A beautiful, professional showcase
Turn your work into direct income
Portfolio, sales, blog, bookings — all of it
Full creative control, any print lab or payment provider. Long-term growth.
Print fulfilment and lab printing handled entirely for you; built for photographers.
Polished design out of the box with a built-in shop — you manage fulfilment.
FAA’s “Pro” tier has no styling, blog or newsletter, so it doesn’t work as a standalone site. Instead, link out to it from whichever platform above you choose and let FAA handle printing, payment and shipping. Use it entirely on its own with no ecommerce setup required, or alongside a WooCommerce shop to widen your product range.
| Feature | WordPress | SmugMug | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio quality | Excellent — fully custom | Excellent — built for photographers | Excellent — strong templates |
| Ecommerce | Full control, any print lab or payment provider | Built-in print lab & fulfilment | Built-in shop, manual fulfilment or POD |
| Blogging | Best-in-class, most flexible | Basic but workable | Good, clean blog tools |
| SEO potential | Highest — full control over structure & plugins | Good, some limitations | Good, some limitations |
| Ease of use | Moderate — benefits from professional setup | Very easy | Very easy |
| Ongoing cost | Hosting + occasional maintenance | Monthly plan fee | Monthly plan fee |
| Scalability | Unlimited — grows with your business | Good within photography use-case | Good for small–medium shops |
| Best suited for | Photographers wanting full control & long-term growth | Photographers who want zero fulfilment admin | Photographers who value design polish & simplicity |
| Feature | WooCommerce (self-run) | SmugMug commerce | Fine Art America (link-out) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printing & shipping | You choose which lab to use | Handled entirely by SmugMug | Handled entirely by FAA |
| Payment processing | Set up on your own site (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) | Handled by SmugMug | Handled by FAA |
| Setup effort | Highest — full store build | Low | Lowest — just add "Buy This Print" links |
| Product range | Unlimited — your choice of lab and products | Photographer-focused print range | Very wide — prints, canvas, home decor, phone cases, and more |
| Checkout stays on your site? | Yes | Mostly | No — finishes on FAA |
| Works alongside another route? | N/A — it's your main shop | N/A — it's your main shop | Yes — alone with any platform, or alongside WooCommerce |
| Best for | Full control and no third-party fees | Zero admin on a photography-first platform | No ecommerce setup at all, or more products without more admin |
| Included | Portfolio Website | Portfolio + Print Sales | Complete Business Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £595 | £1,500 | £2,500 |
| Homepage, About, Contact | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Portfolio galleries & categories | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mobile responsive | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SEO-friendly structure | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Print / product sales | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blog | Optional add-on | Optional add-on | ✔ |
| Workshops / tours / courses pages | — | — | ✔ |
| Booking enquiry system | Basic contact form | Basic contact form | Dedicated booking flow |
| Newsletter signup | Optional add-on | Optional add-on | ✔ |
| Client galleries | — | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Best for | Getting a professional presence live quickly | Turning your portfolio into income | Running your whole photography business online |
Your back catalogue keeps earning long after you’ve taken it, through print sales that run largely by themselves. I sell work from over 15 years ago. There is no sell by date on photos.
We discuss your goals, style, ideal platform; no jargon, no pressure.
I guide you on gathering and preparing your strongest work.
Built around your photography, not a generic template.
You get to fully review the site before launch, I refine based on feedback.
We go live with a full handover walkthrough.
Self-managed or fully managed — entirely your choice.
My own galleries, workshops and print sales run through sites I’ve built the same way I build them for clients — image compression without losing quality, gallery structures that help buyers browse, and SEO that isn’t sold as a confusing add-on.
“As a Professional Photographer, imagery is very important to me… Ian understood the importance of projecting my images in the strongest way possible.”
“He has transformed my website and thus my business as a result through his knowledge, commitment, and dedication.”

All reviews![]()
Posted on Google![]()
Jim HarveyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I used Ian to build my wordpress photography and essay website and it was great. He was friendly, saved me a lot of time and money chasing rabbits that I didn't know about and answered all of my many questions quickly. I literally could not have done it without him and the end result was way better than anything I could do myself. I'm in the US so there was a time zone difference, but it didn't seem to matter at all. Highly recommended.Posted on Google![]()
Jim CodaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve had a nature photo gallery website since 2009 and a WordPress nature photography blog since 2010. I like to blog about my nature photography experiences and believe WordPress provides the best blogging platform for ease of use and SEO benefits. I always wanted the photo gallery to be on the same website as the blog, but I never saw a WordPress website that had what I thought was a really good photo gallery as part of it. I came to believe WordPress was great for blogging but not so great for showing one’s photos. Then I found Ian. After looking at his site and others he has created, I came to believe Ian could create a great photo gallery as part of a WordPress website. Thanks to Ian, I now have that. Ian is a walking encyclopedia on WordPress and SEO. I’ve also become tired of doing my own printing, using and maintaining a large format printer. Ian has built my site so buyers are seamlessly transferred to my Fine Art America site to purchase prints. Ian is also the easiest guy in the world to work with, and he has agreed to maintain my site while I concentrate on photography. If you want a great photo gallery integrated into a great blogging platform do what I did and contact Ian.Posted on Google![]()
Ollie TaylorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian completed a website for me and as it evolves and progresses, he’s definitely the right person to undertake further work on it. He’s a pleasure to work with and easily transforms rough ideas you give him into functional and neat designs; extremely knowledgeable in his field of web design and SEO. Highly recommend.Posted on Google![]()
Claudia DanielsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Ian Middleton Web Design Services. Ian is great to work with, highly knowledgeable, professional and efficient. His monthly management service has been essential in keeping our website current and dynamic. He answers questions quickly and is very helpful with his advice and responses. We are glad that we signed up with him!Posted on Google![]()
PJ McCormackTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Have to say dealing with Ian was a pleasure from start to finish, true professional. Complete redesign of our website and not only does it look better, it works. From the moment it launched we started moving up the google ranking and within a week we were no 1 (up from 36) for a lot of the searches for our particular business. Highly recommend Ian and have to say, if you’re not working with him – you’re missing out.Posted on Google![]()
Tim BryanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have used Ian twice now . First he consulted me when I started to design my first Word Press site. Then later at the end I had him come in and help me with some issues I had been unable to fix and put the finishing touches on the site, do the SEO and redo my choice of plugins. I realized then I should have brought him back into the project way before then. Ian is highly knowledgeable about WordPress and easy to work with. I highly recommend him for you WP project.Posted on Google![]()
Rodney O Callaghan PhotographyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian has designed the most fantastic website for my photography workshops & tours business. From the very beginning Ian has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He is professional, enthusiastic and very personable. Not only did Ian work with me on my vision of what I wanted the website to accomplish, he also made numerous fantastic recommendations on how the website could further be enhanced and optimised for best performance and reach. Ian provided regular updates on how the site build was progressing and has talked us through all aspects of the site and it's running since it went live. He has great patience and answers questions without any delay. With his knowledge, expertise and recommendations I now have a website I feel truly showcases my photography business. I have no doubt my business will 100% benefit from the new website Ian has created. I would highly recommend Ian and the fantastic services he offers. If I could give 10 stars I would!Posted on Google![]()
Sarah HowardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian Middleton designed a website for my photography workshop business. He is brilliant to put it simply. As a photographer himself he understood my needs and made helpful suggestions throughout regarding the design and also how we could optimise the website for SEO. He was, and continues to be, incredibly helpful and patient, and is always there to offer advice and assistance should I need it when updating the website myself. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a great looking and well performing website at a reasonable price.Posted on Google![]()
Julian ElliottTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian created a website for me that has changed my business. Through his extraordinary efforts I now have a website that not only showcases the work that I do as a photographer but also gives me a storefront for my photography tours. Ian goes beyond what you would expect from a website designer. He's always on hand to help out and also show you too how it is that you can keep his sitebuild up to date. I cannot thank him enough for his amazing work which continues.Posted on Google![]()
Pablo PérezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian is a professional specialist in web design and above all in customer service. I am very grateful for his good work. Daniel, Spain.Posted on Google![]()
paul placitelliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What can I say! Ian was fantastic from the beginning concept to completion of the project and beyond with ongoing support. He listened to the vision I was after and made suggestions, not only with the design process, but also how he could optimise and maximise the platform online. Ian kept me informed with regular updates throughout, providing visuals on how the design was looking. Ian also provided me with ono to one training on how to amend and update the web page, during and after completion. He has a very calming and nurturing teaching style, and is very patient, which is great, as it can take me a while to grasp technical information! His knowledge on web design is top class and he really knows his stuff, to be able to advise as to the best design for your needs.I am so pleased with the platform he has created for me, and I am already experience an uplift in customers since the launch. I would thoroughly recommend Ian to anyone looking for this service, without hesitation. Paul Placitelli.Posted on Google![]()
Caroline HurtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian has been fantastic at building my photgraphy website form scratch. He has also been very helpful at following up with any teething issues I had. I would highly recommend.Posted on Facebook![]()
Back Road PhotographyrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Ian did a great job on helping design my photography website. He was informative and knowledgeable and delivered on what he said he would.. I would highly recommend him. Thank you again for the help!Posted on Google![]()
Kevin BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian did a great job designing my photography website. He was very professional and informative in answering all my questions! I would definitely recommend him for website design. Thank you for all the help!Posted on Google![]()
Louise WelcomeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have known Ian both as a photography tutor (some years ago) and as someone who I really wanted to take charge of building my website. His guidance and patience with me has been utterly appreciated. His objective approach to building my website has also meant that I have had the courage to 'let go of my darlings' so that the end product is impactful and competitive. I now have a website that is visually strong, incorporates my youtube channel and is visible - it's now down to me to develop my marketing strategy to take full advantage of his excellent work! Thank you Ian.Posted on Google![]()
Dean AllanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am a Professional Landscape Photographer and have had a website for a very long time. However, I was looking at refreshing it, updating it and improving it. My website is very important to me, so when a friend recommended Ian and suggested I contact him with a view to doing all these things, I was only too happy to do so. As a Professional Photographer, imagery is very important to me and I knew straightaway after speaking with Ian, that we were on the same page. As a Professional Photographer himself, Ian understood the importance of projecting my images in the strongest way possible. This allied with his incredible website skills he was able to build a new website for me which has exceeded all my expectations. Ian's in depth knowledge and understanding of my website needs was admirable and very reassuring. Not only does it look amazing, but it also has so much information which the viewer is guided through the site effortlessly. This has already increased the amount of traffic coming through my site. I have jumped to the 1st page of all the search engines for my landscape locations since Ian has been involved with my website. I would thoroughly recommend Ian if you are looking for a new website or just looking at improving the mechanics of an existing one. His manner is extremely professional and he is always available to guide me through anything I am unsure with and deals with it in a polite, prompt and skillful way.Posted on Google![]()
Paul ThomsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian did a great job in providing me with a report on what I should change on my website. After agreeing the work Ian kept me updated throughout the whole process and made sure I was happy with what was done. After the work was complete he showed me what a difference it had made especially to SEO and that showed straight away in Google search results. I can totally recommend Ian’s services he is absolutely fantastic at what he does and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟Posted on Google![]()
Melinda goldenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am a new small business owner. I was really struggling putting together a website. While seeking to gain more knowledge, I came across Ian's SmugMug tutorial YouTube videos. After visiting his website, I discovered his web design services and decided to reach out. I am very glad I did. Through trail and error, he helped me create a website far greater than what I had envisioned. I am confident and proud of how my work is portrayed! Ian was flexible and patient with my schedule. He was quick to respond to any request or concern. Most importantly, he was able to work with me and provide my fantastic website within MY budget. No contract, hourly rates, and he has stated/proven he is available for further assistance if I need any! What I appreciated most about working with Ian; for every request I had, along with making the adjustments himself, he would send me a tutorial video, just so I could have an understanding/knowledge of how he accomplished something on my site. He made the process seamless and exciting for me. I am so thrilled I utilized his services. I would highly recommend for any service he offers!
A simple portfolio starts from around £1200. Portfolio with print sales starts from £1,800 depending on platform. A complete business website starts from around £2,500 — every quote follows a short discovery call.
It depends how hands-on you want to be. WordPress gives the most control, SmugMug handles fulfilment entirely, and Squarespace offers the most design polish.
Not on its own — no styling, blog or newsletter. It works far better as a fulfilment link-out from your real site, either alone (no ecommerce setup needed) or alongside WooCommerce for a wider product range.
No. I build the site and train you to manage galleries, blog posts and pricing — no coding required. A fully managed option is also available.
A portfolio site typically takes 2–4 weeks. A complete business site usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on how quickly content is ready.
Yes — redesigns and improvements to existing sites on any of these platforms are a large part of what I do.
Whether you need a simple portfolio, a print shop, or a complete business platform — let’s talk about what you actually need.