What are the servers you use for your images, cost and benefits of choices?

[Asher Kelman]

Some host servers don't seem to encourage links and others seem to tolerate or encourage their use. So it would be helpful to get some idea of the services used and the ease to get a URL for the stored images to use for linking here in OPF.

So please share what service you use, why you chose it and whether it allows/is happy with linking externally?

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

I know that many use Flickr to store files and can share from there. Smugmug is the same.


Personally I use my web hosting account where my website is stored, to store image files for use on forums etc. Being they are resized for web and relatively small in file size - a lot of images can be stored without violating disk space limitations.


For those that use their own hosting account that their website is stored on - years ago I wrote and provided to photographers an extremely easy utility program for uploading web sized files from your computer to your own server without having to go through FTP or FileManager.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE EASIEST WAY TO UPLOAD AND POST IMAGES - YOU GOTTA TRY IT TO BELIEVE IT.

It really is effortless and even more useful for embedding images in forum posts - after you upload the file to a folder on yourserver, it returns the full url of the file including the tags. Just copy and paste. I called it the "[URL="http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/"][B]File Upload Utility[/B][/URL]" and I have a bookmark on my browser Link Bar that I just click and upload any time I need it.

This is a [B]Demo Site[/B] : [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/fluDemo/[/URL]
(you can log in to see what the FLU looks like and even pretend to upload a file and get back the forum ready url (it doesn't actually store the image file though)

This is the FileUploadUtility [B]Documentation[/B]: [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/documentation/flu.html[/URL]

FileUploadUtility [B]FREE TO DOWNLOAD[/B] : [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/flu.zip[/URL]



If you have your own hosting space - I encourage you to try it How it works on your end, is nothing more than creating a new folder on your server just for the purpose of storing your forum image files - - - and drop the FileUploadUtility "index.php" file into that folder. It works like magic auto recognizing the domain name and folder. So you could have 10 different folders for different purposes - without having to change a thing in the [URL="http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/"][B]FLU[/B][/URL] script - - - just drop it in.



A few of my free apps are here:
[URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/[/URL]

---------------

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

I also host my images on my web account. My host is 1and1.com

I chose it because it used to be that the business package included 3 domains, (including domain registry as long as you kept the package). Unlimited downloads and unlimited webspace.

I use filezilla (ftp) to upload. I find it incredibly easy. I have created a folder in the hierarchy of the website and just upload to there and then share the url online. There is no problem at all sharing.

 

[Asher Kelman]

I know that many use Flickr to store files and can share from there. Smugmug is the same.


Personally I use my web hosting account where my website is stored, to store image files for use on forums etc. Being they are resized for web and relatively small in file size - a lot of images can be stored without violating disk space limitations.


For those that use their own hosting account that their website is stored on - years ago I wrote and provided to photographers an extremely easy utility program for uploading web sized files from your computer to your own server without having to go through FTP or FileManager.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE EASIEST WAY TO UPLOAD AND POST IMAGES - YOU GOTTA TRY IT TO BELIEVE IT.

It really is effortless and even more useful for embedding images in forum posts - after you upload the file to a folder on yourserver, it returns the full url of the file including the tags. Just copy and paste. I called it the "[URL="http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/"][B]File Upload Utility[/B][/URL]" and I have a bookmark on my browser Link Bar that I just click and upload any time I need it.

This is a [B]Demo Site[/B] : [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/fluDemo/[/URL]
(you can log in to see what the FLU looks like and even pretend to upload a file and get back the forum ready url (it doesn't actually store the image file though)

This is the FileUploadUtility [B]Documentation[/B]: [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/documentation/flu.html[/URL]

FileUploadUtility [B]FREE TO DOWNLOAD[/B] : [URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/flu.zip[/URL]



If you have your own hosting space - I encourage you to try it How it works on your end, is nothing more than creating a new folder on your server just for the purpose of storing your forum image files - - - and drop the FileUploadUtility "index.php" file into that folder. It works like magic auto recognizing the domain name and folder. So you could have 10 different folders for different purposes - without having to change a thing in the [URL="http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/"][B]FLU[/B][/URL] script - - - just drop it in.



A few of my free apps are here:
[URL]http://robertwatcher.com/web/apps/[/URL]

---------------[/QUOTE]

Robert,

You're so generous! I must try this myself. How does it get past the password protection of your server?

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

You're so generous! I must try this myself. How does it get past the password protection of your server?

It is simply an html webpage that gets plunked inside the folder where you are storing your images. It really has nothing to do with your ftp or cpanel password protection. You could look at it more like logging in to your OPF forum so that you can post to threads.

So this is just an elementary password protection written into the script, that keeps others from opening the FileUploadUtility webpage and uploading their files to your server through that page (which you don't want). I like to make the name I give to the folder, a little bit more obscure as well - to deter nosey people from rooting around with common folder names like "images".


BTW - Any folder that is going to allow for the images to be linked to from another website, cannot be password protected at any rate - otherwise people would not be able to see them.

 

[Asher Kelman]

I also host my images on my web account. My host is 1and1.com

I chose it because it used to be that the business package included 3 domains, (including domain registry as long as you kept the package). Unlimited downloads and unlimited webspace.

I use filezilla (ftp) to upload. I find it incredibly easy. I have created a folder in the hierarchy of the website and just upload to there and then share the url online. There is no problem at all sharing.

That's what I do myself. I used an ftp app, Transmit to upload my images to my own server.

Here's my quick glance at what's available. Please correct any oversight or errors you see and make your own recommendations.


Free Hosting Sites:

Flickr: V. popular & Free!

Imagesack: The content that you distribute through the ImageShack Network is owned by you, and you give ImageShack permission to display and distribute said content exclusively on the ImageShack Network.

Koffeshop: Has desktop organizer with synchronization to the kofferphoto account.

Photobucket:Large bandwidth and fast

Pict:Large bandwidth and fast

Fee-based hosting sites:

1and1 is $5 to $7 a month after the first year of $4 per month

Smugmug: A really well made more pro site for photographers: selling your photos there could pay for itself! You brand it yourself with many tools. Here are examples. I've never used them but know they are very sophisticated, experienced and have 24/7 help 365 days a year. Their hosting is on the amazon.com business cloud worldwide.

- Integrated sharing on Facebook, Twitter, via email and a growing list of other services
- Mobile Apps for iPad, iPhone and Android
- No ads or promotions surrounding your photos
- We keep original, full resolution photos, unlike other sites
- Full-screen slideshows and HD Video playback
- Real, knowledgeable & friendly humans to answer your emails quickly
- Add photos from Lightroom, Aperture, iPhoto, Picasa, and other popular programs

To use URLs to embed in forums online, one needs the Power account at $60 per year. That includes your own pro website and for sure you could hope to earn $60 per year back selling your pics!

Downsides of smugmug:

Correct me if I'm in error:

Uses flash so not compatible with the iPhone or iPad whereas Flickr Pro is.

iSmug app at $1.99 solves that very well, apparently!

 

[Asher Kelman]

Here's what to look out for:

Can one use the URL of your image to post in a forum such as OPF?

What's the bandwidth?

How robust is the company? Many have gone out of business and sometimes files are lost.

How easy is it to use?



Add your own.

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

I use mutiple sites. My full scale images are hosted on Zenfolio.
My domains are hosted elsewhere; because the family has their own website/s.

I have found Zenfolio to be very professional, constant enhancements, very easy to us, and no issue to link anywhere. One could have a web site just based ther and a blog. Links to social networks..simple.

Web design is already catered for. Very reasonably priced. Uploading/downloading is for simpletons like myself. Slideshow html is autogenerated with multiple options. Have a look at my site for the slideshow done in a few seconds.

I am happy with the service and support. I have to get organized though!!

Regards.

p.s what is ftp? Just kidding.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks for adding Zenfolio experience. What's the cost?

 

[Asher Kelman]

arwMedia.com Web Hosting for Photographers
Unlimited Personal & Business Website Hosting from $6.95/month
​

Need to add our own Robert Watcher's service for photographers here. Give it a try!

One advantage is going to be personal attention!

I like the idea that it's wordpress friendly.

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

arwMedia.com Web Hosting for Photographers
Unlimited Personal & Business Website Hosting from $6.95/month
​

Need to add our own Robert Watcher's service for photographers here. Give it a try!

One advantage is going to be personal attention!

I like the idea that it's wordpress friendly.

Asher

Thanks Asher. Yes Wordpress is probably the number 1 website building application these days. Not just for blogging, but also as a main website.

This video shows how unbelievably effortless it is to install Wordpress using the Softaculous application that comes with my web hosting - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXtmlrkk7Gs&list=PL54DB7DCCE3DC5EEB

Once Wordpress is installed, you can customize it to your hearts content.

BTW - I have decided that for your generosity on this forum - that I will provide any of the OPF members 1 year of web hosting at the price of $3.95 per month. I am able to compete with and in many ways I believe exceed the large companies like 1 and 1, Godaddy, Fat Cow and the likes - with my personalized service. I would love to have everyone experience that.

 

[fahim mohammed]

Thanks for adding Zenfolio experience. What's the cost?

My plan at Zenfolio costs me US$ 60.00/year. Unlimited storage and BW. Around 36MB file size.

Regards.

 

[Asher Kelman]

We need to know about Mac versus PC operating systems.

 

[fahim mohammed]

We need to know about Mac versus PC operating systems.

Zenfolio works with a consistent interface on both my systems.

Regards.

 

[John Wolf]

I used to develop my own sites with Dreamweaver and host them on Yahoo. Now I use Zenfolio Pro and am absolutely thrilled with it. Just can't say enough about its ease of use and flexibility.

The service now includes blogging. And they finally added custom pages, so you can do anything you want if you know html and css.

For links from this site, I set up a hiddfen portfolio folder with images. Visitors to my site can't see that portfolio, but I can link to the files in it from OPF.

Incidentally, several of my OPF posts point to photos on my old Yahoo-hosted site. I plan to cancel that service. Not sure how to handle what will then become broken links.

John

 

[Robert Watcher]

Zenfolio works with a consistent interface on both my systems.

Regards.

Yes - I think that many of the popular file hosting sites and website applications like Zenfolio and Smugmug, are web based systems and so the operating system on your computer will have no bearing in those cases. There can be some issues with web browsers though - which has more to do with if the application is built with backwards compatability for older browsers - or if say it is built to exploit HTML 5 video and audio features that are not part of even some of the modern browsers.

Unless the hosting company has a specific design application that is downloaded to your computer and run from there - it will not matter whether Mac or PC.

-------------

2 different hosting types have been mentioned. Ones like Smugmug, Zenfolio, Flickr etc - which are a website application with a reasonable amount of flexibility in customizing the design, that allows storage and display of your images (as well as selling and printing in some cases) - and then full blown webhosting accounts that do not include a website application, but allow pretty well unlimited options in what applications you can use and how you can store your image files.

In the first case, you have more limited control over what you can add to the account or how you customize the look, but have ease of setting up a gallery website and may also be granted storage of full resolution files. In the second case, you have pretty well full control over your server account, what web applications you want to use, setting up of domain name email accounts, subdomain setups and lots more, but there will be work on your part to set things up and it will provide disk space that is designed for storing smaller sized files related to use on your website/s and cannot store full resolution files or use it as a backup server (even though the term unlitmited is used - read the TOS of any of them).



--------------------------

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

My plan at 1and1 (although I think they have changed it) is 12.95 per month but for 3 domains, unlimited storage and BW. The domain registries are free as long as you keep the contract. Installing wordpress is a 15 second thing, something like Roberts.

I agree with Robert about Wordpress, there are so much available that even someone that knows very little about HTML or CSS can create something quite nice.

I would like also to add that if anyone here is on Wordpress and wants slideshows - either for their gallery or as a header for their blog etc., There is a free Wordpress Plugin called NIVO slider that is very easy to install, works very well, and can do up to 16 different transitions, to obtain the look you want.

Thank you Robert for you generous offering, but I'm so used to 1and1, where everything is, the MySQL databases etc., that I just don't want to move everything around. I used to have 6 domains, (a couple for digital art and illustrations as I do that as well as photography, but wanted to concentrate on photography only so I created my current website that is only a few months old and have another where I will be posting post-processing tutorials (Photoshop/Lightroom/etc., ) a bit of art history etc., and a third domain is for my son.

As for Flickr, I think it is fine to link to photos but it does not a professional photography website make. I do know many people that have Smugmug and they love it because it is drag and drop and if you have the pro version you can customize it to a certain extent. I do not like their galleries, they are very cookie cutter and are not pleasant to roam through. I also do not like photobucket. Linking photos there is a pain and if you want to comment on an image there, you would have to register, which would turn me off anyways.

If I think of anything else, I'll post later.

 

[fahim mohammed]

It depends on what one wants though. I just want to have a place to store my images. With Zenfolio, I can build portfolios, galleries, web hosting, blog. All this without knowing any code! Simplicity and a good option set. Expandable plans if needed.

My site is a Wordpress Theme. And once again, I want simplicity without coding or trying to create a CMS from scratch. To do that there are thousands of free Wordpress Themes. Something slick shall cost you a little money.

I do not want to name names, but a few OPF members have really professional sites on Zenfolio.

One really needs to evaluate what one needs, and find the solution that seems viable. There are many options available.

But one piece of advice..beware of low cost domain hosts and/or image hosting sites.

Regards.

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

I didn't comment on Zenfolio, as I don't know anyone on there, but I have seen some nice sites there and you are right, it all depends on what your needs are.
Maggie

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Incidentally, several of my OPF posts point to photos on my old Yahoo-hosted site. I plan to cancel that service. Not sure how to handle what will then become broken links.

Hi John,

If you would be so kind as to give (one of) the moderators a list of old->new URLs, we'll try and find the messages containing those addresses, and edit them in the relevant posts. That would look a lot more respectful to the OPF (and visiting) audience than dead links. Thanks for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Bart

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hi John,

If you would be so kind as to give (one of) the moderators a list of old->new URLs, we'll try and find the messages containing those addresses, and edit them in the relevant posts. That would look a lot more respectful to the OPF (and visiting) audience than dead links. Thanks for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Bart

Well put, Bart!

In fact that would be so appreciated by everyone. Broken links make subsequent comments by others meaningless! So repairing links is really valued!

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

Sometimes dead links happen and should not necessarily be taken as a sign of disrespect to OPF or its
audience as you maintain.

I am one of those that has dead links and protected links. That is categorically not a sign of my disrespect to OPF, its members, audience or its participants.

In my case it is a result of mismanagement on my part. The sheer volume of images posted by me on OPF would surely keep the moderators busy!! I also belong to other fora. Family also has their images
on my servers. They do not want their images or folders public, with few exceptions. Copying an image
breaks the indexing change.Each image is a new image, not known except by a new index.

Multiply these thousands of images by multiple fora and the problem multiplies. I have already subscribed to an unlimited storage plan. But fora x has one copy, while fora y has a different copy of the same image.

And then what about those that simply have left OPF. I checked some posts from a couple of years ago.

What happens if, for any reason, I choose to subscribe to a new image hosting provider?

So a blanket statement that could be misunderstood that dead links are disrespectful to OPF or its ' audience ' is a bit unfair and a hastily arrived at conclusion.

In any case I reiterate that such has never been my intention..to be disrespectful of OPF or anyone else.


Best regards.

Hi John,

If you would be so kind as to give (one of) the moderators a list of old->new URLs, we'll try and find the messages containing those addresses, and edit them in the relevant posts. That would look a lot more respectful to the OPF (and visiting) audience than dead links. Thanks for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Bart

Well put, Bart!

In fact that would be so appreciated by everyone. Broken links make subsequent comments by others meaningless! So repairing links is really valued!

Asher

 

[John Wolf]

Hi John,

If you would be so kind as to give (one of) the moderators a list of old->new URLs, we'll try and find the messages containing those addresses, and edit them in the relevant posts. That would look a lot more respectful to the OPF (and visiting) audience than dead links. Thanks for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Bart

Yes, I'll supply the changes when I get there.

John

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Sometimes dead links happen and should not necessarily be taken as a sign of disrespect to OPF or its audience as you maintain.

Hi Fahim,

Obviously I wasn't referring to unforseen problems, and not even to accidental mismanagement.

But in the case of a known migration it does show respect to the participants who took the time to respond, or even to read/view the thread and the reactions as the thread develops, to attempt and prevent dead links.

And then what about those that simply have left OPF. I checked some posts from a couple of years ago.

Sure, people come and go. If they deliberately choose to cripple their own contributions and the impression that leaves, that's their choice. On the other hand, some just forget that (re)moving an image that was linked to will remove that image from wherever else it was posted. That's one of the purposes of this thread, to make people think a bit about consequences.

What happens if, for any reason, I choose to subscribe to a new image hosting provider?

Then it would be most respectful to put in some effort to do some damage control.

So a blanket statement that could be misunderstood that dead links are disrespectful to OPF or its ' audience ' is a bit unfair and a hastily arrived at conclusion.

In any case I reiterate that such has never been my intention..to be disrespectful of OPF or anyone else.

On the contrary, Fahim, I never intended to suggest that, especially not about you. I only said that it would be more respectful if people cooperate in preventing dead links. I know you try, as do others, and they have my respect. That doesn't automatically mean that I disrespect those who don't put in some effort. If it's their choice or oversight not to, so be it.

Cheers,
Bart

 

[fahim mohammed]

Bart, you make a valid point.

Speaking for myself, I shall ensure that more thought is given to the management of my images. The time, effort and courtesy show by others in responding to my posts is very much appreciated. To leave dead links in such posts would indeed be inconsiderate of me.

Kindest regards.

 

[fahim mohammed]

To address the issue of dead links, may I suggest a rudimentary storage facility at OPF for images. While it
might not eliminate the problem, it might at least alleviate it to some extend.

OPF members that are migrating to another host or need temporary storage could inform OPF management to help them out.

Best regards.

 

[Asher Kelman]

We intend to have storage here. Everything was screwed up as our programmer became ill a year ago. I even have already paid for the space. So Fahim, I have to deal with this! with my work obligations it's something that keeps being delayed but I know it's important.

Meanwhile, what free servers you have experience with would you advise for our new members where linking is simple and permitted?

Thanks everyone,

Asher

 

[Mark Hampton]

We intend to have storage here. Everything was screwed up as our programmer became ill a year ago. I even have already paid for the space. So Fahim, I have to deal with this! with my work obligations it's something that keeps being delayed but I know it's important.

Meanwhile, what free servers you have experience with would you advise for our new members where linking is simple and permitted?

Thanks everyone,

Asher

I use photobucket dot com

simple to upload and link to sites like this and also facebook - free - although you can go pro for cash.

does what i need it to do without much hassle

 

[fahim mohammed]

We intend to have storage here. Everything was screwed up as our programmer became ill a year ago. I even have already paid for the space. So Fahim, I have to deal with this! with my work obligations it's something that keeps being delayed but I know it's important.

Meanwhile, what free servers you have experience with would you advise for our new members where linking is simple and permitted?

Thanks everyone,

Asher

Asher, I am sure everyone here, along with me, wishes you good health.

I have never used non-fee based servers. So cannot offer any meaningful advice.

Best regards.

 

[John Wolf]

Meanwhile, what free servers you have experience with would you advise for our new members where linking is simple and permitted?

You'd think between Photobucket, Flickr, and Picasa they would find a suitable solution.

I have not tried them, but perhaps some of the cloud apps are worth looking into - Apple iCloud or Google Drive.

John