view, with the mouse hovering over one to divulge what its for:

These icons look quite nice, but some of their purposes aren't immediately apparent. Some people may not like to have to hover their mouse over every single icon, and decide to just leave the site altogether.

Parr has a link to his blog, displayed below:

I liked this aspect straight away, especially the archive list on the right. It makes things a lot easier for the user, they can find what they want without having to trawl through pages and pages that aren't helpful to them. 

Parr's website has an FAQ page which I think is very helpful and actually rather unique, as I've never seen one on a photographers website before:

Only the questions are displayed, and can be clicked on the retrieve the answer. I think this is a good idea that works a lot better than if the answers were displayed too, it would become much to crowded like that.

The contact page is easy enough to understand and navigate around, including how to contact his studio and him personally:

The text boxes are labelled clearly, and a phone number is displayed on the bottom if someone doesn't wish to fill in these boxes. I like the additional photo on the left with the letter box too, it goes well with the subject of this page and makes it more interesting to look at.

My only problem with Parr's website, is the lack of a portfolio. Yes, he does have some recent work on there, but not any of his older stuff. I would have liked to have seen more of his work, with maybe a small amount of text to go with them. Other than this, I think his website is a pleasing to the eye and a overall success.