10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die

10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die

If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of things you’ve owned for years. While digging through your closet, you find an old pair of pants you used to wear all the time despite the growing holes in the knees. But you tell yourself, “Maybe I’ll wear them around the house when it gets warmer” or “I bet the grunge look will come back in style”.


It’s easy to make these kinds of justifications in web design and development, too. You think:



“I’ve used the keyword meta tag for as long as I can remember. What can it hurt to keep doing so?”


Similar to how your clothes may become outdated or your appliances obsolete over time, the same thing happens with design and development trends. Rather than hold onto techniques that no longer serve you and only add more to your workload, it’s a much better idea to clear them out and make way for modern trends that’ll have a greater impact.


10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die


When we talk about outdated web design trends, we’re not just talking about ones that have been obsolete for years. We’re also referring to trends and techniques that we know for a fact compromise the user experience and need to go away ASAP.


1. Cheesy Stock Photos


There’s nothing inherently bad about using stock photos. Many clients don’t have the budgets or wherewithal to create their own company photos and stock photos are a viable alternative.


That said, there was a time when “bad” (i.e. super cheesy and unrealistic) stock photos were all the rage. Even today, you’ll find websites that use these kinds of photos because there’s still an assumption that two people shaking hands in a well-lit conference room signals trust. (It doesn’t.)



Image via DepositPhotos.


2. Hero Sliders


Image slider technology was pretty great in its heyday. It allowed web designers to conserve space while displaying a number of promotional offers at once. In addition to sliders often slowing down page speeds, they also have a tendency to slow users down as they distract them from moving onto other parts of a website.


Verizon Wireless, for instance, has a great example of a strong but simple hero image design in 2019:



This is vastly different from the image slider it used back in 2013:



For the most part, we’ve learned to be more efficient with this space, though there are still some websites that can’t make up their minds about which offer to show above the fold… which only makes it more difficult for visitors to decide next steps. Take the initiative and do it for them with a single hero banner.


3. Autoplay


It’s not common to find websites with background audio, let alone autoplay audio, these days. That said, what you do occasionally find are websites that automatically play videos or ads with audio. Needless to say, this needs to stop. If your video (or audio) players don’t allow your visitors to take control of when they start, change that up now.


4. The 3-Click Rule


Over the years, web designers have looked for ways to decrease friction in the user experience. The three-click rule was meant to be one of the ways to do this. However, according to a recent report from the Nielsen Norman Group, there’s never been any data to back up this claim:



“In fact, a study by Joshua Porter has debunked it; the study showed that user dropoff does not increase when the task involves more than 3 clicks, nor does satisfaction decrease. Limiting interaction cost is indeed important, but the picture is more complicated than simply counting clicks and having a rule of thumb for the maximum number allowed.”


Rather than minimize for minimization’s sake, consider the complexity of the task or funnel you’re designing when determining quantity of steps.


5. (External) Links That Open in the Same Tab


There are a number of reasons to add links to your content: for navigational purposes, promotional purposes, and referential purposes. But when you add a hyperlink to your text, consider the following: Is it okay if the link directs visitors to a page in this same browser tab?


External links, for instance, should always open in a new browser tab. Your goal in designing a website is to get more visitors to convert. Letting an external link replace your website in the open tab will only decrease the chances of that happening. In some cases, internal links shouldn’t be opened in the same tab either. So, be sure to think about this the next time you add a link to your site.


6. Non-Traditional Scrolling


Although we’ve become accustomed to swipe gestures in mobile apps, horizontal and other non-traditional scrolling isn’t something that’s caught on with websites. While it’s definitely a design trend that helped many businesses set themselves apart from the pack a few years back, it’s just too gimmicky to use these days.


Robby Leonardi’s interactive resume website was one of the first I remember seeing and it was a brilliant way to capture attention — especially from those of us who grew up with Mario.



But today? Any sort of non-traditional scrolling is just impractical and unnecessary. Even Robby’s current website has broken up this side-scrolling design and turned it into a vertical-scrolling page:



If you want to keep visitors engaged with your website in this day and age, don’t make them figure out how to scroll through your website. 


7. Keyword Meta Tag


For years (we’re talking nearly a decade), the keyword meta tag has not been supported by popular search engines. Despite knowing that the meta tag is useless, some designers still take the time to add it in. But why bother if it’s an extra step that gets you nothing in return?


8. Bad Pop-ups


Although pop-ups have undergone an evolution over the years — from the super-annoying pop-up ads that appeared outside the browser to the ever-present privacy notices we now see thanks to GDPR. While there is certainly some value in using pop-ups on a website, there are just too many kinds of bad pop-ups that need to disappear.


“Bad” pop-ups are ones that:


  • Show up too early on a website (like the second someone enters it);

  • Appear too many times during a single or return visit;

  • Send users to Facebook Messenger to collect their lead magnet and then bombard them with messages there;

  • Contain two buttons. Users that accept the offer, get a friendly message. Those that don’t are served up aggressive or shame-inducing language;

  • Repeat an offer that’s already designed into the website as a promotional banner.

9. Slow-Loading Websites


Mobile websites are notoriously difficult to optimize for speed when compared to their desktop counterparts. Unlike in years past where you could’ve rationalized away speed optimizations for mobile, today, it needs to be a priority with Google’s mobile-first indexing. PWAs are one way to give your mobile site an instant speed boost.


On a related note, by designing a PWA instead of a mobile-responsive website, you’d be able to cater to users with poor or no wi-fi connectivity — a segment that’s often been overlooked in web design.


10. Flash


I cannot believe I’m having to include this last one in 2019, but it seems there are still websites using the Flash Player.


Adobe has already told us that it would be cutting support for Flash next year. Web browsers are starting to remove their support for Flash players as well. And good riddance. Flash has long had issues with security flaws and usability issues.


If you’re trying to hold out on this (or your clients are dragging their feet), keep in mind that this is what visitors will see on many browsers in 2020 and beyond:



Bottom line: If the creator of Flash is pulling support, you need to do the same for any of your websites that still use it.


Wrap-Up


It’s easy to get wrapped up in what the next big thing is in web design — AR tech, typography trends, color gradients, etc. But what about all of those trends and techniques that have become a habit over the years?


Rather than hold onto outdated design strategies that will only hinder your progress as a web designer and hold your clients’ websites back, start shedding these obsolete (or soon-to-be obsolete) practices now.


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http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of things you’ve owned for years. While digging through your closet, you find an old pair of pants you used to wear all the time despite the growing holes in the knees. If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get

2019 Gift Guide: Tech

2019 Gift Guide: Tech


When it comes to the most desired gifts, tech gear regularly ranks high in the “want it” department. But unless your recipient has made it crystal clear about which exact device they prefer, shopping for tech gifts can devolve into a dizzying comparison of specs and prices. That’s why we’ve gathered a selection of tech gift recommendations below representing elevated design balanced with everyday practicality – tech intended to be used daily and appreciated for its looks, feel, and functions, whether on or off.



Beosound Stage \ $1,750

Bang & Olufsen’s first soundbar took a long time coming, but they’ve made the wait worth it with a design delivering the audiophile quality, plug-and-play output delivered via HDMI ARC (or Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth streaming). An array of four woofers in an eleven-driver setup hides behind the KVADRAT fabric front, with a Dolby Atmos ready three-channel system wrapped with natural aluminum, bronze tone aluminum, smoked oak wood finished in Scandinavian fashion.



Courant Carry \ $150

Did you happen to catch the story warning why you should never use airport USB charging stations? Give one of these fast wireless charging and wirelessly rechargeable Qi-certified power banks to the person with upper echelon frequent mileage status and tell them, “stay safe, my friend.”



Slash Objects Rubber Deskmat and Mousepad \ $72 + $32

Consider this pick a tech-adjacent recommendation, a terrazzo flecked rubber desk mat and mouse pad set that with splash any work surface with color and texture while also delineating your work surface with a softer and safer spot to use your favorite tech devices upon.



Cambridge Audio Alva TT Turntable \ $1,700

Setting up a turntable for the uninitiated can prove challenging, which makes the all-in-one Alva TT a great gift for someone who wants to enjoy vinyl but doesn’t care for delving into the world of cables and pre-amps. The minimalist deck comes equipped with Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless audio streaming, which means it can be placed anywhere instead of being leashed to speakers and other componentry (the option to connect to a pre-amp is there too).



Pablo Pixo \ $250

If the task at hand is to bring a little light and joy to the workspace, we think the 360° swiveling light design of the Pixo is a top lighting pick with a design that elevates it into the realm of “gift-worthy” (also available in a wall-mount version and in a variety of colors). Its 6W LED energy efficiency is pragmatic, but so too is its welcome integration of a USB port at its base for charging mobile devices.



Apple AirPods Pro \ $249

Count us as skeptics turned converts, the new AirPods Pro are amongst our favorite travel accessories of the year. Not only has Apple improved the previous AirPods with active noise cancellation delivering an impressive degree of crowd noise dimming tech in a very compact form factor and also added a “Transparency mode” for those moments when ambient sounds are welcome, but the fit has also improved, noticeably more comfortable for a wider range of ear canals. The charging case is only a little bit wider, but these “pro” editions deliver all of the simplicity and convenience of the previous AirPods but with better sound and fit.



Microsoft Surface Pro X \ Starts at $999

If your intended holiday gift recipient is a technological first adopter type who travels often, and harbors a penchant for Windows, the slim and lightweight ARM-based Surface Pro X currently offers the ultimate expression of portable computing in the most elegant form factor. Beyond its beautiful 2,880 x 1,920 resolution display, our favorite detail is the inclusion of a small integrated stowaway dock for the new Surface Pen Slim, a feature that tends to evoke delighted oohs and ahhs the first time its revealed, but genuinely appreciated for its functional ability to keep the stylus tucked somewhere safe.



Sonos Move \ $399

It was only a matter of time before network audio specialists Sonos took their speaker game outdoors, and the Move debuts as a surprisingly large and in charge weatherproof portable speaker intended to easily transition from indoor use to the outdoors, all without being leashed to any cables or wires, or loss in clarity or volume. An integrated handle makes the battery power unit ergonomic and comfortable to carry around, with two Class-D digital amplifiers powering the Move’s tweeter and midwoofer for more than sufficient output, whether enjoyed indoors or out. We also greatly appreciate Sonos making the rechargeable battery user replaceable. Sonos remains the simplest and most elegant multi-speaker ecosystem available today, and the Move is ideally gifted to someone already invested in their products, but would also make a fancy introductory model.



PUNKT AC01 Alarm clock \ $165

The Swiss company is renowned for their aesthetically executed line of anti-smartphones intended to appeal to users seeking only the essential features of staying connected, rather than being overwhelmed by options. Similarly, their line of analog alarm clocks are minimalist objects of design, distilled to its most important features: time, alarm, snooze, and light. Give this solid aluminum and scratch-resistant glass alarm clock to the person who subscribes to the school of Dieter Rams and Marc Newsom, and tell them you thought it was “about time” they had an alarm clock designed to last a lifetime.



IKEA FYRTUR blackout automated roller blind \ Starting at $129

On a scale of 1-10, roller blinds would normally rank a “2” on the gift scale. But IKEA has done something notable, delivering automated battery-operated blackout shades at a considerably more affordable price compared to the competition and also made them smart home compatible (once integrated with their TRÅDFRI gateway). Surreptitiously install one of these on the night before Christmas and expect some wide-eyed delight when the windows open the next morning.



NuType F1 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard \ Starting at $100

Touted as a portable mechanical keyboard designed to sit and fit across a wide range of laptops, we’ve found the F1 wireless keyboard so ASMR-satisfying in use, it has won a place on our desktop too. The short travel Kaihua choc switches are 42% shorter than the standard mechanical switches, producing a most agreeable clickety-clack. We swear our productivity has improved because of the tactile and aural feedback, and the keyboard’s ability to pair with up to three different devices via Bluetooth, makes this a solid gift choice for someone whose workflow jumps from device to device.



http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk When it comes to the most desired gifts, tech gear regularly ranks high in the “want it” department. But unless your recipient has made it crystal clear about which exact device they prefer, shopping for tech gifts can devolve into a dizzying comparison of specs and prices. When it comes to the most desired gifts, tech gear regularly ranks high in the “want

Winter Hat Door Hanging

Winter Hat Door Hanging

DIY winter door hanging

Sometimes the most beautiful DIY decor ideas can be put together with materials you have around your home. That was the case with this creative yet beautiful winter hat door hanging. See our Christmas Votive Holders for more DIY inspiration for the holidays, then use the canning lids leftover to make this adorable Mason Jar


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The post Winter Hat Door Hanging appeared first on Crafts by Amanda.

http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Sometimes the most beautiful DIY decor ideas can be put together with materials you have around your home. That was the case with this creative yet beautiful winter hat door hanging. Sometimes the most beautiful DIY decor ideas can be put together with materials you

These are the best DSLRs you can buy in 2019

These are the best DSLRs you can buy in 2019

We've updated our recommendations for the best DSLRs at a range of price points. From entry-level to semi-pro, we've highlighted the cream of the crop.

http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk We've updated our recommendations for the best DSLRs at a range of price points. From entry-level to semi-pro, we've highlighted the cream of the crop. We've updated our recommendations for the best DSLRs at a range of price points. From

Dark Mode Looks Good, But Is It Actually Hurting You?

Dark Mode Looks Good, But Is It Actually Hurting You?

Over the last few years, everyone’s been talking about Dark Mode. It’s said to boost productivity and focus while reducing eye strain. It’s also supposed to be better for your battery life.


But is that the whole story?


Research into the matter suggests that Dark Mode might not be so healthy for us after all. Today, I want to take a look at what the data suggests and how you can use this information to determine how and when Dark Mode should be used.


Dark Mode is everywhere: Twitter has it; Slack does, too; Mac users can get it; Sketch has a Dark Mode; Atom comes with it out of the box; and Chrome allows its users to choose what kind of dark mode they use.


Like I said, it’s in a lot of places where we work. The question is, though, is it a good idea to use it?


Here’s what we know:


1. Polarity Affects Legibility


Polarity, in web design, refers to the contrast between the typography and the background it sits on. Positive polarity is when black text appears on a white background and negative polarity is when white text appears on a black background.


A number of studies in recent years prove that positive polarity is best for legibility.


Study #1: In 2013, researchers set out to determine how polarity affected the act of proofreading. What they found was that positive polarity provided an easier reading experience, especially with smaller font sizes (they tested fonts between 8 and 14 pts). They attribute this enhanced legibility to the brighter luminance of the white background.


Study #2: In 2014, researchers wanted to test whether or not it really was luminance that affected legibility. To determine this, they studied subjects’ pupil sizes as they read positive polarity and negative polarity texts. Those who read positive polarity text had smaller pupils. And because smaller pupils sharpen one’s ability to perceive finer details, the study proved that positive polarity leads to a better, more accurate reading experience.


Study #3: In 2016, further research was done into the matter. This time, their focus was on glance-like conditions (like while driving a car or, say, glancing at a line of code you just wrote). The results of the study showed that negative polarity in a dark ambient environment made it the most difficult to read. Only the positive polarity environments (in both dark and brightly illuminated areas) were ideal.


Bottom Line


Black text on a white background provides the optimal reading experience. If for some reason you prefer the Dark Mode interface, only use it when you don’t have much reading to do and accuracy isn’t an absolutely must.


2. Some Medical Professionals Don’t Believe It Has Any Effect


It’s not just researchers that have taken an interest in the validity of Dark Mode’s health benefits. Medical professionals are getting in on the conversation, too.


Ophthalmologist Dr. Euna Koo spoke to CNN Business about this subject and said:



I do not think dark mode affects eye health in any way given the data that is out there in the literature. The duration of use is likely much more important than the mode or the intensity of the brightness of the device when it comes to the effect of this dark mode on eye fatigue and potentially eye health.


Ophthalmology Director of Modernizing Medicine, Dr. Michael B. Rivers, echoed that sentiment in a recent Forbes article:



While bright light in the evening is known to disrupt circadian rhythms, there’s no real evidence that white font on a dark screen is easier to read than the reverse.


Wired rounded up the opinions of a couple professors of human-computer interaction from UCL. This is what Anna Cox had to say about the relationship between Dark Mode and productivity:



Unfortunately, externally driven distractions don’t just disappear by changing their colour, and internally driven distractions aren’t inhibited by looking at something dark.


So, if doctors and professors are coming forward to debunk the myth that Dark Mode helps with visibility and concentration, we should probably listen to them.


3. It Might Be Affecting Your Mood


This one I don’t have as solid proof for, though I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more studies done on this in the coming years. Here’s what I do know:


The deprivation of light can change how our brains work and can lead to greater levels of depression. For those of you who’ve lived in a place like Seattle before, you know what I’m talking about.


Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is a condition that causes people to feel tired, unmotivated, and depressed…all because of a lack of exposure to light. This is especially problematic in parts of the world where the days are short and the sun only comes out a couple months of the year.


I can attest to this. It took just one year of living in Seattle before I had to see my doctor about the extreme fatigue and depression I was experiencing. She and a couple other medical professionals I talked to all said the same thing: “Oh, that’s normal. We’re all depressed here. Get a SAD lamp.” (Basically, because there is no sunshine to naturally wake your body up or to help rejuvenate you throughout the day, your circadian rhythms get all messed up. And a SAD lamp emulates that boost of light you’re missing throughout the day.)


Considering what we know about blue light and its disruptive effects on melatonin and sleep, I can’t help but wonder if these same blue light-emitting screens can help us stay awake and focused during the day. If that’s the case, Dark Mode — at least when used in excess — might actually be hurting our productivity and alertness.


Wrap-Up


As more of the tools we use to do business with offer up a Dark Mode option, should we take it?


Based on what the research and professionals are saying, I don’t think so. It seems like Dark Mode is more of an aesthetic choice than one you’d make because it’s going to improve how effective you are at work.


And, hey, if you prefer the sleek and subdued look of Dark Mode and find that it doesn’t have any adverse effects on you, have at it. That said, if you’re wondering why you can’t stay focused or awake at your computer, a better option might be to stick with the traditional white screen and adhere to smarter work practices: take frequent breaks from the screen, get outside, and work during your most productive hours.


 


Featured image via Unsplash.


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http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Over the last few years, everyone’s been talking about Dark Mode. It’s said to boost productivity and focus while reducing eye strain. It’s also supposed to be better for your battery life. But is that the whole story? Research into the matter suggests that Dark Mode might not be so healthy for us after all. Over the last few years, everyone’s been talking about Dark Mode. It’s said to boost

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese: French Sensibility in the Italian Capital

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese: French Sensibility in the Italian Capital


Following an extensive renovation by French interior designer and architect Jean Philippe Nuel, the newly reopened Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is a classic retreat for design-forward senses in the heart of Rome.


The upscale hotel is walking distance from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps ,and the Pantheon, yet you might still forget what country you’re in. This is because as you step in the hotel, staff greets you with Bonjours and Bonsoirs. Such is the Sofitel tradition of blending each destination with a French art de vivre – the French hospitality chain is the foremost ambassador of modern French luxury. Macarons at check-in, design touches by renowned French architect Jean Philippe Nuel, and toiletries by French company Hermès in the rooms are all part of the Sofitel touch, blending local hospitality with a French cadence.


Inspired by the lighting of the streets of Paris during the reign of Louis XIV, the hotel also features an elegant candle ritual. Giant candles outside the entrance are lit at sunset to welcome guests back from their romps and into their private rooms.




The beds are plush and absolutely comfortable thanks to the brand’s Sofitel MyBed Collection. Personally, I think these are some of the best beds I’ve ever slept in. I was glad to find out from research that it’s possible to purchase one of these heaven-on-a-bed mattresses and pillows directly on Sofitel’s site. As I scoured reviews, this one stuck out: purchasing the MyBed “makes my home feel like Sofitel and when I’m in Sofitel I feel I’m at home.”



7th floor Settimo (rated 9.9/10 on The Fork) is helmed by Executive Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio and provides a birds eye view of the Villa Borghese gardens across the road – come for breakfast and then later for dinner to see Rome in two different lights. You’ll also want to try the restaurant’s Roman classic, cacio e pepe, as well as the Roman street food staple, the suppli.


Champagne bar





What: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Where: Via Lombardia 47, 00187 Rome, Italy
How much? Room prices start at USD $375
Highlights: An upscale hotel by Jean Philippe Nuel combines Renaissance-looking ceiling frescos and a traditional sunset candle-lighting ceremony at the entrance with lush tropical plants, eclectic furniture, and modern amenities.
Book it: Visit Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese



http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Following an extensive renovation by French interior designer and architect Jean Philippe Nuel, the newly reopened Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is a classic retreat for design-forward senses in the heart of Rome. The upscale hotel is walking distance from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps ,and the Pantheon, yet you might still forget what country you’re in. Following an extensive renovation by French interior designer and architect Jean

33 Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults and Kids

33 Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults and Kids

25 Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults and Kids, by Amanda Formaro of Crafts by Amanda

In my opinion Thanksgiving crafts, whether they are adult crafts or for kids, just don’t get the attention they deserve. I mean, Halloween goes all out and the opportunities for projects is massive. But after that there are only two short months until Christmas, so Thanksgiving only gets a few weeks to try and grab your


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The post 33 Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults and Kids appeared first on Crafts by Amanda.

http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk In my opinion Thanksgiving crafts, whether they are adult crafts or for kids, just don’t get the attention they deserve. I mean, Halloween goes all out and the opportunities for projects is massive. In my opinion Thanksgiving crafts, whether they are adult crafts or for kids, just

Tea Bottle Turkey

Tea Bottle Turkey
Gobble gobble! Adorable Tea Bottle Turkey craft idea for Thanksgiving.

Gobble gobble! Raise your hand if you’re getting excited about the upcoming holidays! Thanksgiving crafts are always a favorite around here. I love turkey crafts for Thanksgiving and today we have a brand new one...


The post Tea Bottle Turkey appeared first on Smart School House.

https://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Gobble gobble! Raise your hand if you’re getting excited about the upcoming holidays! Thanksgiving crafts are always a favorite around here. I love turkey crafts for Thanksgiving and today we have a brand new one... The post Tea Bottle Turkey appeared first on Smart School House. Gobble gobble! Raise your hand if you’re getting excited about the upcoming holidays!

Here’s How a Sneak Peek Can Make You More Successful

Here’s How a Sneak Peek Can Make You More Successful

See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts! (Featuring: ANDREA DE LA CRUZ, IN COMMON PHOTOGRAPHY)



Imagine that you’re sitting at a diner, and you order a cold, creamy milkshake. The waiter returns with a tall glass of… cherries? And you’re left thinking, “Cherries are great and all, but WHERE IS MY HECKIN MILKSHAKE?”


Now imagine this: the milkshake is your photography. And the cherries? They’re all the little extras you give your clients: the hand-written thank-you notes, the mini bottles of champagne with your logo on the label, the personalized Greetabl gifts…


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

We love it when photographers give their clients cherries – and clients love it, too. But you don’t want to become so invested in the cherries that you neglect the milkshake; that you keep piling on the fun extras, but the core of your business – the photography – is an afterthought.


We want to help you make the best milkshake EVER, with the right balance of shake to cherries. We’re talking about a photo-centric client experience that will keep them coming back for more.


Keep reading.


How to Make a Killer Milkshake


“I waited more than three months to see one single image from my wedding.” Florida photographer Andrea De La Cruz is describing her own photography experience. “I wish my photographer had sent me at least two to three pictures to hold me over – just a small sneak peek!”


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
Andrea De La Cruz courtesy of In Common Photography

Now, Andrea’s experience with her wedding photographer informs the way she treats her own photography clients. “By the time I got my wedding pictures, I didn’t even care anymore. And I don’t want my clients to have that experience.”


How does Andrea maintain her quality standards and quickly get photos to her eager clients? It all comes down to one simple ingredient:


The Sneak Peek


Photographs are the heart of what you do. And there’s no better way to get that heart thumping than to deliver a breathtaking sneak peek to each client. You read that right: a sneak peek of your clients photos is more important than custom-branded caramels or a gift card to Starbucks.


Andrea delivers her sneak peeks quickly and efficiently using two failsafe techniques:


  1. Her camera’s built-in WiFi

  2. Simple editing apps on her smartphone

See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

Make Use of Your Camera’s Wifi


Most modern professional cameras are WiFi-enabled, meaning they can generate their own WiFi signal and connect to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This allows you to send photos directly from the card in your camera to your device.


“Before I even start my car after a shoot, I’m looking through my photos and sending my favorites to my phone,” Andrea says. “I do a quick edit and send the sneak peak to my clients, and they absolutely love it!”


Editing Apps are a Pro Photographer’s BFF


You probably do your editing in Lightroom, or even outsource your post-production to an editing company. But before you dig into your heavy-duty culling and color-correction, you can use an easy editing app to make quick adjustments to your sneak peak images. These are some of our favorite editing apps:


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

PRO TIP: Sneak Peek Quality Control


Try to match your mobile editing style to your final editing style as closely as possible. It’s also a great idea to remind your clients, “This is just a sneak peek, so the images aren’t print quality. Feel free to share them on social media, though! You can tag me at _______ …”



A Little Extra “Oomph” for Wedding Sneak Peeks


“For my weddings clients, I go a step further and make a little sneak peek slideshow using Animoto,” shares Andrea. “It’s great because Animoto slideshows are super-shareable. So even if it’s just a sneak peek of 10 to 15 photos, my clients always share their slideshow – which just gets my name out there even more!”


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

Not Offering Sneak Peeks? Here’s Why You Should.


Capitalize on your clients’ excitement.


Immediately after a shoot, your clients are at their most excited to see their images. Think of the sneak peek as a shot glass-sized milkshake. Now they’ll be even more excited for the full glass!


Reassure your clients that they are, in fact, totally photogenic.


Most folks feel nervous about being photographed, and many actually believe they’ll look terrible in their photos. A sneak peek will reenforce the fact that you know what you’re doing, and you made photos that make them look fantastic.


Control what your clients see and share.


When you curate a sneak peek, you also take charge of what your clients see first – and what they’ll wind up sharing with friends and family. This empowers you to maintain control over your brand with only your very best work on display.


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography


Get shares early and often.


Don’t waste days (or weeks) waiting to post a blog post or send a full gallery. Make the most of every minute to enjoy some word-of-mouth advertising. Your clients will excitedly share their sneak peek photos, increasing your social media followers and earning you new potential clients.


Buy yourself that much-needed editing time.


Whether you outsource or DIY, it takes time to properly edit a full shoot, and clients are notoriously impatient. You’re much less likely to get those “are my photos ready NOW?” questions if you:


  1. include a clear delivery timeline in your contract, and

  2. send a sneak peek ASAP

Happy clients spend more on prints and products.


People spend money on things that make them feel good. Supercharge those good feelings by delivering sneak peeks that are fast, fun, and evocative of all the things that matter most to your clients. Later on, when the final files are ready, your print sales will thank you!


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

Sneak Peeks: Keeping Spirits High


No, not those spirits, and no, not that kind of high. We’re talking about the excited energy you and your clients feel about their photographs!


Andrea vows to always put herself in her clients’ shoes, and to make sure they receive the best possible customer service at all times.


“The sneak peek makes my clients so happy,” she says. “Then they’re even more excited when they get their ShootProof gallery – and the way they purchase prints and digital images shows it!”


Start with Your Favorites. End with Theirs!


When you deliver your clients’ ShootProof gallery, encourage them to make use of Favorites. “I’ve shown you my favorites. Now show me yours!” Not only do Favorites help you hone your portfolio, but you can also convert a Favorites collection into a nifty Mobile App so your clients’ best-loved images are always at their fingertips.


See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts!
In Common Photography

Are you ready to send your first sneak peek?


Comment below and let us know what your clients had to say!



Written by ANNE SIMONE | Featuring ANDREA DE LA CRUZ, IN COMMON PHOTOGRAPHY



ShootProof Online Galleries. Client Contracts. Easy Invoices.


You'll Also Learn a Lot Here...


The post Here’s How a Sneak Peek Can Make You More Successful appeared first on ShootProof Blog.

https://weboffers.atspace.co.uk See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print sales, and help you build a brand that lasts! (Featuring: ANDREA DE LA CRUZ, IN COMMON PHOTOGRAPHY) Imagine that you’re sitting at a diner, and you order a cold, creamy milkshake. See how a simple sneak peek can earn you rave reviews, dramatically increase your print

3 Hip Hop Themed Video Templates for After Effects

3 Hip Hop Themed Video Templates for After Effects

In 2018, Nielsen reported that the popularity of hip hop passed all other genres to capture the world's attention. When you want to build a hip hop video of your own, it helps to use templates to cut down on your production time. In this round-up, you'll see that you can create a hip hop video of your own easily with the help of video templates.

Dynamic Hip Hop Slideshow
Use templates like Dynamic Hip Hop Slideshow to create a modern, upbeat video.

Top Templates With Hip Hop Style

All of these templates are included with your subscription to Envato Elements. Let's check out three of the best for hip hop styled themes.

1. Dynamic Hip-Hop Slide

The best hip hop assets feel like a top music video production. This template is no exception, and is just waiting for your specifics to launch it as a top choice on your favorite video sharing platform.

 

2. Hip Hop Urban Opener

Energy is a must to match the fast pace of hip hop. Use this template for an eye-catching slideshow that matches easily to the upbeat music accompaniment.

 

3. Dynamic Hip-Hop Slideshow

This template is perfect for combining your hip hop imagery with graphics and audio. Just add them and watch your assets come to life with the help of high energy transitions thanks to this template.

 

The Best Source for Unlimited Video Templates

In this round-up, you saw hip hop templates that are just waiting for your customizations. And you can source all of these video templates with hip hop styled themes for a flat rate thanks to Envato Elements.

Envato Elements Hip Hop Video Package
Download all of the video templates with hip hop styled themes you can dream of with Envato Elements. 

Envato Elements helps you keep your costs low thanks to its all-you-can-download model. Not only does your subscription include great video templates, but it also offers the stock photos, audio tracks, and graphics that you need to create your video. Each download costs you nothing extra.

More Upbeat Creative Video Project Ideas

https://weboffers.atspace.co.uk In 2018, Nielsen reported that the popularity of hip hop passed all other genres to capture the world's attention. When you want to build a hip hop video of your own, it helps to use templates to cut down on your production time. In this round-up, you'll see that you can create a hip hop video of your own easily with the help of video templates. In 2018, Nielsen reported that the popularity of hip hop passed all other genres to

NiSi launches 'Starter,' 'Professional' filter kits for Ricoh GR III cameras

NiSi launches 'Starter,' 'Professional' filter kits for Ricoh GR III cameras

Optics manufacturer NiSi has announced a new square filter holder for Ricoh GR III camera systems.



The filters, which are constructed of an aluminum alloy, fit on the end of the extending lens packed inside the GR III and can rotate a full 360-degrees. While a clever solution to adding photo filters to a point-and-shoot camera, this also means the filter holder will pop off when the camera is powered off and the lens retracts, so make sure to remove the filter holder when turning off the camera (and make sure the auto-off functionality is turned off).



As for the filters themselves, NiSi is offering two kits: the Starter Kit and the Professional Kit. The Starter Kit includes a graduated neutral density filter (GND8) and polarizer; the Professional Kit includes those two filters as well as an IR neutral density filter (ND8) and a natural night filter. Both kits include the holder and a cloth carrying pouch for safe transport.



The Starter and Professional NiSi filter kits for Ricoh GR III cameras are currently available on Amazon for $49 and $65, respectively.

https://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Optics manufacturer NiSi has announced a new square filter holder for Ricoh GR III camera systems. The filters, which are constructed of an aluminum alloy, fit on the end of the extending lens packed inside the GR III and can rotate a full 360-degrees. Optics manufacturer NiSi has announced a new square filter holder for Ricoh GR III

10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die

10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die

If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of things you’ve owned for years. While digging through your closet, you find an old pair of pants you used to wear all the time despite the growing holes in the knees. But you tell yourself, “Maybe I’ll wear them around the house when it gets warmer” or “I bet the grunge look will come back in style”.


It’s easy to make these kinds of justifications in web design and development, too. You think:



“I’ve used the keyword meta tag for as long as I can remember. What can it hurt to keep doing so?”


Similar to how your clothes may become outdated or your appliances obsolete over time, the same thing happens with design and development trends. Rather than hold onto techniques that no longer serve you and only add more to your workload, it’s a much better idea to clear them out and make way for modern trends that’ll have a greater impact.


10 Popular Design Trends It’s Time to Let Die


When we talk about outdated web design trends, we’re not just talking about ones that have been obsolete for years. We’re also referring to trends and techniques that we know for a fact compromise the user experience and need to go away ASAP.


1. Cheesy Stock Photos


There’s nothing inherently bad about using stock photos. Many clients don’t have the budgets or wherewithal to create their own company photos and stock photos are a viable alternative.


That said, there was a time when “bad” (i.e. super cheesy and unrealistic) stock photos were all the rage. Even today, you’ll find websites that use these kinds of photos because there’s still an assumption that two people shaking hands in a well-lit conference room signals trust. (It doesn’t.)



Image via DepositPhotos.


2. Hero Sliders


Image slider technology was pretty great in its heyday. It allowed web designers to conserve space while displaying a number of promotional offers at once. In addition to sliders often slowing down page speeds, they also have a tendency to slow users down as they distract them from moving onto other parts of a website.


Verizon Wireless, for instance, has a great example of a strong but simple hero image design in 2019:



This is vastly different from the image slider it used back in 2013:



For the most part, we’ve learned to be more efficient with this space, though there are still some websites that can’t make up their minds about which offer to show above the fold… which only makes it more difficult for visitors to decide next steps. Take the initiative and do it for them with a single hero banner.


3. Autoplay


It’s not common to find websites with background audio, let alone autoplay audio, these days. That said, what you do occasionally find are websites that automatically play videos or ads with audio. Needless to say, this needs to stop. If your video (or audio) players don’t allow your visitors to take control of when they start, change that up now.


4. The 3-Click Rule


Over the years, web designers have looked for ways to decrease friction in the user experience. The three-click rule was meant to be one of the ways to do this. However, according to a recent report from the Nielsen Norman Group, there’s never been any data to back up this claim:



“In fact, a study by Joshua Porter has debunked it; the study showed that user dropoff does not increase when the task involves more than 3 clicks, nor does satisfaction decrease. Limiting interaction cost is indeed important, but the picture is more complicated than simply counting clicks and having a rule of thumb for the maximum number allowed.”


Rather than minimize for minimization’s sake, consider the complexity of the task or funnel you’re designing when determining quantity of steps.


5. (External) Links That Open in the Same Tab


There are a number of reasons to add links to your content: for navigational purposes, promotional purposes, and referential purposes. But when you add a hyperlink to your text, consider the following: Is it okay if the link directs visitors to a page in this same browser tab?


External links, for instance, should always open in a new browser tab. Your goal in designing a website is to get more visitors to convert. Letting an external link replace your website in the open tab will only decrease the chances of that happening. In some cases, internal links shouldn’t be opened in the same tab either. So, be sure to think about this the next time you add a link to your site.


6. Non-Traditional Scrolling


Although we’ve become accustomed to swipe gestures in mobile apps, horizontal and other non-traditional scrolling isn’t something that’s caught on with websites. While it’s definitely a design trend that helped many businesses set themselves apart from the pack a few years back, it’s just too gimmicky to use these days.


Robby Leonardi’s interactive resume website was one of the first I remember seeing and it was a brilliant way to capture attention — especially from those of us who grew up with Mario.



But today? Any sort of non-traditional scrolling is just impractical and unnecessary. Even Robby’s current website has broken up this side-scrolling design and turned it into a vertical-scrolling page:



If you want to keep visitors engaged with your website in this day and age, don’t make them figure out how to scroll through your website. 


7. Keyword Meta Tag


For years (we’re talking nearly a decade), the keyword meta tag has not been supported by popular search engines. Despite knowing that the meta tag is useless, some designers still take the time to add it in. But why bother if it’s an extra step that gets you nothing in return?


8. Bad Pop-ups


Although pop-ups have undergone an evolution over the years — from the super-annoying pop-up ads that appeared outside the browser to the ever-present privacy notices we now see thanks to GDPR. While there is certainly some value in using pop-ups on a website, there are just too many kinds of bad pop-ups that need to disappear.


“Bad” pop-ups are ones that:


  • Show up too early on a website (like the second someone enters it);

  • Appear too many times during a single or return visit;

  • Send users to Facebook Messenger to collect their lead magnet and then bombard them with messages there;

  • Contain two buttons. Users that accept the offer, get a friendly message. Those that don’t are served up aggressive or shame-inducing language;

  • Repeat an offer that’s already designed into the website as a promotional banner.

9. Slow-Loading Websites


Mobile websites are notoriously difficult to optimize for speed when compared to their desktop counterparts. Unlike in years past where you could’ve rationalized away speed optimizations for mobile, today, it needs to be a priority with Google’s mobile-first indexing. PWAs are one way to give your mobile site an instant speed boost.


On a related note, by designing a PWA instead of a mobile-responsive website, you’d be able to cater to users with poor or no wi-fi connectivity — a segment that’s often been overlooked in web design.


10. Flash


I cannot believe I’m having to include this last one in 2019, but it seems there are still websites using the Flash Player.


Adobe has already told us that it would be cutting support for Flash next year. Web browsers are starting to remove their support for Flash players as well. And good riddance. Flash has long had issues with security flaws and usability issues.


If you’re trying to hold out on this (or your clients are dragging their feet), keep in mind that this is what visitors will see on many browsers in 2020 and beyond:



Bottom line: If the creator of Flash is pulling support, you need to do the same for any of your websites that still use it.


Wrap-Up


It’s easy to get wrapped up in what the next big thing is in web design — AR tech, typography trends, color gradients, etc. But what about all of those trends and techniques that have become a habit over the years?


Rather than hold onto outdated design strategies that will only hinder your progress as a web designer and hold your clients’ websites back, start shedding these obsolete (or soon-to-be obsolete) practices now.


Source
http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of things you’ve owned for years. While digging through your closet, you find an old pair of pants you used to wear all the time despite the growing holes in the knees. If you’ve ever moved from one home to another, you know how difficult it can be to get

Cover Shot, November 2019

Cover Shot, November 2019

Our November 2019 issue is dedicated to black-and-white photography. We take a departure from the conventional color approach to wildlife documentary with David Yarrow‘s stunning monochrome images; explore the possibilities of 150-megapixel, achromatic landscape photography with Marc Koegel; and offer tips for converting your RAW captures to black-and-white.


On the cover is one of Yarrow’s piercing animal portraits, a face-to-face encounter with a male gelada in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia.  Here’s the story behind the shot.



“When I traveled to the spectacular Simien Mountain range in Northern Ethiopia, I traveled light as intuitively I knew that I only needed to take my “go-to” 28mm wide-angle lens. I knew that the views are so majestic and biblical from the 12,000-foot peak of the escarpments that any image that didn’t convey this narrative would fail. My research has repeatedly told me that with the right local guide, the gelada baboon would not only be found with ease but also that proximity would not be an issue. This made the 28mm lens an easy choice.


“The gelada is the most decorative ape in the world—its beauty can’t be compromised by harsh light. On the Sunday afternoon, there was a torrential rainstorm, and I had all but given up for the day. But around 4 p.m., the rain and thunder stopped, and the escarpments were slowly brought to life with shafts of low, late light. And so it was that we left the comfort of our dry camp and, in one precious moment, I had the perfect encounter with a male gelada in exactly the kind of spot I would have dreamt of.


“I do my job for moments like this. This photograph hammers home the diversity of our planet. The human was trespassing in the ape’s mountain kingdom. His eyes say everything—the conviction of proprietorial residence for sure, but also dignity and resolve. Meanwhile to me, it will always remind me to never go anywhere without a 28mm wide-angle lens.”


–David Yarrow


The November 2019 issue is available now in a variety of digital formats including Apple News+ and on newsstands beginning Tuesday, October 29.


Outdoor Photographer Plus and VIP members get full access to all of the content on outdoorphotographer.com, plus print and digital editions of the magazine, as well as other great benefits. Learn more about our membership options.


The post Cover Shot, November 2019 appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

http://weboffers.atspace.co.uk Our November 2019 issue is dedicated to black-and-white photography. We take a departure from the conventional color approach to wildlife documentary with David Yarrow‘s stunning monochrome images; explore the possibilities of 150-megapixel, achromatic landscape photography with Marc Koegel; and offer tips for converting your RAW captures to black-and-white. Our November 2019 issue is dedicated to black-and-white photography. We take a departure