I would like to ask some advice on the do’s and don’ts of creating a web site for displaying photographs. What makes a good photography website?

I have trawled the web and many sites by LS members in search of both inspiration and formatting tips. Colours, for example. Black seems to be very popular but harsh on the eye after a long time. Viewing selected photos in new windows or other. Anything that you have found works for you as a site manager or works well for the viewer (preferably both) would be a great help.

The photographs for the intended site will be landscape/nature photography by featured Japanese photographers.

I have been in contact with some web design companies here but I would like to be a little more clued up before going into discuss designs. Any information/suggestions a great help.
Thanks.