Website Mistakes I See A Lot
Are you a fashion photographer looking to elevate your online presence? In the latest episode of the Fashion Photography Show, Olivia Bossert—an experienced London-based fashion photographer—dives into the most common mistakes photographers make on their websites and shares actionable tips to fix them. Olivia’s insights come from over a decade in the industry, with credits that include Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and collaborations with top brands like Rixo and Daisy Jewellery.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn in this value-packed episode:
1. Repeating the Same Outfit Too Often
One of the most frequent issues Olivia sees is photographers uploading multiple images of the same outfit. She explains that this dilutes the impact of your work. Instead, choose one standout image per outfit to make a stronger impression—just like you’d see in a magazine editorial.
2. Overcrowded Portfolios
Does your portfolio showcase every photo you’ve ever taken? Less is more when it comes to your website. Olivia recommends keeping your portfolio to 25–30 images max, focusing on your absolute best work. A smaller, curated selection makes a bigger impact than an overwhelming gallery.
3. No About Page
Your About page is often the most-clicked section of your website. People want to know the person behind the lens! Olivia advises including a photo of yourself and a clear, compelling bio. Keep it separate from your contact page to avoid confusing your audience.
4. No Website at All
Relying solely on Instagram? Think again. Olivia shares that 90% of art directors and producers still expect photographers to have a website. A simple site with just a portfolio, about page, and contact page can be incredibly effective—and doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
5. Too Many Pages or Images
Overloading your site with pages and galleries makes navigation frustrating for visitors. Olivia suggests keeping things streamlined with one or two portfolio pages. Simplicity is key to keeping potential clients engaged.
6. Walls of Text
While context can be helpful, Olivia emphasizes avoiding long paragraphs of text, especially above your images. Instead, use concise captions or short descriptions that are easy to skim.
7. Failing to Include Your Location
Where are you based? Surprisingly, many photographers forget to mention this crucial detail. Whether you’re in London, New York, or another market, make it clear on your About page to attract the right clients.
8. Ineffective Contact Pages
Olivia recommends experimenting with your contact page setup. She prefers displaying her email address directly instead of using a form, as it makes reaching out easier for potential clients. Whichever method you choose, ensure it’s simple and accessible.
9. Overly Complex Website Designs
Flashy templates and interactive elements might seem appealing, but they often distract from your work. Olivia encourages keeping your design clean and minimal, with your images as the focal point. A simple website can make a stronger impression than one cluttered with gimmicks.
10. Not Updating Your Website Regularly
Regularly revisit your portfolio to ensure it reflects your best and most current work. As Olivia says, even she struggles with this sometimes—but it’s a crucial habit for staying relevant in the fast-paced fashion industry.
