Homepage Opens With Images Or Galleries? Which Do You Prefer And Why.

Good morning Geoff.
Galleries. Because it is easier to engage a person's attention when they are perusing a subject/ style of their choice.

In images... they may lose interest if the first few rows are not of their preference.

I agree with Janine. Also, if the last images you upload are similar to one another, you may lose the viewer's interest as well.

I'm set up to go directly to galleries, because items may not be loaded/created by a theme.

galleries....most online resources only get one page to make that impression....show the most variety with your galleries.

always start with galleries, the last thing you want is for people to wade through a pile of disorganized images. just make sure the gallery looks good and is sorted well (and doesn't repeat too many times).

---Mike Savad

Personally, I use galleries. One big advantage of using the images option, though, is that you can rearrange and put your very best upfront, which would alleviate a potential client from having to switch between galleries.

It's all personal preference.

Thanks guys! Makes perfect sense!
Geoff

Thanks for starting this discussion.
I didn't even realize I had that option.
Makes sense to me too. I've changed mine to galleries also

Galleries, but remember to put the image that is your gallery logo first in line. Many times I spy a gallery logo image that draws me in, and I want to comment on that image, but when I open the gallery, I can't find it -- might be buried toward the end, and then I'll just move on.

Galleries. I can not stand to go to someones site and wade through a thousand randomly placed images. I usually give up after three pages.

One more question. Should images that cross over more than one category be placed in multiple galleries? You guys give such good advice I could not resist asking.

Hmm.. how do you make this switch? I've been wondering

Cascade colors when you open default settings in " behind the scenes" it is the first item you choose at the top of the page.

Ok, thanks Geoff!

Hi, Geoff,

I put crossover images in more than one gallery -- but never more than three galleries -- one of which is usually my 'Recently Released' gallery. I only show my latest two dozen images there, so individual pictures drop off quickly. That means most crossover images end up in two galleries, which I think is the perfect number. I don't want visitors running into the same image so often they get tired of seeing it! :-)

Also, I usually don't put my 'logo' image first in a gallery, but try to position it within the first few rows. I like a visitor to see a few more of my images when they go looking for that logo image -- but not so many that they get frustrated.

Definitely galleries. Once you have more than a few pages of images it's just too difficult to organize the images individually. I try to keep the logo image in the first two to three rows of the gallery so a buyer can find it quickly but like Wendy I want them to go through a few images before finding it.

I sometimes put pictures in multiple galleries. I have a Gallery of Italy, I have a Gallery of Churches. And if the church happens to be in Italy (and there are a few churches there) I put them in both. Seems logical....

Mine opens to the galleries - it's too much of a hassle to keep re-arranging the images.

Galleries. People can search within each one and ignore the ones they aren't interested in. It's neater and more organized.

Images. Short of the long, that is the default for InstaPrints and it syncs with all my other FAA sites. I have found from this, at least for me, that when I post my best ( from the collectors perspective ) or my newest on top, those get clicked on and then they find their way to galleries. This is based on studying my visits everyday.

I would have to be the odd one to say I prefer images. I tried galleries for awhile but then I noticed while some logos for galleries lure me in, many many more look unappealing as they just don't speak to me. There is one artist that has beautiful art but his gallery logos are the worst I've ever seen. I noticed after a bit of time that my own logo images grated on my nerves. It was like I had to look at the same painting over and over. I better go change those right away! By putting everything in galleries, I can somewhat organize better, but what I want others to see when they pull up my name is the work that I do over and over. If they get the wrong impression on my first twenty that is okay, my style is what it is. I don't think it changes after five, twenty or a hundred images.

Geoff,

My galleries are organised by format, rather than subject, because people are filling a hole on the wall. Most people will know if they need horizontal or vertical. There's no need for me to have them in multiples; however, because I have created 'Gift ideas for Her/Him' galleries, that is my rare exception.

Have fun!

I'm glad Lisa mentioned more about logos. Which reminded me to say . . .

I change my logos (some or all) frequently. It's like changing the display in a store window, and keeps things looking fresh -- especially for repeat visitors.

Oh thank you, Wendy. I guess that is the trick. It's a lot of work but well worth the effort and what isn't effort in the world of art?

I think it depends on how many images you have. If you have a TON of images, the galleries option is a great way to keep organized. If you don't have many images, it's probably not as important to sub-categorize...

I use galleries and put images into multiple ones that apply.

Great discussion! Thanks everybody I learned a lot!
Geoff

Hi Geoff! Good question. I've been told that most members like to display their 'Galleries, but I agree with Lisa & Frank, preferring images. Just a personal thing. I like putting some of my favorites on the first couple of pages...and finish with some good one as well. I have such a variety being both artists & photographer. And I like to display them creatively. Usually, when I check out other's work, I enjoy seeing a sampling of their images, first. Then, if I like what is showing there, I will click on their 'Galleries' tab to see more of what I'm interested in. I also tell potential buyers to check out my 'Galleries' when they come calling. Good to 'see' you! Have a great day.
Oh, and yes to your last question, I do put certain images in more than one gallery. Good luck!

Images.
I do a lot of photos, so to keep galleries up to date I would have to be constantly updating the galleries.
Too much work for little reward

Sorry for my English :-D

Great discussion. I just switched mine to galleries. :)
Thanks!

What Ally said. Because I only have four images, it's in my best interest to direct viewers to my images page. I'll switch over to Gallery view once/if I have enough images to justify it! ;-)

I will be switching back to images. That way I can put the best from all galleries on the first few pages. There is an option for the viewer to select galleries. There is no proof on my part that the gallery option sell better.