Smugmug Account Types

[Redneck]

Hi there,
since I am a German living in Texas for 8 years I'm still hosting my stuff at a German photograph provider. Right now I'm thinking about a change and that's why I have a question about the different types of accounts at smugmug.com.

The only account type where a photographer can actually earn money is the "Professional Account". Is that correct?

And one more question. What is the maximal file size at Standard or Power User Accounts?

[SmugMug]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Hi there,
since I am a German living in Texas for 8 years I'm still hosting my stuff at a German photograph provider. Right now I'm thinking about a change and that's why I have a question about the different types of accounts at smugmug.com.

The only account type where a photographer can actually earn money is the "Professional Account". Is that correct?

And one more question. What is the maximal file size at Standard or Power User Accounts?

Yes, that is correct. Only the Pro account allows you to earn commissions on all your sales.

As for max file size for Standard and Power accounts, 12 MB. http://www.smugmug.com/help/upload-photos

[Redneck]

Is there some kind of K.O. argument for smugmug.com why I shouldn't use any $6.95/month webspace provider, adding a free photo gallery and a shopping cart to it?
What is so much better with smugmug.com (considering having good knowledge about website development)? I have the very best experiences with bluehost.com for instance.

Another question: How do people upload their pictures? Do smugmuggers get FTP access? Or is there some kind of batch upload for many files at once? I wouldn't want to spend hours to upload a couple of pictures.

[PhotoByLeal]

From experience for the last month on the PRO account, I would have to say it ROCKS!!!!!!!

You can add Galleries and Clients Galleries and Subcategories with or without PASSWORDS! On the Pro account you can set your prices as well!

They also have a great HOW TO FORUM and the people there help everybody out ASAP, I mean with in minutes if not with in the hour or two it depends....
It depends what time of the day you posted it....

I upload a batch from CS3 Bridge and walk away and I don't think it takes to much time. I usually do about 50, 100 to 200 pics.....

I like the fact that you can change everything on the PRO ACCOUNT!
I have not finished mine yet, but take it look @ it……

later,
angel m. leal jr.
http://www.photobyleal.com

[SmugMug]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Is there some kind of K.O. argument for smugmug.com why I shouldn't use any $6.95/month webspace provider, adding a free photo gallery and a shopping cart to it?
What is so much better with smugmug.com (considering having good knowledge about website development)? I have the very best experiences with bluehost.com for instance.

Another question: How do people upload their pictures? Do smugmuggers get FTP access? Or is there some kind of batch upload for many files at once? I wouldn't want to spend hours to upload a couple of pictures.

We have no doubt you can do it yourself, but just like most businesses around the world, people like to outsource some service that they would rather not do OR someone can do it cheaper.

Would you rather be taking photos or managing your website? :)

SmugMug works tirelessly around the clock on making your site very effective to run your business, plus we do all the customer support for you!

Here is the Pro account: www.smugmug.com/pro

Markham

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by SmugMug

SmugMug works tirelessly around the clock on making your site very effective to run your business, plus we do all the customer support for you!

Markham

[Redneck]

All right, that really sounds good. Thank you for your answers.

One more thing. Where and how should I order this Pro account when I want to setup this new domain as well?

[Thorpeland]

I believe Smugmug works closely (or partially owns?) Godaddy.com hosting. You can buy a domain name through Godaddy and easily tie the DNS pointers to your Smugmug page. They (Smugmug) even has step by step instructions in their help section to walk you through it.

I believe their "Pro" account is $150 a year, which is pretty easy to cover if you sell photo's from just a few shoots to clients looking for some prints. Smugmugs print quality is outstanding and their options for customizing are hard to beat. And ive had even the most internet/computer illiterate friends give their cart system a run-through and they were amazed at how user friendly it is.

If you get a pro-account you can use this code for $5 off! f9GrycxWV6DxY

[Redneck]

I've signed up for the 14 day trial of a PRO account and I have to admit I already love it. You have to rethink a little bit but once you get used to the system it's actually very easy and real fun.
Thanks for advice.

[barP]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Is there some kind of K.O. argument for smugmug.com why I shouldn't use any $6.95/month webspace provider, adding a free photo gallery and a shopping cart to it?
What is so much better with smugmug.com (considering having good knowledge about website development)? I have the very best experiences with bluehost.com for instance.

Another question: How do people upload their pictures? Do smugmuggers get FTP access? Or is there some kind of batch upload for many files at once? I wouldn't want to spend hours to upload a couple of pictures.

sure, you can do all that with your provider....but where will you get your printing done?



smuggy is the bomb because they provide everything you need in one spot. you can do a lot to put your own personal stamp on your site, including using the domain name you pay $6.95/mo. for. uploading and printing couldn't be easier - there are several options, and their customer service is beyond good.

wp.

[Redneck]

Thanks for all your advice. I'm very pleased with Smugmug.
My site was up and running (including customization) within one day. Setup and customization were easy, customer support was outstanding. Fast and focused.

If anybody wants to look at it, here's what I've done so far: http://friocanyonphoto.com

[SmugMug]

Originally Posted by Thorpeland

I believe Smugmug works closely (or partially owns?) Godaddy.com hosting. You can buy a domain name through Godaddy and easily tie the DNS pointers to your Smugmug page. They (Smugmug) even has step by step instructions in their help section to walk you through it.

Haha! We don't partially own GoDaddy, but we have selected them to be our preferred partner with Domains.

It is really slick, you can go here: www.smugmugdomains.com and buy a domain and we'll automagically set all your DNS settings for you!

Plus it is only $6.95 for the domain per year.

[SmugMug]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Thanks for all your advice. I'm very pleased with Smugmug.
My site was up and running (including customization) within one day. Setup and customization were easy, customer support was outstanding. Fast and focused.

If anybody wants to look at it, here's what I've done so far: http://friocanyonphoto.com

That is a great looking site!! I love this shot of the Wynn: http://www.friocanyonphoto.com/galle...288_X84qN-A-LB

By the way, I think I would suggest ticking up the size of your font in your navigation links. It will let your visitors navigate a little more easily.

Great work!

[Redneck]

Thanks for your comment.
If I would only have the time to fill up the galleries.