Looking for some feedback

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi guys, I hope you don't mind me posting this here, I didn't want to clog up the main forum and I this is the most relevant group. Over the past couple months I've helped my friend pull together plans to launch her own fitness business. This involved me helping her build a website. I also took photos of her fitness class and integrated them into the site. This is the first time I've done anything like this so I'm wondering if I could get some feedback from my doodlekisses friends.

I'm looking for opinions on the look and feel of the website as well as usability (does it answer all your questions, is the info easy to find? etc.), and whether or not the pictures I've taken are doing their job. www.perfectly-fit.ca

I'm going to be doing more photoshoots of her classes so if anyone has any thoughts on how to get good pictures in this kind of setting (outdoor fitness classes in the park), that would be helpful. I'm finding it difficult to get good shots of everyone in action. I like the look of the blurred background in the photos, especially since sometimes the background scenary isn't very nice (parked cars, power lines, etc), but it is hard to shoot photos in AV mode when everyone is moving around. I'm thinking I might just get people to come out and pose for some of the photos, rather than taking photos of a class in action. It's tough to find a balance between good quality website worthy photos and the practical element of of photos that demonstrate what the classes are actually like.

Here are some of my favourites:

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think you did a great job with the photos!  Since this is a "fitness site" I do like the action shots better than those where everyone is posed.  If you have any images where you need the background blurred or things removed, there are a few of us here who can help with that.  A couple things that I didn't see are:  the qualifications/background of the trainer(s), some "testimonials" from people who have used this trainer or program, and perhaps a brief video of a class or personal training session.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Jane. The qualifications are on the About Me page under her picture, but perhaps I need to make them more visible. The testimonials are on the 'to do' list as I agree it would be a nice addition. I'm just waiting for her to reach out to her clients to get them. The video is a great idea, I will work on that!

[F, Calla & Luca]

The photos are great, the site is informative and welcoming. You did a great job. Good to see you.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks F!

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

Fun assignment and great pictures. If you have a chance to go out there again, think about what you want to focus on. I would try a few shots focused on the medicine ball on the ground, with the people in the background more blurred out, or the hand weights. Some fun, creative shots like that. I will attach a picture that shows what I am talking about.  I think the emphasis is to show what she does that is unique to other fitness boot camps. Have fun and the best of luck to her business!

Update: I based my comments on the pictures you posted, but when I went into the website, you have some creative pictures that highlight some of her uniqueness! 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Anita, great suggestions. I like the idea of focussing on the equipment with people blurred in the background. I will try to make that happen more in the next round. It's sometimes tough to think of these things in the moment, so I will have to plan some of it out in advance and try to stage some if it without disrupting the classes too much.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I think the website looks awesome, and that your photos are very nice too! 

I definitely think that you should not be afraid to ask them to pose, in addition to taking pictures during the class. I think that is totally normal for this type of website - and it gives you and them much more control over the way the photos turn out. I agree with Jane that action shots are great too, maybe you can do some posed photos as well as some action. And don't forget, you CAN pose an action shot. :-)

I'd also keep in mind that you can have both group shots and individuals. Maybe focusing on one person using equipment or doing an exercise  can give a more personal feel to a photo.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Camilla, I do like the idea of mixing it up a bit. Ultimately it's up to my friend to decide on the photos. Luckily, her expectations aren't as high as mine.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think the webpage looked great.  It was friendly.  I liked your photos.  My preference would be the true action shots as your examples but the header one of the women showing off their biceps is very fun.  The ones you have are terrific.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Nancy. I like the bicep one too! Thanks for taking a look. I agree, action shots are great for this kind of thing.