Will you recommend SmugMug?

[mblanton]

I've been doing event photography for several years and I'm getting more and more request for prints. So many that I am unable to keep up with it. I think its time to setup a website and I've been looking at SmugMug. It looks good on the surface (automatic processing of orders, credit card payments, orders shipped directly to customers...etc), but are there negative issues associated with them that I'm not seeing. They recommend saving photos as jpeg 10 in photoshop and state this is lab quality....is this true?

Let me know what you think.

Mike

[stathunter]

I have been using smugmug for just over a year and like it. I have no complaints. It is quick and simple. Once you learn how to to work to customize it ---things work great. Their customer service is good.

[ducko]

Yes, the only bad thing IMO is that they won't let you upload a RAW file. Otherwise, it's a great service!

[Karl C]

You could also use Exposure Manager and they use Mpix for their processing. I believe SmugMug uses EZPrints for processing and some haven't been satisfied with their work.

I tried Exposure Manager and was happy with their functionality.

[uva185]

I have been using SmugMug for about 6 months and I have been very happy. My only complaint is I think their commission is a tad high (15% on top of the annual Pro Fee of $150) but the professional design and complete integration into my website makes it worth it. Except for the URL you cannot tell you have left my website and gone to SmugMug. They also have an option to direct a domain name directly to your SmugMug account, I have not done this because I still want to keep my own separate website.

[mblanton]

You could also use Exposure Manager and they use Mpix for their processing. I believe SmugMug uses EZPrints for processing and some haven't been satisfied with their work.

I tried Exposure Manager and was happy with their functionality.

They state "Our commission is 10% per order, calculated after we deduct the shipping & handling and sales tax (if applicable). Note: This includes the credit card processing fees!"

Does anyone know if the commission at Smugmug is calculated the same way? I like the fact that Exposure Manager gives you the option to pay monthly. I'm going to setup the free trial at SmugMug, but research Exposure Manager some more. Any other thoughts.

Mike

[MazerRakhm]

I've used SmugMug for almost 4 years now, and love it. The site is easy to use, constantly evolving and adding more features, and their customer service is simply top notch.

[uva185]

They state "Our commission is 10% per order, calculated after we deduct the shipping & handling and sales tax (if applicable). Note: This includes the credit card processing fees!"

Does anyone know if the commission at Smugmug is calculated the same way? I like the fact that Exposure Manager gives you the option to pay monthly. I'm going to setup the free trial at SmugMug, but research Exposure Manager some more. Any other thoughts.

Mike

SmugMug takes the total order price and subtracts the cost of the photos and shipping and then takes 15% commission on your profit. This may be a slight advantage over EM if EM charges 10% on the actual cost of the photo and your profit. (Not sure though)

[mblanton]

I really like both sites and once I get demo galleries setup, I'll make a decision on which to use. I photograph mostly local stuff in the county and surrounding area where I live (western kentucky). I have a full-time job, so I'm not looking to turn photography into a huge business, but I would like to use it as a means to supplement my income. I've been shooting events for several years, so alot of people already know me and expect to see me when things are happening.

For those of you that are already using smugmug or exposure manager I have a few questions. How do you advertise yourself? What types of photography do you sell the most of? What types of sales volume have you been experiencing? Do you have a business license? What about sales tax? I'm just trying to think it through before I jump in head first.

If you've got a gallery, post a link, I'd love to take a look. Thanks for all the help.

Mike

P.S. Will you take a look at my sample gallery and tell me what you honestly think. If it stinks tell me now. C/C greatly appreciated.

www.mikeblanton.smugmug.com

[uva185]

I really like both sites and once I get demo galleries setup, I'll make a decision on which to use. I photograph mostly local stuff in the county and surrounding area where I live (western kentucky). I have a full-time job, so I'm not looking to turn photography into a huge business, but I would like to use it as a means to supplement my income. I've been shooting events for several years, so alot of people already know me and expect to see me when things are happening.

For those of you that are already using smugmug or exposure manager I have a few questions. How do you advertise yourself? What types of photography do you sell the most of? What types of sales volume have you been experiencing? Do you have a business license? What about sales tax? I'm just trying to think it through before I jump in head first.

If you've got a gallery, post a link, I'd love to take a look. Thanks for all the help.

Mike

P.S. Will you take a look at my sample gallery and tell me what you honestly think. If it stinks tell me now. C/C greatly appreciated.

www.mikeblanton.smugmug.com (http://www.mikeblanton.smugmug.com)

Your gallery is nice, but once nice thing with SmugMug is customization of headers and footers. This is one gallery I have http://palcher.smugmug.com/2007%20Palmetto%20Rugby%20Showcase My custom headers and footers are the same as my website and unless you look at the URL you cannot tell you have left my site and have entered a SmugMug gallery.

[JasonSTL739]

We love smugmug. It really just rocks... We integrated our galleries in a better front end than we could customize, so now we have the best of both worlds.

http://www.sedura.com

J

[uva185]

We love smugmug. It really just rocks... We integrated our galleries in a better front end than we could customize, so now we have the best of both worlds.

http://www.sedura.com

J

Thats a really nice site but I'm no fan of the pop-up windows. They also pop up in a size that is not compatible with the SmugMug purchase interface. (If your clients even use that)

[JasonSTL739]

Thats a really nice site but I'm no fan of the pop-up windows. They also pop up in a size that is not compatible with the SmugMug purchase interface. (If your clients even use that)

Thanks! Just did the redesign pretty recently - so we're working on that actually - I agree; rare for purchase for images that are linked from the main site but the pop up window was the quick way to get the integration completed. Most "purchased" images are private galleries that users have a direct link to (and thus would be full page)

Probably going to have it stay in the same window; but not totally sure. Open to any suggestions.

[S.Horton]

^^ Picked up a look at your site via dgrin; it is in the favs now.

+1 vote for smuggy, unless you're going down the managed-rights path, in which case photoshelter

[blackshadow]

No!

I would have gone with smugmug except they will not allow me to bill customers in local currency ($AUD) and that their payment is by cheque which means I have to wait 28 days for an international cheque to clear into my bank account after waiting for them to issue cheques monthly - it's just not good enough for a digital business as far as I'm concerned. I did look at EM and Photoreflect but neither of them met my needs either.

I'm looking forward to see what zenfolio offer in their professional package.

[stathunter]

Thanks! ................
Probably going to have it stay in the same window; but not totally sure. Open to any suggestions.

Jason-- nice site. I noticed that the words on the services page on the right hand site-----the last letter of each word on the right is cut off. For what it is worth.

Nice job though..... :D

[Mike R]

I really like both sites and once I get demo galleries setup, I'll make a decision on which to use. I photograph mostly local stuff in the county and surrounding area where I live (western kentucky). I have a full-time job, so I'm not looking to turn photography into a huge business, but I would like to use it as a means to supplement my income. I've been shooting events for several years, so alot of people already know me and expect to see me when things are happening.

For those of you that are already using smugmug or exposure manager I have a few questions. How do you advertise yourself? What types of photography do you sell the most of? What types of sales volume have you been experiencing? Do you have a business license? What about sales tax? I'm just trying to think it through before I jump in head first.

If you've got a gallery, post a link, I'd love to take a look. Thanks for all the help.

Mike

P.S. Will you take a look at my sample gallery and tell me what you honestly think. If it stinks tell me now. C/C greatly appreciated.

www.mikeblanton.smugmug.com (http://www.mikeblanton.smugmug.com)

I use EM (since Sept.) and shoot High School Sports. My only advertising has been to hand out business cards at games. One school that I shoot for will be providing a link to my site, on their website. I also shoot landscapes and find that when parents visit the sport galleries, They are also checking out the landscapes.
Business started out slowly but has been increasing at a rate that I thought would take a year to reach. The site has more than paid for itself in about 2 weeks. This work has led to other work such as portraits,T&I photos & slideshows for banquets.

I looked at your gallery and think that the word Proof is too bold on the shots. Can you lighten it up a bit? More important is knowing whether you upload,or have them convert to display only low res versions. With EM, I have a choice. I have them convert,save display only low res versions. The reason is that the Crop for a 5x7 is much different than that of an 8x10 , or other sizes and I only upload full res versions cropped for the size ordered. That way I'm certain that an important part of the shot will not be cropped out, I can position the crop for the best composition based on the size ordered.

[Maddog12]

Nothing but good things about smugmug. I have the account just below the pro account. I had no prior experience with designing a website, but with the help of Dgrin, I was able to customize my website fairly easily.

I order all my prints right off my website. I have printed all sizes up to 16x20 and have all turned out great.

[Emberghost]

I have been using their pro account since the summer and love it. Very easy, a little confusing to setup at first but it's an awesome service. I've sold many prints through them as well as digital originals with 0 problems/complaints.

my site http://www.atphotographyonline.com/

[Mike R]

Does SmgMug allow youto remove their name from the bottom of your site? I use that option at EM so customers will not know who I use and cannot look up what I pay for prints. When prints are delivered to a customer, It's with my name on the packing slip.

[barosborough]

I have been using their pro account since the summer and love it. Very easy, a little confusing to setup at first but it's an awesome service. I've sold many prints through them as well as digital originals with 0 problems/complaints.

my site http://www.atphotographyonline.com/


Adam, I really like what you have done with your smugmug site. I've had one for a couple months now and really like it. I haven't sold anything yet but haven't done any gigs yet either just landscape stuff.

Question. How did you do your slide show on you're homepage? I'd appriciate the info. Thanks,

Here is my smugmug site. http://www.rosboroughphotography.com

[Emberghost]

Adam, I really like what you have done with your smugmug site. I've had one for a couple months now and really like it. I haven't sold anything yet but haven't done any gigs yet either just landscape stuff.

Question. How did you do your slide show on you're homepage? I'd appriciate the info. Thanks,

Here is my smugmug site. http://www.rosboroughphotography.com

Just found this, hope it works for ya.

http://smugmug.jot.com/WikiHome/FlashSlideShow
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=652744#post652744

[jerryr]

Hi !
Yes, I would recommend smugmug....
I have used smugmug for almost two years - great results !!
I also am I web designer/developer and have done several
'smugmug customizations' for other photographers.
Here is my portfolio:
www.jrphotosandwebdesign.com/customization (http://www.jrphotosandwebdesign.com/customization)

check it out - jerryr

[barosborough]

Just found this, hope it works for ya.

http://smugmug.jot.com/WikiHome/FlashSlideShow
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=652744#post652744


Thanks Adam for the links. Looking at them briefly the first link should work great. Thanks for your time.

[barosborough]

Worked great. Totally changed my smugmug site. If anybody has a few minutes check it out and let me know what I should add/change/delete.

http://rosboroughphotography.com

~Aaron

[mblanton]

I wanted to thank everyone for there help and advice. I opened an account with exposure manager; I chose $7 a month over $150 per year; I also liked being able to upload much faster because of the display mode. I've got some shots from a 4-6th grade football game uploaded and I put the link at the bottom of the page.

What I need now is help creating a header for the top of the page. There editor accepts html code, but I'm not code savy. I just want to put GCpix at the top of the page. I also am trying to figure out how to add a letter from myself to my potential customers somewhere.

If you have time to take a look and point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again.

Mike

www.gcpix.exposuremanager.com

[uva185]

I wanted to thank everyone for there help and advice. I opened an account with exposure manager; I chose $7 a month over $150 per year; I also liked being able to upload much faster because of the display mode. I've got some shots from a 4-6th grade football game uploaded and I put the link at the bottom of the page.

What I need now is help creating a header for the top of the page. There editor accepts html code, but I'm not code savy. I just want to put GCpix at the top of the page. I also am trying to figure out how to add a letter from myself to my potential customers somewhere.

If you have time to take a look and point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again.

Mike

www.gcpix.exposuremanager.com (http://www.gcpix.exposuremanager.com)

Do you just want GCpix in text (like your EM site) or do you want a logo at the top. If you just want text the same as your EM site this is the code: (Copy and paste it into the 'header - optional' field)

<p align="center"><b><font color="#0000ff" size="6">Welcome to GCpix</font></b></p>

[mblanton]

The main gallery page looks very plain, even with the GCpix text header. How could I make it improve it. I am pretty good at creating text with photoshop, but how could I use that as a header?

Mike

[uva185]

If you create a nice logo in Photoshop you can add it as the header. Upload the logo to a private gallery in SmugMug (don't password protect the gallery)

Then use the following code:

<p align="center"> <img border="0" src="http://YOURNAME.smugmug.com/photos/FILENAME.extension"></p (http://YOURNAME.smugmug.com/photos/FILENAME.extension)>

To find the filename right click on the enlarged image in the gallery and click properties. It will be something such as 152423957-M.jpg

[MikeI]

I like Smugmug. It is easy to use and it's customizable. I have done a few things like banners, but haven't done all that I could. I'm clueless when it comes to web design so I will do it in time I suppose.

I like having the private galleries. It allows me to dump all kinds of stuff on there for another form of back up. Hard drive, CD's, external drive, and Smugmug....my images are going to be safe somewhere!!!

[mblanton]

I've got a header up, but I think its too big. I would like to re-do the entire main page to get rid of the horizontal bars and also create a space to add some commentary. I would also like to add a "click to enter galleries button". Anyone know where I should go from here.

Mike

[Emberghost]

I've got a header up, but I think its too big. I would like to re-do the entire main page to get rid of the horizontal bars and also create a space to add some commentary. I would also like to add a "click to enter galleries button". Anyone know where I should go from here.

Mike

Posting up your site may help. Wish I knew more about coding to help but I have no idear. :cry:

[JasonSTL739]

I've got a header up, but I think its too big. I would like to re-do the entire main page to get rid of the horizontal bars and also create a space to add some commentary. I would also like to add a "click to enter galleries button". Anyone know where I should go from here.

Mike

Does exposure manager have something like smugmug's dgrin? Particularly the customize forum. I'd start somewhere like that, there can be alot to it.

http://www.dgrin.com

[mblanton]

Yeah, I kind of forgot the address.

Here it is: www.gcpix.exposuremanager.com

[silvex]

I love smug. Very easy to setup and you don't have to worry about setting up a cash register for sales.

[Sauk]

i love smugmug. Their price for the pro was very affordable in my mind. My site url is in my signature.