Building your own website

I am setting my self up as a sole trader as a photographer - I currently do it as a hobby.

I would like to keep costs as low as possible to start with but would like a website so I can display my images etc on and give the usual basic details about what i'm offering.

So my question to the org. is can anyone recommend something for me to build my website with i.e dreamweaver etc.

Thanks

It might help others if you say how computer literate you are. If you know your way round HTML/PHP then you can knock one up using notepad. But if your knowledge is little or you prefer to have the software to do the code and you to design it then something like Dreamweaver would be good.

Dreamweaver is about the best tbh.

Although a nice php web script will enable picture uploading/gallery if you don't want to have to manually update it.

I have had a little experience about three years ago of using dreamweaver (very basic) but I did not have the time back then to learn much about HMTL.

I can pick more things computer related up quickly so open to suggestions.

[Dave20046]

I'll be watching this thread with interest, I'm very computer literate and have dreamweaver. I have the same aim.

[SoulKiss]

Dreamweaver - oh dear......................

Dreamweaver is deffinately a good choice.. if your Html knowledgeable then that will get you set up pretty well also

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Dreamweaver - oh dear......................

it's simple! If I could code I would. Unfortunately I'm simple so it suits.

I fail to understand why people don't stick to what they're good at, and outsource everything else.

Instead of writing a page (or a few pages) then hosting it somewhere, all of which will take time (and time costs money); why not use a pre-built solution?

What I'm thinking, is that there are dedicated hosts, and you can simply click a button to install applications that will let you host a photo. These applications can be customised as you see fit pretty much, dependant on your knowledge or the availability of anyone that knows more.

For example, www.godaddy.com, if you sign up for a basic account, it'll cost you a couple of pounds per month tops. The software is then free, and there's no further charges unless you want something extra, or you need more space, or more transfer per month.

Using somewhere like godaddy, you could go from nothing, to owning a domain name, having webspace for that domain name, database backend and have the ability to upload/view photo's within about 10mins. The DNS propagation for the domain name may take a little longer, but recently it's only been about 30mins for me.

If you're interested in a solution like this, post back, and I can give more specific details.

+1 for Dreamweaver, nice and simple to use. Give Samnooshka a PM she's a professional photographer with a fab site (have a look at her sig for the linky)