Web project

[clevadog]

Hello all,
We're working on a project (hoping to launch imminently) for photographers to show and sell their work online, but we really need input from people in the business. We have commerical printing facilities here so we're thinking of offering printing, dispatch, card processing etc.

Basically, I was wondering whether people have any thoughts on what they'd like on such a site and what they feel is a fair rate for us to charge? We were considering free with ads or pay for without? How about a whole virtual gallery website? We also have a 3D gallery project we've been working on. Would that be useful?

I'd be very grateful of any input.

Thanks,
David.

[clevadog]

Any ideas?

[twalker294]

What are you planning on offering that the dozens of other sites that already do this aren't?

[clevadog]

Yep, we know there are loads. But we have a couple of (it would appear) differences...

Firstly, although there are a couple of photo selling sites, there aren't that many which allow photographers a hands off approach. Customers will be able to order on the site, pay (without any payment service branding such as PayPal) and we'll print, package and dispatch the work. It'll look like it's all come from the photographer's own website. I'm aware of one or two that do something slightly similar, but they tend to me more restrictive in what they can print and a bit logo enthusiastic. Initialliy, we'll be printing A4 to A0 canvas prints, backlight films, a range of papers etc.

We've also been working on a generated 3D gallery, where customers can wander around looking at the photos which are automatically arranged when uploaded to the site. One of the big issues of this is not making it look naff. Initially it'll be in VRML, but we're working on our own client with graphics more like game quality.

Otherwise, we're covering the basics at the moment. But if you've any suggestions that you're not finding elsewhere, we'd be very keen to here them. I've been trying to arrange a few chats with local photographers to see what they think and to get ideas. I'm into photography (at a very novice level I must admit), so I was arguing for a free option because I'd probably have a go at selling a couple if I had nothing to lose. I can give more details if anyone's interested, but I'm concerned not to make this into an advert!!!

Thanks for your help,
David.