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Friday, February 26, 2010

My website - a rough draft

Okay. So it's still not where I want it to be, but it's getting closer.

Click here to see it!

Tonight I finally put some music of choice on there, and added a slide show to the home page. My brother wrote the rendition of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". I think it's absolutely fitting, considering babies and children are where my heart is in all of this. Here are the things I'm still working on, for what it's worth:

  • shorten the introduction of 'Twinkle, Twinkle...'
  • make it so the music continues to play no matter where you're browsing (currently it starts over every time you click a new link - annoying!)
  • slow down the slide shows
  • figure out a way to fill the space when a vertical photo appears (too much white background - need to have 2 vertical photos side by side, I think)
  • play with the color scheme (am thinking of changing the background to black, and my logo to the original lime green I had it at before)
  • re-edit several photos (hey, you get better with time! And frankly, a lot of my photos could look a lot better!)
  • add some font variety

I'll get there. I do want to say a big thanks to a few people:

FIRST, Holly Bliss, who designed my logo.

SECOND, Eric Jensen, who literally built this site from the ground up.

THIRD, fellow-photographers who have spent time with me and willingly shared what they know (David Pacheco, who took THIS PHOTO of my dad and me - just to give you an idea of how long I've known this guy!), Brian Mickelson and Rachael Pullman, who without hesitation gave of their time to help me become a better photographer.

FOURTH, David Halliday, who aside from being an awesome brother, has spent hours working on the music, and will, no doubt spend plenty more, as he is like his kid sister: a perfectionist.

FIFTH & FINALLY, my family! My dad, who convinced me to make the jump and purchase a DSLR! My mom, who is my biggest fan. Neil's parents, siblings, etc., who have all been nothing but encouarging. My children, who have been very patient practice subjects...

...And Neil, who has been an incredible husband, teacher, supporter and partner. I am amazed by him. He wants this for me just as much as I do, and has shown it both by action and word.

David is planning to write renditions of several of my favorite songs, which I'll eventually add to the site (perhaps in the form of a medley - we haven't decided yet). So far the songs on the list (that I can think of right now) include: 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow', 'What a Wonderful World', 'When You Wish Upon a Star', and 'My Heavenly Father Loves Me' (both David's and my favorite Primary song).

So there you have it! A rough draft of Valeri Andersen Photography! I am open to suggestions, if you have any. Thank you, loved ones, for your support and encouragement. It has truly meant to the world. XOXO.

signautre

9 comments:

stephschmidt said...

WOW! That is awesome! Your photography is amazing, the website looks fantasic, and David's music - WOW! You both are so talented! I love all of it - congratulations!

Mama Jill and Papa Roy said...

There's no such thing as "checking email quickly," a hundred things to do afterwards, when coming upon something so wonderful as this. Oh my! I sat down here - an hour ago? - lost track. I feel I entered a magical kingdom all filled with resplendent miracles.

I think it's already perfect :). In the beginning - oh those faces! I know I'm your mom, but truly you have SUCH talent! David's inspired rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle..." is the perfect accompaniment. I went from category to category growing in growing amazement with each hearing, with every shot.

How wonderful to see these sweet families, precious children, familiar faces surrounded by so much beauty. Congratulations on this evidence of the sweet development of your amazing gifts.

SO proud of you! Can hardly wait to show Dad, who will love it too.

Love love love,
Mama/Gma (and Papa/Gpa too :)

Anonymous said...

Jill, you surely have a lot to be proud of but also so thankful. Your children are so talented and creative. I hope some of that creativity has been passed down to Chloe and Ryan!

Valeri, the website looks wonderful. I just love your pictures...they really are stunning. Thank you for sharing your talents!

Love to you all!
Gma Susie

Anonymous said...

It looks awesome Valeri! Good for you!! I love the song! Congrats to you!

The Barton Family said...

Love it!! You are so talented! It was fun to see some people we know. The JOnes are good friends of ours. We used to double date with Morgan. Tell them we said hi! I need your email address by the way. I went private and need to invite you.
If I promised to feed you sushi everyday, would you come to Japan and take our pictures!?!?! Good luck getting it all done!
bartonbab3@msn.com

Lizzie said...

cool cool cool! i love all your photography, it's so real and inviting. keep up the awesome work girl! :)

BK said...

Valeri, the site looks great. My only suggestion would be, in the gallery sections, if the slideshow is running, it doesn't appear that you can go forward on the right and click on a picture to jump to it...it seems as though you need to pause the slideshow then click on that picture. Just a usability thing, but something that may be worth considering. That was my only thing really.

R A C H A E L said...

So Great!!! I miss you and our little photo talks!!

You have great talent!

Rach

Wendy said...

It's looking great! I like the changes you've made since I last looked at it. So excited for you!