What’s Your Preference?

Reed · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 05:28 AM

I've been looking at Zenfolio and Smugmug. Then I looked at PhotoShelter which is more expensive. Is PhotoShelter worth the extra money and is Zenfolio worth the extra few bucks over Smugmug?

I'm looking to use the site as my main site and (hopefully) sell pics.

Looking for some thoughts on the different sites.

Thanks.

Dibble · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 01:18 PM

I chose Zenfolio over Smugmug. Zen now allows me to offer packages which are totally customizable. Take a look at my site if you would like CT Photography . If you decide to sign up use this code H19-2PX-YBZ and save $5.00. Hope this helps.

BK553 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 01:37 PM

Smugmug does too.

thaoimage · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 08:15 PM

I use smug mug... website is in signature

funcrunch · #5 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 09:19 PM

I am a happy Zenfolio customer. I used to use Smugmug but got fed up with its frequent downtimes. Zenfolio has plenty of features and even though Smugmug might have a couple more (like video support), reliability is what's most important to me as a professional.

If you decide to go with Zenfolio (they have a free trial period), my referral code is DUQ-C5J-MB8.

Gina9942 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 09:48 PM

Anything without flash! I get so frustrated with flash, I know that it has cool effects and transitions, but people coming to your site are coming to see your photos, not how cool your website is. yes make it look professional, but I'll be honest, if I am looking for something, or even checking out another photographers page, if it takes longer then prob 3 seconds to load, I click the "x" and move on. I don't want to sit and wait for everything to load. You can get the same effects with CSS3 that you can with flash, maybe not as fancy, but some nice stuff none the less.

DISCLAIMER!!

I am not a flash hater because I love apple and can't view a lot of sites on my iphone/ipad. I use flash at work everyday, but only for animations. I designed my website, it's going through a total re-haul now, but I refuse to use flash because of the crashing and the load up time.

I am just putting another perspective out there. To each their own, and I am sure either will be awesome, I just wanted to give you an opinion from someone who builds websites, knows flash and who goes to websites as a potential customer, and doesn't have the patience to wait for things to constantly load.

funcrunch · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina9942

Anything without flash! I get so frustrated with flash, I know that it has cool effects and transitions, but people coming to your site are coming to see your photos, not how cool your website is. yes make it look professional, but I'll be honest, if I am looking for something, or even checking out another photographers page, if it takes longer then prob 3 seconds to load, I click the "x" and move on. I don't want to sit and wait for everything to load. You can get the same effects with CSS3 that you can with flash, maybe not as fancy, but some nice stuff none the less.

Agreed heartily. If I see a Flash loading screen upon visiting a new site, I am very likely to go away and not come back.

Reed · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 04:50 AM

OK, I promise not to use Flash.

Thanks for the info.

Anyone use PhotoShelter?

DravensHalo · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina9942

Anything without flash! I get so frustrated with flash, I know that it has cool effects and transitions, but people coming to your site are coming to see your photos, not how cool your website is. yes make it look professional, but I'll be honest, if I am looking for something, or even checking out another photographers page, if it takes longer then prob 3 seconds to load, I click the "x" and move on. I don't want to sit and wait for everything to load. You can get the same effects with CSS3 that you can with flash, maybe not as fancy, but some nice stuff none the less.

DISCLAIMER!!

I am not a flash hater because I love apple and can't view a lot of sites on my iphone/ipad. I use flash at work everyday, but only for animations. I designed my website, it's going through a total re-haul now, but I refuse to use flash because of the crashing and the load up time.

I am just putting another perspective out there. To each their own, and I am sure either will be awesome, I just wanted to give you an opinion from someone who builds websites, knows flash and who goes to websites as a potential customer, and doesn't have the patience to wait for things to constantly load.

Gina - I love your website!!!! thought i would share that - its funky and easy to navigate to exactly where you want to look!!!! and your photos are gorgeous as well

)

Gina9942 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DravensHalo

Gina - I love your website!!!! thought i would share that - its funky and easy to navigate to exactly where you want to look!!!! and your photos are gorgeous as well

)

Thank you

It took me so long to finally sit down and do it, and now that it's done, well almost, I want to re-do it!!! lol.