Photo.net is a broad resource for serious photographers. The site provides a community where members can display and discuss their work and the resources they use. Each member is provided with a personal URL with a full portfolio, complete with all critical portfolio data, including equipment information, biographical content, profile picture, captioning and unlimited folders and storage space for organization. Portfolios, individual photos and custom presentations can be submitted for public review or addressed to specific members.
The site is informational as well as functional. Users can educate themselves on many topics related to photography, from digital cameras to photography techniques through articles and tutorials. The information is geared towards pros and enthusiasts. Submit photos for critique by other users and read critiques of other members’ work. The site is searchable for finding products, discussion topics and photos easily.
If you are a digital imaging rookie, you may want to check out the glossary for descriptions of general features found on photo and video sites, and for some insight into basic industry terms.
[#Unique#]
Complete professional portfolios
Classified ads for buying and selling photography equipment; post stolen equipment
Extensive discussion forums and tutorials
Personal email address
Featured suppliers and equipment
E-cards to share with nonmembers
[#Membership#]
Free membership only allows uploading of five photos and the ability to post in forums. Subscription provides a complete portfolio with unlimited storage and statistics on each photo, 20GB of bandwidth, an email address, unlimited gallery use and unlimited access to current industry information.
[#Drawbacks#]
The site is all business, yet fun and creative. Effects and aesthetic decor are not added to albums as they would detract from the artists work. There is a strict focus on the photography and the photographer. For professionals, this can be a benefit instead of a drawback.
Photos can only be shared with members of Photo.net or with the general public. Email sharing to nonmembers is not provided.
Products and prints are not offered.
[#Uploading#]
Upload one photo at a time or use the (slow) batch uploader. Other Photodrop applications, like Picasa, can be used to send files to the Photo.net account.
Upload from a cell phone as well.
Uploader
Single Photo Uploader
Upload Speed*
Very
Fast
Fast
Average
Slow
*upload
speed is analyzed
using a 256k modem.
[#Storage#]
Each member’s portfolio contains comprehensive information, including all information about the photographer, the specific photos and the equipment used.
Presentations can be made with photos from different folders in your portfolio. Introductions and closings can be written, custom fields can be added and all critical photo data can be included. Thumbnails cannot be viewed when creating presentations, so file titles must be accurate.
Download a spreadsheet of all information in a folder, including ratings and critiques: a useful tracking function for pros.
[#Products#]
None.
[#Prints#]
None.
[#Sharing#]
Share photos and presentations with individuals in Photo.net community or with the public.
The only way to share a photo with a nonmember is through an e-card.
[#Privacy#]
Photos are stored on a personal URL. Different photos can be set to different levels of security. Photos can also be selected for submission to galleries and for critique by other users.
