I agree that losing my start bar w/o a decision is annoying - if I want a site to be fullscreen, then I'll hit F11.
Also the navigation is not very clear...first you have the splash screen, which stays up, even after you have hit enter, I would get rid of that if possible. Then there are three choices... 'Galleries' - 'About' - and 'Links'. When you roll over galleries you get two more choices...but they are rather cryptic - 'Stories' & 'Meetings' Clicking on either one of those brings up more options, but keeps the 'Galleries' above. You need to establish a clear hierachry of pages, and while websites are interactive, some direction and starting/ending point is good.
Overall I would simplify the navigation, make sure you have the important buttons (Gallery Index, About, & Links maybe) in the same place on every single screen. For example...If I am in a gallery, and I went to get back to the 'about' - first I have to click on 'Gallery' and then 'About'
Also the 'about' could have some more personal info if desired - your history, equipment, etc.
The overall visual design is good - the black negative space works well w/ the photos. Improving the navigation will help alot though.
I hope you don't mind this honest critique, Regards, Chris
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