Photography websites need one clear purpose: getting potential clients to email you. A simple, effective site can be built for under $50 a year and will convert better than an overly aesthetic portfolio with buried information.

• Location should be the first thing visitors see – people decide within 30 seconds whether to contact you
• Testimonials from past clients sell your services better than self-promotion
• Your "About Me" section should focus on how you help clients, not your photography origin story
• Include only 5-10 of your absolute best portfolio images that represent your specific style
• Add FAQ section with starting rates to filter out budget mismatches
• Always include a contact form directly on your home page
• Design for mobile first – 80-90% of visitors view on phones, not desktops
• Consider platforms like CARD for beginners, rather than time-intensive WordPress

If website-building makes you angry, hire it out. You can be anything, but you can't be everything. When you're starting out, your time is your currency – focus on learning the things that directly impact your client experience.