Choosing a web gallery type in Lightroom
Choosing a gallery type
The type of gallery selected influences everything else, so you need to know right away which one you want to work with. You make this choice at the top of the right panel as shown in figure 4. Some readers might wonder why I would say that you need to choose right away given the Web module, like the rest of Lightroom, is non-destructive, simply providing instructions for adjustments, not the actual adjustments. You can change anything at any time, including the web gallery style; however, I don’t recommend changing your mind about the web gallery once you’ve chosen. The reason is that you are dealing with a graphic treatment of web pages and radically different visuals for HTML and Flash designs. These visuals are affected by everything included in their layout, from the colors to the text used. I really believe that your best-looking page comes from making an early decision about which style best fits you, your personality, and your needs, and then choosing all modifications to it based on that specific style.
Figure 4: Choosing a web gallery type.
HTML and Flash are different uses of websites and the browser. HTML is the traditional authoring language for websites. All websites use it. It defines and structures how a website looks, acts, and interacts with the visitor. It allows for many designs, but not for a lot of activity in that design.
Flash, on the other hand, lends itself to some lively uses of images on the Internet. With this technology, slide shows and fun actions with photos becomes very easy to do. Flash technology is one of the primary tools for adding animation and interactivity to Web pages. You won’t be doing that in Lightroom. In this program, Flash is primarily used to animate the Web gallery. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
Think about these things:
- Flash is lively and modern. It can make your website seem more up-to-date and "hip." You can display the photos in different arrangements, all based on a Flash slide show. The gallery even allows viewers to get a full-screen slide show. It is quite appropriate for a sequenced presentation where the images have some sort of order or story.
- The HTML gallery is tried and true. It lets you show off a larger number of photos immediately, then access individual shots as larger views by clicking on any one. The HTML design works quite well for dealing with something more like a light table presentation where you see images as individuals. It has a conservative look to it, too, which can be important for certain businesses. But probably the most important thing is that it can be read by all Internet browsers. With Flash-made websites, you need a plug-in inside your Internet browser in order to read it, and some people simply don’t have it.
So for the simplest gallery that everyone can see, go with HTML. On the other hand, if you want something a little more hip and modern, go with Flash.
I know there are photographers who want a recommendation as to which is best. Which style should they really use? That’s not a recommendation I can give. A gallery style is not simply about computer technology and software code. It is also a distinctly visual graphic that affects the personality of your Web gallery. That makes it a very personal decision. The nice thing about Lightroom is that you can quickly compare each style with your photos inserted, making it easier to see the differences.
Where to go from here
For more information about Photoshop Lightroom, see the following:
