The Naked Clove blog and website template set is the latest to hit the intothedarkroom line up. Why is it called Naked Clove? We stripped down the design to a perfect white background, images, a drop shadow...basically naked. Not simple enough? Ditch the drop shadow and make this design even more minimal than it currently is. But don't be fooled. This design is ready to be dressed up with your custom uploaded background, logo, colors, videos, and photos. As always, this flash site is white hat search engine optimized, works on many mobile devices, and the blog template is built on WordPress. Wanna get Naked?
For a limited time and quantity, use the discount code below to purchase these templates at 50% off.
Discount Code : "Naked50"
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WEBSITE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLOG
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There is a lot of buzz and debate going on right now about Flash, open standards, and things like "iPhone ready" sites. With the recent debacle of Apple vs. Adobe, and the cross-talk about standards, it can be very confusing to know what to think - especially since the majority of photography websites are being developed primarily with Flash and with the release and success of the new iPad.
Here at intothedarkroom, it just doesn't make any sense. If you understand browser technologies, and build a website on a solid platform, there is no debate -- only the right way to do things. You're probably left wondering "Is my site iPad/iPhone ready?". The question that you should be asking yourself is "Is my site progressively enhanced?".
Progressive Enhancement is a fancy web developer term for delivering the best possible experience based on the technologies available. In the case of the new intothedarkroom templates, it means if all your device can render is text, you get text. If your computer or device can render a styled HTML site, you get a styled HTML site. If you have Flash, you get the full interactive experience. And it does this all while delivering your site in a branded, cohesive package. This process of progressive enhancement allows for the broadest range of devices and users to view your website without singling out just Flash-enabled users, or just iPhones/iPads.
If you start with the question "Is my website iPad/iPhone ready?", you are already headed in the wrong direction. The iPhone, while a very popular and robust (not to mention cool) smartphone, is not the only fish in the sea. With Blackberry and Android devices picking up market share here in the States and the Nokia s70 platform being the gold standard in Asia, the iPhone is not the end-all, be-all. Sadly, many companies are creating band-aid "iPhone versions" of their sites that either look like an iPhone settings panel, or worse yet -- just plain ugly or generic-looking. Is that the branding you really want to convey to your users?
We don't think so.
We think that no matter what mobile device you are using, you should get a branded, consistent, page-for-page experience -- whether that is the Droid, the Palm Pre, the iPad, or the iPhone. We think your website should show up on a 10 year old Nokia text-only handset. We think Linux users (that usually don't bother with Flash) should get the same consistent experience that desktop users with Flash get -- even if it's a little more basic, and maybe it's not as interactive. In this environment, do you really want all the bells and whistles anyway? Chances are, if you are browsing around on your phone, you want the experience to be quick and easy, and crash free.
So, go ahead and ask yourself: "Is my site mobile ready?", "Is my site consistent to all users?", and "What happens if they don't have Flash?".
The answer to all these question is the same: develop your site with the right foundation, and the rest will fall into place. That's the beauty of standards, and how plugins like Flash should work. We don't think you should have multiple admin panels to manage different versions of your site. Those kinds of band-aid approaches have no longevity. We don't think user agent "sniffing" has any place on the web including delivering custom iPhone sites.
We've been developing progressively enhanced sites the right way for over 6 years, and we believe it's the only way to do it. Steve Jobs thinks Flash has no place on his devices, and we couldn't care less. Adobe thinks it can deliver to mobile web, and we say more power to them. We'll just keep on doing our thing.
So? Is your site just "iPhone ready"? Or is it progressive. You decide.
Want to see an example of progressive enhancement? Click the first link below to see the HTML version of our Pimp My Vanilla template. After viewing it, close the browser and click the "Turn Flash back on" to see the flash version. Both versions have the same content and use one backend tool.
See "Pimp My Vanilla" with Flash Off
Leave a comment for a chance to win up to 60% off any of our new "Buy - Install - Play" products and templates. Winners will be announced on Twitter.
I agree. It is all about adapting to the current environment and making it available to the users in different versions showing the same content. Technologies are always changing so you have to adapt and accept it no matter what.
ITDR is doing it the right way and I congratulate you on all your success.
Thanks to ITDR for a well written article! I've recently blogged about my concerns with the lack of flash on iPhones and iPads. With Steve Job's recent Press release on why Apple does not support Flash, the topic has become even more volatile. Kudos to ITDR for coming up with a method that supports the majority of users! As a photographer, I appreciate the kind of support that can allow my customers to view my website from any type of connection. I am seriously contemplating on changing my current site provider with a solution from ITDR. Thanks! -jp
(05.20.10 @ 09:49 AM)Exactly why I have an ITDR template! You guys are fantastic :)
(05.20.10 @ 09:50 AM)Adobe put out a great response to this "announcement" by Mr. Jobs
http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/adobe-targets-apple-in-ad-campaign-launched-today-publishes-ope/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+weblogsinc/engadget+(Engadget)
i think it's worth taking a look.
(05.20.10 @ 09:53 AM)Yes, I believe that flash's days are numbered. There is just not enough bandwith to support flash for mobile devices. And the move is to mobile devices.
(05.20.10 @ 09:58 AM)I think Flash is dying, although it's not dead yet. I wouldn't think about investing time, money, or energy now into a site that was not iPad compatible... and the iPad is looking very attractive as an option for a portable portfolio.
(05.20.10 @ 10:04 AM)Dead, no.. on the way.. probably not. Who knows where the debate will go.
(05.20.10 @ 10:04 AM)Great article. I am totally ready to ditch the flash. Your product looks excellent.
(05.20.10 @ 10:06 AM)Great points and the correct approach considering the number of changing platforms that may be used to view our sites/content.
(05.20.10 @ 10:09 AM)I don't think Flash is dead - but I've considered not using it. Many of my clients don't have high speed internet (in rural areas), so it slows things down.
(05.20.10 @ 10:09 AM)Honestly, I think that definitely clears up any questions I have had and clearly defines how I need to approach looking for a new website. Great article.
(05.20.10 @ 10:16 AM)The sample is wonderful! Flash certainly isn't necessary because the branding is brilliant. Thanks for sharing this. I will be sure to keep mobile device compatibility in mind when i can get a site of my own designed! :)
(05.20.10 @ 10:25 AM)Tenho visto quase todos os blogs, layouts feitos pelo ITDR, gosto muito dos layouts e principalmente da facilidade, navegabilidade, e uso. Acredito que sempre vão sendo lançadas novidades, novas plataformas de desenvolvimento. Então, acredito que com isso, toda a comunidade "programadora" vão se adaptando as novas plataformas. Honestamente, considero os layouts da ITDR os melhores, voltados para blogs de fotografia.
muito sucesso pra vcs.
I am so glad I switched from Blu to ITDR. Thank you for being awesome.
Now I just need to get my site ready to launch.
Great blog post! LOVE the way ITDR handles both mobile devices and flash-enabled browsers. Also love the new templates... keep them coming!
(05.20.10 @ 10:53 AM)interesting. great article. thanks for the information. I would love to win 60% off.
(05.20.10 @ 11:05 AM)Thank you for addressing this issue and explaining how your templates work & look on mobile devices. Can't wait to see what other awesome templates you guys develop!
(05.20.10 @ 11:24 AM)What a great article! There are too many people out there that think the iPhone is the end all mobile device, but that's just not true. Having consistent branding throughout your business is such an important aspect, and you guys hit the nail right on the head. I could really use some consistent branding for my new photo business and would love 60% off of your templates! Plus I would shamelessly plug your name in everything I do if I had a ITDR website ;)
(05.20.10 @ 11:34 AM)Agree 100%. Also, I've noticed that so many of the flashed based site look alike. There really isn't a strong brand, and it seems like flash is what is being relied on to "impress". I totally agree about building a strong brand and progressive site! Well put ITDR, well put!!!
(05.20.10 @ 11:58 AM)This is a really amazing blog post! I have been in the interactive website industry for about 5 years now, in mainly eCommerce, SEO, and design sales. I have worked for some of the largest companies providing small companies quick and easy website solutions.
One thing I have known for awhile is flash dynamic way to catch your customers eye and make a big slash because it is beautiful. Yet, on the down side flash has not had the best reputation if you want to get to the top of the search engines. Now with it not beginning supported for the iPad/iPhone that will be one other thing that will be a hurdle for Flash based sites. You are right who wants a band-aid for that or two admin panels to update your site? You should not be a slave to your website, nor should it be something that sucks up all your free time.
With that being said, I think that your team at ITDR has it right! You guys know about what is going to be best for your customers and obviously keep up with what is current and/or what will be happening next in the internet industry. With your style of "progressive enhancement" it should be a no brainier for potential customers that have done their homework to choose to build there site with ITDR. I have been researching different companies to build my new photography site with what I have discovered that your templates are not only amazing looking at but has everything that someone needs to cover all the bases in SEO and have the site mobile ready as well. Kudos to you guys, GOOD JOB, and WAY TO GO! It looks like you will stomp the competition in your industry.....keep up the good work!
(05.20.10 @ 12:01 PM)Came across this while having a look at Flaunt and your site templates. It's definitely something to think about. I'm in the market for a new site and would like one that's compatible, yet ultra simple on the Flash side. I think your Vanilla may suit my needs.
(05.20.10 @ 12:06 PM)Bluto: Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Otter: Germans?
Boon: Forget it, he's rolling.
Bluto: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...
[thinks hard]
Bluto: the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!
All that to say... I don't think it's dead or dying....but maybe I'm wrong? I guess that's why I'm thankful I'm lucky enough to have a progressively enhanced site.
(05.20.10 @ 12:27 PM)Very cool and insightful. ITDR keeps it hip and ahead of the trend.
(05.20.10 @ 12:50 PM)Flash use to be King....and now...what was hot....is NOT...
RIP...and google doesn't like flash..my website just needs a tombstone on it. Update or die..
Illuminating article. I've spent quite a bit of time the past few weeks doing research into a mobile option, nothing has laid out the concept so well. Most info is so biased towards iphone/ipad and ignoring other mobile devices. Your article discusses ideas that I hadn't seen elsewhere, thank you!
(05.20.10 @ 01:31 PM)WOW! This is really an interesting article!!! I have never thought about this to happen and so soon. I work in Costa Rica and I do think that there are some people here in this country (specially people in rural areas with low speed connections) that can not access a Flash template that easily! At that time, I was thinking the other way around, that Flash will never die and one day will be on every computer/phone in the world!! hehe... Now, I can see that I'm totally wrong. I am using Blu templates/server, but I'm considering seriously to switch to ITDR (I'll have to save up a lot of money now)!!! Also, I want to give thanks and praise ITDR for your AWESOME work and for you to be a step ahead of us, being so helpful and working for every photographer/client needs and even more!!! Thanks for being so thoughtful!!! Have a GREAT DAY!!! God bless!!! :))
(05.20.10 @ 01:37 PM)i'd like to show off a progressive website on an ipad, moblile phone, laptop and desktop...
i'd like to be in a client meeting and whip out an ipad to show my current work - that would be totally cool...
ITDR has been my website solution for years and I don't foresee that changing. I know you guys are on it, are forward thinking and that's exactly why I stay.
(05.20.10 @ 02:22 PM)thank you for your simply beautiful design and for setting a high standard in the industry. bravo
(05.20.10 @ 02:29 PM)Hey, thanks for the info. And, thanks for the great template options. I am glad I found you (and thisblog post) before purchasing a new site design. Yay for ITDR!
(05.20.10 @ 04:44 PM)Wondered about this and heard the other day that someone said Flash is dead. I don't think it is but there will be something else after it, and that's the way technology always worked and always will work. Gotta roll with the punches or get left behind.
(05.20.10 @ 05:05 PM)I don't think flash is dead. It still has its advantages over html5 and the other options and its disadvantages if your name is Steve "the control freak" Jobs.
From how I understand the situation I think the real question might be is flash overused? When a website is one giant unsearchable flash video I think flash has been over applied. Thanks for working to create sites that are better than that ITDR.
(05.20.10 @ 06:55 PM)great article! once i decide on which site i want, im switching from bludomain..it sucks that i only bought my template from them 2 months ago but thats what happens when you dont have a progressive company like itdr!
(05.20.10 @ 06:56 PM)That helps explain a lot for me. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
(05.20.10 @ 10:05 PM)I think it all comes down to your potential customers and their changing needs. Some photo editors prefer full-screen flash and are willing to wait a second or two for it to load, others might just hate it and want html only. The thing to remember is to try to build on a solid CMS/Database foundation so that no matter what the future holds your information/data can adapt to new ways of presenting things. Everything should be searchable and have deep links as well of course. So basically nothing new, just strive to keep everything flexible and ready for change and you should be ok.
(05.21.10 @ 04:58 AM)This is a start of a new era where "Flash" is not as cool. Great post ITDR and I think you guys are heading into the right direction.
(05.21.10 @ 06:11 AM)this makes so much sense. i don't want just iphone/ipad clients...or just clients with a desktop. I don't want my clients to have to think about their choice of software/hardware. i want them to see my work and call me. I'll be calling you guys soon.
(05.21.10 @ 08:36 AM)Finally a clear and concise article that explains many questions people have about mobile media devices, especially photographers. It’s a little unfortunate with so many flash sites out there that Steve Jobs and Adobe can’t find a happy medium. Nonetheless people are accessing the web more and more on their phones, and that can translate into sales if you have a good site people can see and use. It’s a must have in my world. Thanks ITDR - GRP
(05.21.10 @ 09:44 AM)Thanks to everyone for leaving such great comments! The winner of the 60% off discount code goes to.... (drum roll)... Mike Fan. We had such a great response that we have decided to give a 40% discount code away as well. There are limited spots available. First come, first serve. Discount Code: "BLOG40".
(05.21.10 @ 12:26 PM)Interesting post! Thanks for the info!
(05.22.10 @ 02:11 AM)Great piece and you're so right! Far more important that you site is built on something that can continue to grow and improve with the times instead of trying to make sure it works on a particular device. It should just work on everything.
(05.22.10 @ 08:30 AM)i'm very excited to hear you are so on top of current events and are catering to all your customers' needs! :)
(05.22.10 @ 02:43 PM)I don't think it's so much a question of in or out as all inclusive, and to say the least the developing technology keeps us as photographers on our toes. With the boom of new photographers in the industry, you either keep up or become obsolete.
(05.22.10 @ 04:15 PM)None of us can predict the future. At best, we can act in a manner that allows us to best leverage our knowledge from the past. HTML has always been the best platform for SEO and web-surfing. Flash is "flashier". If HTML could do what flash does...it would seem evident that this would present a superior option for web developers. For these advancements, we must all make changes and steady adaptations. I for 1 am happy for what the future offers...
(05.29.10 @ 12:29 AM)I think that sometimes the whole flash wedding website experience can be a bit distracting, at http://yeni.shutterchance.com/ my wedding photography blog I decided to keep it simple and let the photographs do the talk instead
(07.02.10 @ 07:38 PM)
AIRHORNS & LASERS PARTY: Did you miss it?If you missed it, you missed the greatest WPPI party ever. The Airhorns and Lasers party was the place to be Sunday night in Las Vegas. The super secret venue was the hottest club at the Wynn, called Tryst. People came dressed to the nines and ready to party. We saw quite a few of you the next day sporting the night after drinking sun glasses. In fact, the party got so big, at some point the outside dance floor wall opened up and a sea of photographers spilled out to the extended patio dance floor. One of the coolest features was the Smilebooth stations that were set up inside the nightclub at various locations. Some of you are going to be very surprised when you see those images! What happens in Vegas....gets documented at a photography party! Intothedarkroom would like to thank all of you that attended. It was exciting to see you at the party and we look forward to a great 2010.
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNERIn the spirit of Las Vegas, we wanted to have some fun and give away some free products. We selected a bunch of our clients to wear t-shirts with a secret tweet phrase. On the first Monday of the trade show, we thought it would be fun to meet up with some of our t-shirt promoters at the Smilebooth trade show booth to document the day. We hung out, took some photos, and hogged the booth for a few hours...thanks Smilebooth! The tweets came in waves once the shirts hit the trade show floor. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to all that participated!
SMILEBOOTH
Big thanks to Smilebooth for letting us hog the booth with our promo team for a few hours. If you do not already know about this product, you should. It is beautifully designed, easy to manage, is the life of the party, and can make you a pile of money!
PRODUCT: Smilebooth
WEBSITE: http://www.smilebooth.com/
What is Smilebooth?
The Smilebooth is a fresh, new rendition of the classic, old-school photo booth and a dummy-proof way to get professional photos from an event - no photographer needed! It's basically a mini photography studio that inspires creative, silly, and fabulous-looking photographs.
How did you come up with the idea?
Josh and Whitney spent a week in the desert of Marfa, Texas trying to figure out how to better the photobooth world and while there they decided to invite some women along to entertain them. Of course, behind every great man is an even greater women - Jesse Augusta Chamberlin and Brooke Schwab.
How long did it take to create the first booth?
We've been doing the Smilebooth for 7 years with much success as an added on feature to our wedding photography business. There have been many different versions all with pros and cons, but now we've perfected the product and are ready to share it with all those talented photographers out there.
How can a photographer get one? How much does it cost?
A photographer can get a Smilebooth for their business by emailing us at hello@smilebooth.com. We have a few different packages to chose from, but the basic pricing is anywhere from $2800 to $8200.
When we were at the Airhorns and Lasers party, we saw some crazy things happen in those booths. Did you have to edit a lot from that night?
YES...and someday there will be a book. Let's just say that we get a lot of nudity normally that we have to take out before posting pics online. People get crazy! We just recently had someone get engaged in a Smilebooth!
WPPI2011...I'm saving up already. Wish I could have been there. looks like the smilebooth was a huge hit though!
(03.24.10 @ 06:27 PM)Loving your new blog! It looked like WPPI was a success! I'm in love with my new blog form you guys...so thanks!!
(03.24.10 @ 06:31 PM)Yay! Looks like you guys had a total blast! I felt awful that I couldn't fulfill my team duties - I ended up shooting a Wedding at Red Rocks that day! Much love to you!
(03.24.10 @ 06:41 PM)I'm officially cool for being in your video! Yay WPPI promo team!
(03.24.10 @ 06:42 PM)Love all the new products! Hoping to attend WPPI next year - looks like everyone had an awesome time.
(03.24.10 @ 06:48 PM)Pumped I was one of the winners! Not that I'm against winning anything else, but good luck to all future contest entries... ITDR is frickin' rad!
(03.24.10 @ 06:59 PM)So glad for companies like intothedarkroom that bring the fun! So excited to see you all again (hopefully in the killer smilebooth) in 2011! :)
(03.24.10 @ 07:08 PM)Great Blog ! Looking forward on seeing new posts and more :) Keep up the good work.
(03.24.10 @ 07:18 PM)Love the new blog! I'd like to see trends, tips and what's in/out for blog/site design for photographers posted here.....devoted fan.
(03.24.10 @ 07:23 PM)Thanks for making us even more disappointed we missed WPPI this year...dang!
(03.24.10 @ 07:41 PM)What a great way to capture the fun moments of WPPI than with the Smilebooth? Very clever idea and it will be nice to look back at the photos years from now.
(03.25.10 @ 03:56 AM)I think I saw photogeninc in that vid! I WILL be there next year.....
(03.25.10 @ 07:59 AM)This was my first WPPI and it certainly won't be my last. What a great time!
(03.25.10 @ 09:33 AM)No worries, Kristen. We had so much fun with it this year that I think we're going to extend on our promo team next year. You are more than welcome to help out then!
(03.25.10 @ 04:24 PM)
