Mickle Design Werks wrote:
Learn about the program here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macromedia_Flash

Download the program here (30 day free trial)

http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/flashpro/

Learn how to use the program here:

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modListing.asp?pid=1

This program has a HUGE learning curve, Photoshop will seem like childs play in comparision.

Good luck...you're going to need it....

Thanks for the info, my friend!  Looks like I have a bit of learning to do, here.......

Kristen Weaver wrote:
Weird, I had a website guy "build" my flash-site.

And when I say "build", I actually mean "take all my money and run".

HAH!  Well, he did better than my guy...  He actually build my HTML site, but it was only up for about a week before he deleted everything and dropping off the face of the planet!

Is the one you build in Adobe GoLive a flash site, or a HTML site?

-Major

Primal Lens wrote:
PS2 has some cool flash templates in their web gallery feature. Check those out. Also Google "Simple Viewer". Swish is also good and makes it a lot easier than doing it all by hand. Although there are a couple really good flash tutorial dvds . I got one on Ebay for 6 bucks a year or so ago. I have not messed with Flash since about that time but I do recall it explained things step by step and made it seem very simple.  I have since forgotten when I learned,lol.

Swish is a do it by hand software too, but it has a different approach than Macromedia. Both programs look very similar. Swishmax also offers templates too if the individual doesn't want to go the manual route. Swishmax can go from simple to just as complex as Macromedia but without all of the twenty steps to make one action happen.

Both of them have script programs for the users who want to take it to another level.

Sleepy Weasel wrote:
Not to be a pisser here, but is there a reason you want to do it in Flash? It's not the easiest to update once it's built, so if you're having someone else build it, expect to keep paying every time you want it updated. If you don't know Flash WELL and it's a photography site, I'd recommend against it.

Otherwise, there are programs like mentioned above that are Flash shortcuts.

My main reasoning for a flash site is simply the "pop" it has over HTML sites.  As a photographer, I'm in the business of selling emotion and an image (not just literally, either).  When I put up a "simple" flash site, I'm futher enhancing the image I am selling.

Secondly, I like the idea that flash sites are, inherently, more dificult to steal from.  I'm not a moron.  I know that if I put it on the internet, someone's likely to jack it.  I'm going to make damned sure they have to work for it, though!

I'm definately going to look into the SwishMax.  It looks like it's going to be a bit easier to use.  And, though fairly intelligent, I would rather do it the easy way if at all possible.

Keep suggesations/information coming, if you have it for me!

-Major

215 Studios wrote:
Oh, I understand that it can be stolen.  Like I said, I harbor no illusions as to the security of my web images.  That being said, I don't like the "right click" and "Save Picture As"......  That's just too simple.

-Major

*Edited to remove a stupid comment.

well with Flash, there isn't a right click and save because all flash programs, Macromedia, Swishmax, Adobe Golive and other similar programs are put into a movie, making it hard to take. But there are programs out there where the images can be taken. But that is only posible for those who have nothing but alot of time on their hands.

Legacys 7 wrote:
well with Flash, there isn't a right click and save because all flash programs, Macromedia, Swishmax, Adobe Golive and other similar programs are put into a movie, making it hard to take. But there are programs out there where the images can be taken. But that is only posible for those who have nothing but alot of time on their hands.

Yeah, anyone that interested in stealing something is going to steal it, anyway.  I'm not worried about stopping a "professional" thief.  It's the MySpace-jackers that I'm interested in.  After all, "all locks do are keep honest people, honest."

This also doesn't address the look of the website, itself.  I'm actually more interested in the fact that Flash sites tend to look far more professional (in the photography industry) in my personal oppinion.


-Major

215 Studios wrote:
Yeah, anyone that interested in stealing something is going to steal it, anyway.  I'm not worried about stopping a "professional" thief.  It's the MySpace-jackers that I'm interested in.  After all, "all locks do are keep honest people, honest."

This also doesn't address the look of the website, itself.  I'm actually more interested in the fact that Flash sites tend to look far more professional (in the photography industry) in my personal oppinion.


-Major

Yeah the Flash sites do have a very professional look, but so do many html sites or a combination of the two. Just remember that the goal is to make sure that your site isn't a long loading website. Flash is known for this is can push the viewer away. Most of the time for the client it's all about viewing the work and easy navigation. Don't let the bells and whistles of Flash decieve you. Don't make it a handicap that can work against you.

Otherwise, you should be fine as far as theives trying to take your work in a flash movie. It's a hard step to do.

Larissa wrote:
For all of those who need a web designer...Here ya go!!

Erica Chan: email her at [email protected]

She does wonderful work! And has great communication!

Here's the three she has done for me so far:

www.lalabrasil.com - personal site
www.brasiamore.com - clothing brand
www.demaurida.com - clothing brand

Tell her Larissa sent ya!

First site is fine,. But the other site takes time to load after you hit the enter button. She may want to go back and make some adjustments on the loading issues. Otherwise, you'll loose clients.