Hi Michelle. 

Funny I just joined the Examiner today and I know I can help already!  My partner specializes in Websites, full design and maintenance.  You would have 24/7 technical assistance and a team that works closely to be sure your client is happy with the results.  Let me know if you would like to make a connection with her and I will arrange it ASAP.

@michellefontaine  I specialize in website design, implementation, and seo analytics. For your friend’s photography business, they’ll obviously want to advertise their portfolio grouped into attractive categories e.g. weddings, birthdays, graduations, awards, ceremonies, special events, etc. 

Next, I suggest a “Pinterest” style pinboard mixed with lightbox-viewing whereby customers can browse easily, then click on pin, view as a lightbox, then return to move navigation/viewing. Possibly using Pinterest boards themselves as a host to your friend’s successes.

I suggest connecting the website with your friend’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and possibly sharing Likes and Tweets with the portfolio. 

Next, decide on account creation/integration with social sites FB, Twitter, Pinterest (api not quite there), Google Maps, etc.

How’s that sound?

@michellefontaine I occasionally use themeforest.net and studiopress.com (for Genesis).  They are both great although themeforest does have a lot more to choose from.  The Genesis platform is amazing but in my opinion not a whole lot of themes.