My conclusion from the comments on this topic is that a website cannot be all things to all men.
A professional photographer will not have the same expectations of a site as an amateur. Sometimes I think the professionals make their sites too unapproachable : if you are going to encourage beginners, remember how daunted you were to begin with - the site needs to be fun and say "Look what I can show you" .....

I agree with cabstar about not saying semi pro in that you are either pro or you are not. Never undersell yourself ! Your website is where you must convince others of your skills and professionalism.

I also think that cabstar has a point about the size of each folio : you could make them smaller but then have a link to your Flickr site for those who want to see more.

Wedding photos are different : People today want to see something other than the formal, posed bog-standard shot. The young lady having her garter fiddled with will tickle the fancy of some, for example
How many times have you heard people say that some of the best shots have been taken by the guests ? The huge variety in Shaun's wedding photo section is to me what people want to see !

As I've already said, it's a great site, Shaun. I am an enthusiastic beginner so my views and expectations of a website will be very different from a professional or experienced photographer.

Perhaps it's a question of deciding what you want out of your website : business ? doing courses ? providing a site where people can simply view and enjoy your work ?

It's not always easy to know exactly how to present a website, which is why feedback is so important. You will see differing opinions and ideas which will hopefully help.

Sorry .......... I've rather rambled on

Any feedback is better than no feedback ! Some people just have to contact other people and he probably looks on you as a friend ......
I must admit, I'm not sure how I'd feel if someone told me to stop taking photos of boring landscapes or insects
I don't see that it matters a jot what each of us like to take if we like it and the result pleases someone else.

I like the variety and there's plenty of inspiration on Shaun's website !

A nice set

I'm not nearly experienced enough to give proper c&c ......

I find white can be difficult to photograph but I love the first photo - the simplicity, the soft background and the expression on the swan's face !

I think I would have cropped a little less closely, or if the photos weren't cropped, zoomed back a wee bit. It would give them a little more space !

What lens were you using ?

Superb sharp shots and great subject !

A thought provoking shot and it's always interesting to have some background information on the subject.

Well done, Trixie !
They looked delicious

Equally so had the OP been dressed as a little old granny !

I reckon he was bluffing. I would go directly to the City council and ask them.
I would also note the date and time of the incident and a description of the car park attendant. If you can find out his name, even better.

In France there is a law forbidding you to take photographs of people without their permission. It is rarely applied and is not of concern if the faces are not easily identifiable. It can make street photography a little more precarious.

It may be that the owners of the car park do have the right to forbid the taking photographs from the car park - even if you are taking photos of public places.

I'd be interested to know th outcome if you do approach the council.

Me too, but I like the idea of the competition - it may give me some ideas.
An explanation of what was done would be nice

Hi wotsit !

Everyone has to start somewhere and this forum is full of helpful and useful advice if you want it.

It's always a bit daunting posting your first photo - but it's such a good way to learn!
You'll have a lot of fun with the K-r

Sally