Thanks guys 
I figured minimal works better for photos and I was advised that it looks more 'professional'. When i learn how to use Dreamweaver ill try a few different css schemes or something.
ahh the fuzzball... basically we got overrun by tumbleweed, im talking 5 foot deep and all over the place. we decided to make a giant tumbleweed from the tumbleweed for an installation and lit it up all pretty and nice.
only 1 more year to go untill i finish my degree, should be interesting!