Looking for a new web host

Ok, I've just gotten tired of Smugmug and their refusal to fix certain (basic) things like making it easier to upload/manage galleries/sub-galleries/etc. Time to consider other options.

I don't really want to/have energy or time to build a site myself and go that route. Nor do I have the money to pay someone to properly do so. Unfortunately, that's out of the equation for now.

I like having the ability to sell photos online and the ability to control profit/etc. However, I don't do nearly as much of this as I used to. But I'd like to have the capability.

I'm mainly looking for a service which doesn't cost a fortune and will be easier to manage than Smugmug's. I don't want any branding from the hosting company either.

The typical password-protected galleries, etc are also required.

I also do not want Flash if at all possible.

I like the pricing for Smugmug but I guess you get what you pay for.

Oh, I'm on a Mac so, if there are applications to use for managing galleries I need Mac versions.

Thanks.

I have only used Fotki, which I find very good, but I don't know how it compares with Smugmug?

Have you looked into Zenfolio? I really like it's flexibility and professional appearance. Click on my "few worthy shots" in my sig and you can see how it looks.

J-Blake wrote in post #13743041
Have you looked into Zenfolio? I really like it's flexibility and professional appearance. Click on my "few worthy shots" in my sig and you can see how it looks.

I tried Zenfolio when I was starting up. I went with Smugmug for various reasons. How do they manage dealing with galleries/sub-galleries and arranging all of this (and photos)?

Ianfp wrote in post #13743010
I have only used Fotki, which I find very good, but I don't know how it compares with Smugmug?

Have to check them out.

I'm not sure I understand your question. They have a capability to create galleries and then have subfolders underneath them. On my site I have one gallery which hosts all photo's and have several folders within which are topic specific. I could hide the "all photo's" gallery and force folks into the topics, but all photo's is by far my most popular......the people have spoken.

J-Blake wrote in post #13743507
I'm not sure I understand your question. They have a capability to create galleries and then have subfolders underneath them. On my site I have one gallery which hosts all photo's and have several folders within which are topic specific. I could hide the "all photo's" gallery and force folks into the topics, but all photo's is by far my most popular......the people have spoken.

I'm saying the way Smugmug deals with handling all of these galleries/subgalleries sucks. Constantly have problems getting them to show up once created and it's going to take me FOREVER to redo my site (what I've been meaning to do for months but have not done it due to their horrible management tools). I'm (by far) not the only user who has mentioned this to them as it's a known problem (even to them) but they've yet to address it.

I'm just tired of having to settle and am hoping someone else has found a better way. It's hampering me and my business.

J-Blake wrote in post #13743041
Have you looked into Zenfolio? I really like it's flexibility and professional appearance. Click on my "few worthy shots" in my sig and you can see how it looks.

I'd also suggest Zenfolio. Their galleries/sub-galleries/custom pages are very easy to manage and uploading is a breeze. I've been very happy with them.

ceegee wrote in post #13747936
I'd also suggest Zenfolio. Their galleries/sub-galleries/custom pages are very easy to manage and uploading is a breeze. I've been very happy with them.

I'll have to check them out again.

I would be interested to know which one you decide upon, so you will have to let us know.

Buy a domain name, buy the service from a general webhost like inmotionhosting and build your own website with Wordpress?

Check out Portfoliositez. There are many templates, very clean looking and its very inexpensive, but nice. ?

Zenfolio here as well...

Very happy camper.

Kento wrote in post #13752486
Buy a domain name, buy the service from a general webhost like inmotionhosting and build your own website with Wordpress?

A few problems with this (in no particular order):

• Cost--much more expensive (if done well).
  
• Management--more work to manage the site correctly.
  
• Time--extremely time-consuming because I'll have to design everything from scratch.
  
• Ease of setup--have to set up EVERYTHING manually (shopping cart, portfolios, etc.).