dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I could use some advice on reliable and professional ways to share photos with paying clients. (vs. sharing with friends on Facebook or Instagram). I have been using SmugMug for a number of years, but their file sharing has had technical issues for the past few months. I've started using DropBox as an alternative. The think I liked about SmugMug is that it delivered my website brand for around $80 a year.

So now I'm also looking to find a new website service that can do what SmugMug did - offer personalized website hosting and reliable/professional photo sharing. I know I can get a customized site built, but wanted to see what else was out there.

Thanks for the help.

limeybiker

OneDrive

First up is OneDrive, Microsoft's storage option. Those who use Windows 8 and 10 have OneDrive built into their operating system, where it shows up in the file explorer next to all of the files on your computer's hard drive. However, anyone can use it on the Web, by downloading a desktop app for Mac and earlier versions of Windows, or the OneDrive Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Xbox apps.

You can store any kind of file in the service, including photos, video and documents, and then access them from any of your Windows PCs or mobile devices. The service organizes your files by type for you, so it's easy to find what you need.

The Android, iOS and Windows Phone apps all have automatic photo uploads, meaning that when you shoot a photo with your phone, it's automatically saved to your account. OneDrive's biggest strength is that it works closely with Microsoft Office apps, such as Word or PowerPoint, so when you launch one of those applications you'll see a list of recent documents saved to OneDrive. If you have an Office 365 subscription and open a document saved in OneDrive, you can collaborate on it in real time with other people. You'll even be able to see the changes they make as they make them.

Microsoft is hoping that OneDrive will be the place where you store your photos, and the company is working on technology that will eventually sort all of the photos you take based on how important and meaningful they are. For instance, if you take a photo of your kids, a picture of a special meal and a shot of your parking space so you can find your car later, OneDrive would be able to understand the importance of each picture, save the ones it thinks are the most useful, and trash the rest. That's still big-picture stuff for OneDrive, but it gives you an idea of the direction Microsoft is moving in.

In late 2015, Microsoft made an announcement that it would no longer offer unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 subscribers. Instead, they are limited to 1TB. Additionally, beginning in early 2016, the 100GB and 200GB paid storage plans will be discontinued, replaced with a 50GB for $1.99 per month plan. You will no longer get extra space if you allow the OneDrive apps to automatically backup photos on your phone. Finally, anyone with a Microsoft account will only get 5GB of free storage, instead of 15GB. We will update this guide in 2016 when those changes are made.

Where it excels
•Works seamlessly with Windows devices because it's built in to the Windows operating system.
•It's easy to open and edit files from OneDrive in Microsoft's other applications, such as Word or Excel.
•Signing up for OneDrive gets you a Microsoft account, which gives you access to Outlook, Xbox Live, and other Microsoft services.

Where it falls flat
•OneDrive's automatic file organization doesn't always put files in the correct folders.

Best for: If you have a Windows PC, tablet and phone, and need to get to your files from any device with little effort.

Vietnam Vet

zenfolio
https://www.zenfolio.com

unlimited file storage
orders are completed through Millers Lab in Pittsburg KS, a professional lab. Turn around is fast and they pack their orders very nicely.
https://www.millerslab.com/home

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting.
I use OneDrive to disseminate photos or files, but I don't use an app to access it, I use a web browser.
Nothing is sorted or deleted unless I explicitly do so. "I" place the files in the desired folder.
I can create folders, upload files, and send a unique key (web link) to people to access the files or images in that folder. I use the free version, so I'm limited in how much I can send there. I usually remove them after a certain time frame.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Have you talked to smugmug? I’ve found their customer service to be wonderful.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

Thanks for all the replies. Zenfolio looks interesting.
SmugMug demands that customers submit their email address in order to download photos. I've worked with customer service over the past 2 months on this issue.
This morning, their photo delivery service did not work - and I had to deliver files right at that time.
They are responsive to customer service requests - via email. So you get an answer in about 1/2 an hour.

futchd

I have to second Zenfolio as a great option if not for the unlimited storage alone. I’m also a big fan of how I can share images and upgraded to the store front a few years ago.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

The cost of whatever site you use to promote your business/goods is a write-off.

anotherview Loc: California

https://500px.com/.

robertcbyrd Loc: 28754

I say that zenfolio has limited storage for raw files. Be aware of that before you sign up.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Why raw? How about TIFF, video or huge say pano Jpg. Are you saying it has unlimited space but each file has a max.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I have used Shutterfly for many years. It's free and easy! Prior to that I also used Smugmug.
Mark

FrumCA

I have used Zenfolio for years and am completely satisfied. They have a tiered pricing system and a 14 day free trial period to check them out.

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

Wetransfer.com