Flash or HTML? Pop-up galleries? Template or custom-built? Debate about the best website design is the type of self-inflicted torture toward which photographers gravitate.
San Francisco photographer Michael Jang has adopted an unusual solution to the quandary: Turn the problem into strategy. Don't try to stand out. Instead, co-opt the most common of web-based visuals. Jang's new site mimics a Google search page.
"I wanted something different from the usual photo sites we see," said Jang by e-mail, "Especially those using templates."
A photographer's website is his avatar, his business card and his elevator pitch all rolled into one -- and it should sell his brand and deliver his message like a smooth-talking agent. With so much riding on first impressions and usability, Jang took a risk by going with a tongue-in-cheek design.
While he accepts the design might be "a bit too subtle," Jang saw the mock-Google look as a good way to keep visitors on their toes. It's worth noting that Jang has an established reputation after 30 years in the industry, so perhaps he's more at liberty to try a trick like this.
As for the page itself, Jang implemented some customizations. "It is not what it seems," said Jang, "Along the top and right are 'ads' all linking back to photo projects and videos." As expected of any website, Jang provides his e-mail contact, links to his Facebook, Flickr and blog -- all disguised as Google search options in the page header.
Ultimately, Jang intends to cede control of the links featured on his site. "Rather than totally control the content I want more transparency," said Jang. The site "will link to anything about me, so sometimes there might even be threads that are less than complimentary."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments of any other clever photography websites you've seen.
For more on Jang, read Wired.com's interview, "Punk Rock, DIY Access and Secret Success: The Photography of Michael Jang" (October 2009)
