Lay My Hat Forum

HelenB · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 7758 Location: Serre Chevalier

My website has had a bit of a going over recently, I've changed layout and text, added buttons, and removed broken links. Also added some guest comments directly to the apartment page from our Holiday Rentals reviews.
I've got some new photos to take on our next visit, particularly as the interior shots are starting to look a bit tired (or they are to me), and things have changed since they were taken. Some ideas for these would be appreciated.

HelenB · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 7758 Location: Serre Chevalier

No-one with anything to say? Not even you newbies who haven't seen it before?

Oh well.

wallypott · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:10 am Post subject:

Helen it is fantastic. I thought the only disappointment is that there aren't more apartments to look at! It left me wanting more. Well done.

Just one thing - your terrace shot looks a bit cramped to me (but I know nothing about anything), but it does show all the other things you have.

Polly

Maurmc · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:52 am Post subject:

Well done Helen on a great website!

I'm no expert, so I'm looking at this as a potential guest. There is lots of information, but in small chunks, broken up with photos, so it isn't information overload.

It's made easy for guests to book and find out your rates because of the link on every page. I find it a very "user-friendly" site and your great reviews would have anyone rushing to book!

Two comments
1. On the home page, the link to the Serre Che Winter page (between the two photos) didn't work for me. Other links work fine.

2. When I exited from looking at photos on picasa web, I had exited your website! Maybe I pressed the "wrong x", but I did it twice and it would be a shame to lose potential guests this way!

You have put a lot of work and thought into this site, well done you!
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HelenB · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 7758 Location: Serre Chevalier

Thank you

. I'll look at the photo galleries later as they are opening in a separate page for me. I am using Firefox, which browser were you using?

HelenB · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 7758 Location: Serre Chevalier

Polly, I agree about the terrace shot being crowded. One of the ones on my list to be retaken. The other ones I have make it look bare too.
We've bought some new loungers and I am off to Ikea in a moment to buy some planters to hook onto the wooden screen. A few geraniums will soon make it nice. I'm thinking of some herbs too. Suggestions from Alpine property owners as to what will survive the winter?

Maurmc · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:30 am Post subject:

I was using Internet Explorer. I have Firefox also, tried it there and same thing happened!
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Apartment Mil Palmeras

Windy · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 1963 Location: Windermere UK

Looks very smart and professional Helen

I'd be tempted to give the YHM logo a white background as the word "approved" looks a bit blurry as it is.
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Mouse · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 3224 Location: Ibiza, Balearics

I liked it very much...especially the 'logo' of sun and snowflakes. I'd carry that through to all your correspondance too.

The photos are comprehensive and through them I felt I got to know every area of the property. I also liked the information you had on the local area...as Maurmc said, all in bite-sized chunks. Plus the way you allowed your 'guests' to sell us the place.

Mouse
x
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Jimbo · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 2092 Location: Perigord noir

Windy · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 1963 Location: Windermere UK

Jimbo

A purely personal reaction

I think you've improved the last two but the snow shots look better blue than green to my eye. Mind you the second looks better without the shadow and the first is improved by the lightening up. Smile

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HelenB · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 7758 Location: Serre Chevalier

Thanks Jim, sorry but I don't like the top one either, the trees are just too green, the forest is mainly larch, so turns brown in winter.
And of course I'm still talking to you, I can accept criticism when it's due, particularly when it is constructive.

e-richard · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 1824 Location: Algarve, Portugal

Since you didn't like Jim's top one, here's another way to "improve" a photo without using photoshop.

I haven't touched the colour of the photo, but compare these:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

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Mouse · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 3224 Location: Ibiza, Balearics

Is it the contrast? I always check that out on the photos I use...it oftenmakes them sharper.

No expert Mouse
x
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paolo · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 3346 Location: Provence, France

Helen, it looks very good. I always like to see a view looking out from a property so I know what the setting is. It doesn't have to be a stunning view, it is just reassuring to see there isn't a multi-storey carpark opposite.
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