For Sienna Rhodes, I designed the homepage around one idea: the portfolio should come first.

Photography clients usually want to know one thing before they read about your process, your packages, or even who you are: Do I connect with your work?

So instead of opening with a traditional introduction, the homepage leads directly into the portfolio and lets the imagery make the first impression. The supporting copy and details come later, once the work has already created that initial connection.

I’m curious where other designers and photographers land on this. Do you prefer a portfolio-first homepage, or do you think the photographer’s story should come first?

Portfolio first, every time for photography. Nobody hires off a process paragraph, they hire because one image stopped them scrolling. The story matters, but it lands harder after the work has already made the case. That start here slider does the pitch by itself.

I’m currently building out the hero section for a conceptual wilderness retreat brand called Timber & Trail, and I’m torn between two navigation styles. The goal is to evoke a sense of calm and modern luxury, allowing the photography and typography ("Find Your Wild Silence") to take center stage.

Take a look at the two variations:

Design A: A clean, classic layout featuring a distinct white navigation bar separating the branding and links from the main hero image. It’s safe, accessible, and familiar.

Design B: A more experimental approach where the navigation is integrated directly into the hero section with a stylized, rounded cut-out tab housing the logo. It feels a bit more editorial and immersive.

I want to know which direction you think works best for a high-end booking experience.

Clean, modern, and purposeful. The overall visual direction is excellent.