Sub-2-second loads for me, even when I forced re-load. Yes, the images load sequentially, but that's how pages load: the text framework drops first then the images are loaded into the placeholders. I see many pages on the web that do the same. Definitely not an issue with how VSD is coding the pages.

I know this is an old thread, but I am noticing the same thing with my VSD site, and not sure why.
newconceptfinishes.com

It loaded slow for me. It looks like you setup is causing VSD to create a lot of images for rendering your site. It doesn't look to be a bunch of huge ones. Might be your host.

how is the scrolling picture work done on this main page of your site? I'd like to be able to do something slightly similar in style

http://skoop.com/

Not the right forum for this question. Not sure if you're using VSD or HTMLEditor.
But to answer, it's called a 'slider' and there are several free and paid versions out. Just google for 'free slider' and you should get several hits.