website design

I am looking to create a new website to professionally showcase my work. I don't want to use Smugmug and would prefer not to use a template as well. I would like to keep the costs reasonable, but understand that you get what you pay for. Does anyone have any general recommendations? I really don't want any flash except for maybe an intro on the homepage. That's it. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays.

I think you'll find many photographers here will recommend Wide Range Galleries. They do a fantastic job.

Depends on your definition of "reasonable", as a custom site like you want will definitely be on the higher end of the spectrum.

As Floris said, quite a few of the people around here have gone with Jack & Jesse at WideRange Galleries, and I've only heard good things about them. I know that I've been impressed with what I've seen produced by them. It's definitely worth checking them out.

I've been into web design on and off for the past 9 or so years, so I'll offer my services as well if you're looking for a cheaper and less formal option. If you send me an email with a few more details of what specifically you want and your budget, I could give you a better idea of the cost, timing, and so forth.

Michael, I was faced with the same decisions, i.e. not wanting a template or flash or run of the mill site. And even though I knew nothing about building, I learned some html and css and had my own site up within a month.
I can suggest a forum to help you if you like.

Is SugMug like Go Daddy? Go Daddy has a "website in a day" offering. Among their templates is a clear template where you do it all. Pricing is in low triple figures I believe.

Thanks everybody. I really appreciate you taking the time to write these suggestions. I am definitely looking into it now.

If you want a database backed site the cost will increase substantially, so you should decide if that is a route you wish to take prior to committing to anything. For smaller sites I'd say its not worth the money, but if your site is large (or you wish your site to increase in size in the future) its something to consider. If you do go that route, you do get what you pay for: there are quite a few things that enter the picture that cheeper and less experienced designers may overlook (speed, database management, adaptability for later changes, security, etc...).

Thanks Greg. I have a website right now without a database and it is pain to update manually. My programmer was good, but did not use logic in numbering and file placement in his programming.