The Digital Download Thread (Tips, Questions)

[Andy]

SmugMug Help - Sell Digital Downloads (http://www.smugmug.com/help/sell-digital-downloads)

Product Description Page (http://www.smugmug.com/prints/digital-downloads)

View the licenses here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=568662#post568662)

Ask any questions here!

Gotcha: you can't order your own digital download, when logged in. (You own the file, we'll not charge you for it )... so to see it in the shopping cart, you must be LOGGED OUT or better yet, have two browsers, we LOVE Firefox free at www.mozilla.com

Info: Metadata (© info, IPTC Caption, Description, etc) will reamin intact on your files.

IPTC Data update... here are the fields that, if filled in by YOU, will remain intact in your files:
Description Data: Document title, author, author title, description, description writer, keywords, copyright notice.
(Missing: copyright info URL, copyright status)

IPTC Contact: Creator, Creator's Job Title
(missing: Address, City, State, Postal Code, Country, Phones, Emails, Website)

IPTC Content: Headline, Description, Keywords, Description Writer
(missing: IPTC Subject Code)

IPTC Image: Date Created, City, State, Country
(missing: Intellectual Genres, IPTC Scene, Location, ISO Country Code)

IPTC Status: Title, Job Identifier, Instructions, Provider, Source, Copyright Notice
(missing: Rights Usage Terms)

[videoopp]

Great stuff!

Is it possible to customize the licensing info?

[Andy]

Great stuff!

Is it possible to customize the licensing info?
At the moment, no.
What specifics to you have in mind? :ear

[videoopp]

At the moment, no.
What specifics to you have in mind? :ear

Well, I have a lot of international images from developing countries, that because no model releases were obtained, would not be suitable for commercial advertising purposes, but would have many uses for educational, editorial, and illistrative purposes.

I just tried it and nothing changed in the shopping cart. Is that something where I have to be logged out to see?

[Andy]

Well, I have a lot of international images from developing countries, that because no model releases were obtained, would not be suitable for commercial advertising purposes, but would have many uses for educational, editorial, and illistrative purposes.

I just tried it and nothing changed in the shopping cart. Is that something where I have to be logged out to see?

yes, you must be logged out - we can't be charging you for your own digital download now, can we? :lol3

[Andy]

Well, I have a lot of international images from developing countries, that because no model releases were obtained, would not be suitable for commercial advertising purposes, but would have many uses for educational, editorial, and illistrative purposes.

The personal license, with additional language in your gallery description, specifically allowing editorial use? We'll consider an editorial use license, too. Thanks.

[TristanP]

What are the exact pixel dimensions of the 1 and 4 MP downloads?

[pecheney]

Holy COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We now have digital downloads??????? When did this happen? This is amazing...

I am pumped. I get bothered so much about this that it is starting to hurt me in business. I was getting asked by friends and associates EVERY day "can i get this photo?" I was saying yes, yes, and lately NO, cause it took SO long o unlock a gallery, tell them how to download it and then relock the gallery. Other option was to go into a stack of 500 cds and dvds, find the correct event's media, load it onto my machine, email it to the client/friend, and then delete them again... amazing. I am soooooooooo excited... just folks bugging about MySpace photos alone... goiod grief. SmugMug is my hero again and again. If SmugMug was a chick I would propose. Seriously.

One issue I MIGHT foresee, but will live with is the fact that I charge $25-300 per jpeg depending on usage and image. I would like to be able to mark all images on my smugmug site (which is 104,700 images!) at a certain digital download price. And then be able to go in and mark others individually. Reson being is that I am selling soem images ALSO as fine art. If i sell a fine art photo for $500, and then digital download is set for $100, then I can ripped. BUT if I could set that one image to $400 for a DD then i would fee better. Big companies DO pay good $$ for simple JPEGS. The ease of use and UI taht SM just created is DEFINITELY going to help my business. I am blasting an email letting the world know!!!!!!!

Thanks, SmugMug!

PEC

[onethumb]

One issue I MIGHT foresee, but will live with is the fact that I charge $25-300 per jpeg depending on usage and image. I would like to be able to mark all images on my smugmug site (which is 104,700 images!) at a certain digital download price. And then be able to go in and mark others individually. Reson being is that I am selling soem images ALSO as fine art. If i sell a fine art photo for $500, and then digital download is set for $100, then I can ripped. BUT if I could set that one image to $400 for a DD then i would fee better. Big companies DO pay good $$ for simple JPEGS. The ease of use and UI taht SM just created is DEFINITELY going to help my business. I am blasting an email letting the world know!!!!!!!

If I'm understanding you correctly, you can already do this. Just set Portfolio pricing to $300 and then go set gallery and/or image pricing separately to any price you like.

We'll choose whichever is most specific.

Don

[Ann McRae]

Once again, thanks so much for this feature.

Any hints or guidelines to what realistic prices might be??? Especially wrt commercial use of originals?

cheers

ann

[xtnomad]

Love the new features, just have to learn the set up. I went in to pro pricing and set the DD price. In the help section it said we could set prices for all DD. After setting the prices I logged off and checked them in the shopping cart and I only see two prices, 1- low-res. 1- orig. . does the orignal take place of the Hi-Res. ? :dunno

[Andy]

Love the new features, just have to learn the set up. I went in to pro pricing and set the DD price. In the help section it said we could set prices for all DD. After setting the prices I logged off and checked them in the shopping cart and I only see two prices, 1- low-res. 1- orig. . does the orignal take place of the Hi-Res. ? :dunno
Photo and gallery link, please? :ear

[xtnomad]

http://www.rtm-ltd.smugmug.com/gallery/1649565

Not just one photo or gallery but all photos and gallerys. Thank you.

[Andy]

http://www.rtm-ltd.smugmug.com/gallery/1649565

Not just one photo or gallery but all photos and gallerys. Thank you.

This file: http://www.rtm-ltd.smugmug.com/gallery/1649565/1/80842463/Large is 3.8megapixels. So, it's not large enough to be a 4Mpix high res file. So, you are getting the 1Mpix screen (low res) and then an Original size file (3.8megapixels). If you upload files that are larger than 4Megapixels in dimension, you'll get three sizes: 1Mpix, 4Mpix, and Original. Make sense?

[xtnomad]

That makes sence. I can stop pulling my hair out! I am ready to go! Thank You. Rod.:uhoh

[dbd]

Is the some way we can view examples of the 1 MPix and 4 MPix files created for downloading from originals?

When the printer resizes to match printer characteristics we have to trust that an appropriate amout of sharpening will be performed by the printer after resizing. When SM evaluated printers you effectively evaluated this with test prints.

How can pro users evaluate the processing of the reduced size download files without logging out and paying for a download?

Dale B. Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

[videoopp]

Thanks so much for the download option! There is just one thing that I think may be a little confusing, and that is the two different license agreements, personal and commercial, being only represented by a "P" and a "C". I guess that we can all post a note of explanation somewhere on our site that explains this, but for the casual visiter, I wish that this was a little clearer somehow.

But, I have to say, I'm loving it!:clap Way to go Smugmug!

[Andy]

What are the exact pixel dimensions of the 1 and 4 MP downloads?
Well, we'll keep the aspect ratio of your original file. So I can't give you exact dimensions. The 1000x1000 could be one example. 4000x1000 could be another. K?

[Andy]

Is the some way we can view examples of the 1 MPix and 4 MPix files created for downloading from originals?

When the printer resizes to match printer characteristics we have to trust that an appropriate amout of sharpening will be performed by the printer after resizing. When SM evaluated printers you effectively evaluated this with test prints.

How can pro users evaluate the processing of the reduced size download files without logging out and paying for a download?

Dale B. Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

It's a great question. To tell the truth, I don't know the recipe at all (if there even is one!). I'll bring it up with Don today. But maybe this example will help. These are 100% crops from the different resolutions. Remember, Originals wouldn't be touched at all, no matter what. This original file of mine has not been sharpened at all.

EDIT: We are not compressing the 1Mpix or 4Mpix files at all. As to sharpening - same recipe as our display images:
http://www.smugmug.com/help/display-quality

Here's what the original file looks like:
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/84905089-L-0.jpg

Here's a crop from the Original (so it's untouched):

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/85091740-L-0.jpg

Here's a crop from the 4Mpix Hi Res Download
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/85091724-L-0.jpg

Here's a crop from the 1Mpix Screen Download
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/85091731-L-0.jpg

[johno]

Thanks Smugmug... :thumb

peace.
johno~

[Bodley]

Any way we can name the Low-Res downloads something less demeaning? Maybe STD-Res or Basic-Res?
Yeah I know, gripe-gripe-gripe. You couldn't please some people if you were handing out gold bars.

Do love the enhancements. :thumb EM - Who needs ya baby :wink

[Andy]

Any way we can name the Low-Res downloads something less demeaning? Maybe STD-Res or Basic-Res?
Yeah I know, gripe-gripe-gripe. You couldn't please some people if you were handing out gold bars.

Do love the enhancements. :thumb EM - Who needs ya baby :wink
For now, Bod, you can make up your own promo page and put it on your site, and call them what you like. We'll consider your request, though - after this thing gets baked for a while :D

[wetsands]

I also would like to know the image size ( in pixels... ie 600x400) that the "1 MP" low rez and the "4 MP" high rez files refer to.

I guess what i really what to know is ...if a client wants a 600 x 400 digital file for a web site what would be the best way to prepare it high rez vs low rez.

If the client isn't sure about the size what would be the best way for them to decide and then purchase it (240 vs 400 vs 600 pixel length)... as I usually sharpen for output what would be the best way to prepare the file in the previously mentioned scenerio?

[Dna]

For 3:2 ratio (DLSRs)
1Mp : 1350 x 800
4Mp : 2475 x 1650
(using 1Mp as 1,000,000 pixels)

For 4:3 ratio (P&S)
1Mp : 1200 x 900
4Mp : 2320 x 1740
(using 1Mp as 1,000,000 pixels)

Your mileage may vary ...

Dna

[wetsands]

so my client wants 600 x 400 sized images for the web. I want to provide the finished web images at that size and available for digital purchase and download. How can I do that on the pro digital download service???

[rainforest1155]

so my client wants 600 x 400 sized images for the web. I want to provide the finished web images at that size and available for digital purchase and download. How can I do that on the pro digital download service???
As you currently can't choose your own size for offering digital downloads the only possibility is to resize the picture to the desired size you want to offer and then upload e.g. the 600 x 400 image. Now you can set a price for the original picture and the client should get it in your desired size when buying the original.

Hope this helps,
Sebastian

[wetsands]

sooo... my client bought 12 different images for various size prints..so I have a gallery w/ full size files (d2x) (available for print sales)....

I guess then I would have to make a second gallery w/ the 600 x 400 size of the same images then for web ?
thanks btw sebastian!

[Jeffro]

sooo... my client bought 12 different images for various size prints..so I have a gallery w/ full size files (d2x) (available for print sales)....

I guess then I would have to make a second gallery w/ the 600 x 400 size of the same images then for web ?
thanks btw sebastian!

Not really, you could just offer the digital downloads on request, at which time you would resize the photo, or photo's requested to the size you want to offer. No extra work until there is a sale, or at least one requested. I have thought about the same thing, but haven't quite decided if I want to offer digital downloads, but I am leaning that way. If I do it, I will probably offer a resized one with my logo on the lower left of it. I am tinkering with a digital download gallery with a sampe image, and the instructions on how one can order digital downloads. It's not going to be "instant gratification" but I'm not quite sure I understand the 1mpx or 4mpx options yet, can't really wrap my mind around it yet.

[wetsands]

^but how would you "offer" the the client the ability to purchase and download a web file. I don't want to sell them a "1 MP" image for the web for several reasons..
1. the file is still large enough to make descent prints from
2. I don't want them to screw up on the downsizing of the image to their desired size (ie from the 1mp 1350 x 800 to a 600 x 400) and have it look like crap..after all that will end up reflecting on me (plus i want them to be " a happy customer"..

I hope the Folks here at the mug read this and begin offering web download options as well!!

Anyway, I did set up 2 additional galleries with web images (400 x 266 & 600 x 400) but I can't get it to work..
I zero'ed out all of the price slots except for the digital download slot but so far have been unable to get it to work... so Andy (or any other admin is out there HELP!).

[Andy]

so Andy (or any other admin is out there HELP!).
Leave me gallery links here and I'll be on it in the morning first thing.

Thanks!

[wetsands]

^
here ya go Andy

http://wetsands.smugmug.com/gallery/1729874

thanks!

[rainforest1155]

I guess then I would have to make a second gallery w/ the 600 x 400 size of the same images then for web ?
thanks btw sebastian!
Doing it like Jeffro suggested might be better, because there's one major flaw in the suggestion that images are 800x600 or smaller won't be watermarked.

Sebastian

[Andy]

^but how would you "offer" the the client the ability to purchase and download a web file. I don't want to sell them a "1 MP" image for the web for several reasons..
1. the file is still large enough to make descent prints from
2. I don't want them to screw up on the downsizing of the image to their desired size (ie from the 1mp 1350 x 800 to a 600 x 400) and have it look like crap..after all that will end up reflecting on me (plus i want them to be " a happy customer"..

I hope the Folks here at the mug read this and begin offering web download options as well!!

Anyway, I did set up 2 additional galleries with web images (400 x 266 & 600 x 400) but I can't get it to work..
I zero'ed out all of the price slots except for the digital download slot but so far have been unable to get it to work... so Andy (or any other admin is out there HELP!).

Your Original is 600px so you have to sell only Original size. You had "Low Res" priced, and that has to be at least 1Mpix. I changed your pricing, put the $5.99 on the Original for THAT gallery - please take a look. Log out, and buy a photo, go through the cart, except for the last step. I just bought the first image in your gallery, you'll get an email but you can ignore it as I've voided the charge and sale.

OK?

[wetsands]

.

[wetsands]

^
thanks andy, that makes total sense.

An off topic question though.. I rec'd an email a few days ago from the mug stating 12 images had sold in various size prints, it showed the specific images, but next to each one it said" payment not received"
or something along those lines. What does that mean, that the credit card had not been processed yet or what?
thanks again!
jd

[jcmx]

Yessss!! Time to move all my stuff to SmugMug! :thumb

[Andy]

^
thanks andy, that makes total sense.

An off topic question though.. I rec'd an email a few days ago from the mug stating 12 images had sold in various size prints, it showed the specific images, but next to each one it said" payment not received"
or something along those lines. What does that mean, that the credit card had not been processed yet or what?
thanks again!
jd

Check your control panel, pro print sales - if it says "not paid" that means we've not paid you, but the customer has paid us.

[mrcoons]

Thank You Smugmug!! This is great! :):

[wetsands]

Another question..
If you include information like licencing / usage restrictions, contact info , etc.. to the file metadata of the 600x400 web files.. does that metadata stay intact when the customer downloads the files ( though i believe i forgot to do it this time i usually do include it on web bound images)..?

[Andy]

Another question..
If you include information like licencing / usage restrictions, contact info , etc.. to the file metadata of the 600x400 web files.. does that metadata stay intact when the customer downloads the files ( though i believe i forgot to do it this time i usually do include it on web bound images)..?

All that metadata remains intact, even for the downsized files we create.

[dbd]

It's a great question. To tell the truth, I don't know the recipe at all (if there even is one!). I'll bring it up with Don today. But maybe this example will help. These are 100% crops from the different resolutions. Remember, Originals wouldn't be touched at all, no matter what. This original file of mine has not been sharpened at all.

EDIT: We are not compressing the 1Mpix or 4Mpix files at all. As to sharpening - same recipe as our display images



First, thanks for the informative response.

With priced digital downloads Smugmug has thrown us into a brave new world, kicking and screaming (and grinning and laughing).

Now, I'm back to restate my request.

With paper prints I knew what the difference was between my customer's choice of glossy or matte or between 4x6 and 8x12.

With paper prints I could view the identical images my customer could view and decide whether those images could present a threat to full resolution sales. Then I could disable viewing of L or O images.

My request: capability to download the 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. My motivation: to preview the actual customer deliverable image.

This is not a complaint about resizing/encoding quality. You guys do great!

With paper prints I would not make a request for such a free service. Paper, ink printer usage, handling, and postage must be paid for.

With digital downloads, these tangible costs go away. Also, the bandwidth required is less than that of downloading the original to SM in the first place. I'm not asking for you to do a resizing I couldn't do myself, just to let me preview the available picture. If it is too good I might not sell 1 MPix, but instead generate my own 50 Kpix original to price without interfering with higher resolution sales.

You've taken us into a brave new world, now Smugmug, come the rest of the way in yourselves by giving us the only tool we can use to evaluate individual quality of the deliverable product. We'll make plenty of mistakes in marketing digital downloads ourselves. Just keep us from making mistakes because we don't realize the quality of the product.

Any time there is change there is learning to do. We'll learn to calculate pixel sizes of 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. Things seem to be shaking out OK.

Thanks again

Dale Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

[wetsands]

Ok,
my client purchased abunch of digital 600x400 but is unable to access them .. How can he download them! HELP!

ps tghis is what he said...

"for some reason when i put in my email and my password that i used in
in
order to download my pics it isnt working."

[Andy]

Ok,
my client purchased abunch of digital 600x400 but is unable to access them .. How can he download them! HELP!

ps tghis is what he said...

"for some reason when i put in my email and my password that i used in
in
order to download my pics it isnt working."
Your customer is messing up his order password, but we'll help him he's written the help desk.

[wetsands]

thanks andy,
u guys frickin rock! :1drink

[onethumb]

First, thanks for the informative response.

With priced digital downloads Smugmug has thrown us into a brave new world, kicking and screaming (and grinning and laughing).

Now, I'm back to restate my request.

With paper prints I knew what the difference was between my customer's choice of glossy or matte or between 4x6 and 8x12.

With paper prints I could view the identical images my customer could view and decide whether those images could present a threat to full resolution sales. Then I could disable viewing of L or O images.

My request: capability to download the 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. My motivation: to preview the actual customer deliverable image.

This is not a complaint about resizing/encoding quality. You guys do great!

With paper prints I would not make a request for such a free service. Paper, ink printer usage, handling, and postage must be paid for.

With digital downloads, these tangible costs go away. Also, the bandwidth required is less than that of downloading the original to SM in the first place. I'm not asking for you to do a resizing I couldn't do myself, just to let me preview the available picture. If it is too good I might not sell 1 MPix, but instead generate my own 50 Kpix original to price without interfering with higher resolution sales.

You've taken us into a brave new world, now Smugmug, come the rest of the way in yourselves by giving us the only tool we can use to evaluate individual quality of the deliverable product. We'll make plenty of mistakes in marketing digital downloads ourselves. Just keep us from making mistakes because we don't realize the quality of the product.

Any time there is change there is learning to do. We'll learn to calculate pixel sizes of 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. Things seem to be shaking out OK.

Thanks again

Dale Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

Good point. We'll have to think about how to do this in an easy and secure way. It probably won't happen soon, though, since it requires some thought.

In the meantime, your best bet is probably to create a private gallery, stick a few photos in there, price them at $0.01 and buy them. There's no tax or anything, so you'll only pay a few cents.

Sorry it's such a hassle, but should work without breaking the bank. :)

Don

[Jeffro]

First, thanks for the informative response.

With priced digital downloads Smugmug has thrown us into a brave new world, kicking and screaming (and grinning and laughing).

Now, I'm back to restate my request.

With paper prints I knew what the difference was between my customer's choice of glossy or matte or between 4x6 and 8x12.

With paper prints I could view the identical images my customer could view and decide whether those images could present a threat to full resolution sales. Then I could disable viewing of L or O images.

My request: capability to download the 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. My motivation: to preview the actual customer deliverable image.

This is not a complaint about resizing/encoding quality. You guys do great!

With paper prints I would not make a request for such a free service. Paper, ink printer usage, handling, and postage must be paid for.

With digital downloads, these tangible costs go away. Also, the bandwidth required is less than that of downloading the original to SM in the first place. I'm not asking for you to do a resizing I couldn't do myself, just to let me preview the available picture. If it is too good I might not sell 1 MPix, but instead generate my own 50 Kpix original to price without interfering with higher resolution sales.

You've taken us into a brave new world, now Smugmug, come the rest of the way in yourselves by giving us the only tool we can use to evaluate individual quality of the deliverable product. We'll make plenty of mistakes in marketing digital downloads ourselves. Just keep us from making mistakes because we don't realize the quality of the product.

Any time there is change there is learning to do. We'll learn to calculate pixel sizes of 1 MPix and 4 MPix images. Things seem to be shaking out OK.

Thanks again

Dale Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

GREAT request. That's the dilema I've been pondering, and have been unable to wrap my brain around. How do I know how good the image is, and what can be done with it....you seem to have the solution, and I'm sure Smug will figure out how to solve it.

[Andy]

GREAT request. That's the dilema I've been pondering, and have been unable to wrap my brain around. How do I know how good the image is, and what can be done with it....you seem to have the solution, and I'm sure Smug will figure out how to solve it.
In the meantime, you can do what Don's saying just above, one post.

[TristanP]

Well, we'll keep the aspect ratio of your original file. So I can't give you exact dimensions. The 1000x1000 could be one example. 4000x1000 could be another. K?
Duh. Thanks for clarifying what was a badly-phrased question. Of course aspect ratio matters. :thumb

I guess a formula would be:

For a 4MP download of a 4:3 ratio pic, it would be

4,000,000 = 4x * 3x = 12x^2

x = 577

Final image will be ~2308 x 1731 pixels

One more question that I didn't see answered (or just missed):
Does smugmug take a cut of the digital download $? Is it the same % as for prints?

[Dna]

One more question that I didn't see answered (or just missed):
Does smugmug take a cut of the digital download $? Is it the same % as for prints?Yep, just the 15% of the profit. And of course there's no cost involved.

Dna

[Andy]

Yep, just the 15% of the profit. And of course there's no cost involved.

Dna
:nod

[javier.rinaldi]

Coolness, I just added this feature over the weekend for a wedding I shot and I just had my first DD sale, thanks smugmug

[Andy]

uys do great!

With paper prints I would not make a request for such a free service. Paper, ink printer usage, handling, and postage must be paid for.
Just FYI, we'll never refuse a request for samples though :)

[Andy]

Coolness, I just added this feature over the weekend for a wedding I shot and I just had my first DD sale, thanks smugmug
:clap :clap

[wdhpgx]

^but how would you "offer" the the client the ability to purchase and download a web file. I don't want to sell them a "1 MP" image for the web for several reasons..
1. the file is still large enough to make descent prints from
2. I don't want them to screw up on the downsizing of the image to their desired size (ie from the 1mp 1350 x 800 to a 600 x 400) and have it look like crap..after all that will end up reflecting on me (plus i want them to be " a happy customer"..

I hope the Folks here at the mug read this and begin offering web download options as well!!

Same here! I really want to be able to offer "web/email"-sized images (like 640x480 or maybe 800x600) for sale for relatively cheap, without worrying about them being purchased to make prints. As it is, the 1MP images are big enough to be used for prints.

So yes - I, too, hope you guys can add a web-size download option. That would be perfect.

[Andy]

So yes - I, too, hope you guys can add a web-size download option. That would be perfect.
Just to be sure you understand, you can still upload any size you like, and sell it as "original."

[jfriend]

Just to be sure you understand, you can still upload any size you like, and sell it as "original."

Since this wasn't completely clear to me the first time I read it, here's what you can do if you want to sell web-sized digital downloads.

Create a gallery into which you only upload web-sized originals. Then set the price on the "original" size digital download to what you want to charge for web-sized downloads and disable print orders for this gallery (since the originals are too small for good prints).

You cannot currently offer any other size along with the web-sized originals until Smugmug adds more direct support for a web-size download, but you can price and sell just web-sized digital downloads by uploading the web-size as the original.

You may also want to remember that it's pretty easy for people to grab the web-size image through the browser when viewing your gallery if you aren't using watermarks.

[wdhpgx]

Just to be sure you understand, you can still upload any size you like, and sell it as "original."

I did catch that, but as I understood it, that (uploading a "web-sized" file as "original") would then prevent me from offering any prints, as the file would be "too small". Yes?

If I want to offer both web-sized downloads and prints, it looks like I would have to .. upload two entirely separate versions of the same file, one for prints, one for web. Which would be .. er, not good. Quickly hard to manage for me, and probably very confusing for the customers.

You may also want to remember that it's pretty easy for people to grab the web-size image through the browser when viewing your gallery if you aren't using watermarks.

Which is why I'd like to offer the web-sized downloads for actual sale, at a pricepoint that makes it easy for the customer to do the right thing, and for me to make a buck or two in the process.

[Cindy]

I did catch that, but as I understood it, that (uploading a "web-sized" file as "original") would then prevent me from offering any prints, as the file would be "too small". Yes?

If I want to offer both web-sized downloads and prints, it looks like I would have to .. upload two entirely separate versions of the same file, one for prints, one for web. Which would be .. er, not good. Quickly hard to manage for me, and probably very confusing for the customers.

Which is why I'd like to offer the web-sized downloads for actual sale, at a pricepoint that makes it easy for the customer to do the right thing, and for me to make a buck or two in the process.

I agree completly. Please smugmug make this easy for us... perdy please. I'm not at all interested in the 1 m, 4m downloads.
- I'd like to offer just 2 sizes: A web based 600 or 800 (longest side) by whatever and the origanal. Other sizes are just icing on the cake.
- I'm also very confident that most if not all event shooters will agree with me that an option to price per image &/or bulk per gallery (event) for downloads would be super fab :-)

[Andy]

I did catch that, but as I understood it, that (uploading a "web-sized" file as "original") would then prevent me from offering any prints, as the file would be "too small". Yes?Yes.

If I want to offer both web-sized downloads and prints, it looks like I would have to .. upload two entirely separate versions of the same file, one for prints, one for web. Which would be .. er, not good. Quickly hard to manage for me, and probably very confusing for the customers.

Which is why I'd like to offer the web-sized downloads for actual sale, at a pricepoint that makes it easy for the customer to do the right thing, and for me to make a buck or two in the process.Thanks for the feature request!

[wetsands]

^ that would be very helpful.. instead of the digital download options being limited to only "1 MP" & "4MP" sizes, to also include common web sizes at 72ppi like 400x 266, 600 x400, 800x 532 as well as screen saver size..what ever that maybe...

[DTMPhotos]

18 months in business and 7 downloads sold before July using convaluted "email me" routine...

18 days with SM capable dowloads and 5 sold already!

Thanks so much for bringing this feature to our toolbox!

Derek

[Cammo]

I think there needs to be a slight change possibly to the wording of the "personal use" digital download.

At the moment it is not clearly stated that the person buying the licence can't simply email the pic to a friend for them to use as well. I realise it says it may not be "relicensed, or sub-licensed" however I don't really think this is clear enough - I think it should say that it can't be distributed or used by anyone other than the original purchaser of the personal use icence.

Thoughts?

[photogmomma]

^ that would be very helpful.. instead of the digital download options being limited to only "1 MP" & "4MP" sizes, to also include common web sizes at 72ppi like 400x 266, 600 x400, 800x 532 as well as screen saver size..what ever that maybe...

Just a second to that request.... I absolutely LOVE this option, but would love to just offer a web sized image without having to have two copies of every image I want to offer. Gets confusing for me AND my customer!

Thanks!

[Cammo]

I think there needs to be a slight change possibly to the wording of the "personal use" digital download.

At the moment it is not clearly stated that the person buying the licence can't simply email the pic to a friend for them to use as well. I realise it says it may not be "relicensed, or sub-licensed" however I don't really think this is clear enough - I think it should say that it can't be distributed or used by anyone other than the original purchaser of the personal use icence.

Thoughts?

Bump

[Andy]

I think there needs to be a slight change possibly to the wording of the "personal use" digital download.

At the moment it is not clearly stated that the person buying the licence can't simply email the pic to a friend for them to use as well. I realise it says it may not be "relicensed, or sub-licensed" however I don't really think this is clear enough - I think it should say that it can't be distributed or used by anyone other than the original purchaser of the personal use icence.

Thoughts?

Thanks Cammo, we're considering it.

[photogmomma]

Just a few quick questions:

If I make a file available for download, can I set the price to $0.00 so that they can grab it for free? (Yes, I know I can make it available by clicking Save Original or whatever)... which leads me to the next question:
When someone purchases more than one photo, how can they get downloded? Are they grouped together so that multiple images can be downloaded at once? Or are they downloaded one at a time?Thanks! I have a customer that is going to get 50 images and I'd like to make it as easy as possible for them - and as easy as possible for me. (I made this promise before changing many of my policies.)

[pat.kane]

If I make a file available for download, can I set the price to $0.00 so that they can grab it for free? (Yes, I know I can make it available by clicking Save Original or whatever)...

No. If you zero out the price, the digital download won't be available. Your only option would be to allow Originals from within Customize Gallery.

[photogmomma]

No. If you zero out the price, the digital download won't be available. Your only option would be to allow Originals from within Customize Gallery.

Duh. I know that. I think I meant "blank" rather than zero....

But anyway, sounds like I can't.... Thanks!

[savannahga]

I created a gallery called "Download Small files" with 400x266 pixel files ,
I priced them $10 (P), $25 (C) & restricted the price to just this gallery. But when I go do a practice purchase download the prices are shown as my "original file" prices in my other galleries. $75 (P), $150 (C).

What gives?

[Andy]

I created a gallery called "Download Small files" with 400x266 pixel files ,
I priced them $10 (P), $25 (C) & restricted the price to just this gallery. But when I go do a practice purchase download the prices are shown as my "original file" prices in my other galleries. $75 (P), $150 (C).

What gives?
Hi Jeff,

At that size, they can only be sold as "original" size. Our sizes at 1mpix, 4mpix, and original, you get to determine "original"

http://www.smugmug.com/prints/digital-downloads

So, you can price Originals for this gallery only, in pro pricing tools. OK?

[savannahga]

Thanks Andy for the reply. :thumb

[marlinspike]

Ok, I didn't see an answer to this in any previous threads. What kind of print could someone make from a 1MP download?
Thanks,
Richard

[Andy]

Ok, I didn't see an answer to this in any previous threads. What kind of print could someone make from a 1MP download?
Thanks,
RichardDepends on the image, Richard, and also on the viewer's tolerance for detail, sharpness, quality.

[photogmomma]

Ok, I didn't see an answer to this in any previous threads. What kind of print could someone make from a 1MP download?
Thanks,
Richard

I wanted to figure out the exact same thing so I just looked up the minimum size (http://www.smugmug.com/help/print-quality#minprintres)requirements on SmugMug and this is what i've come up with - quite unscientifically! And I believe, like Andy, that this will depend on the person, but in my eyes, a 1mp image can be printed to about 8x10 and still look acceptable. That doesn't mean that someone won't try to print something gigantic, though.... But maybe setting guidelines for your customers for your downloads might help you alleviate any problems. "We dont' recommend printing larger than 5x7" or whatever...

That's what I'm going to do anyway! :dunno

[scottkwest]

Just want to add my voice to wanting a web-only sized download without the second gallery of web images.

There is a (potential) large MySpace market to be tapped... and while the customers are among the least concerned with copyright issues, MySpace and such sites are responsive, from what I hear. (And no teenager wants to have their MySpace page shut down - that's far worse than grounding!)

One more request is to have a special watermark that IS included on the web-sized download. This can be done now with the 2nd gallery option, but again that's confusing and tedious. I would like to put a small www.scottwestphotography.com in the corner to provide advertisement on those MySpace images.

Scott
scottkwest
www.scottwestphotogrpahy.com

[jscrawley]

If I choose to sell the digital file and I also have the proof-delayed option turned on, will I still have the "x" days to retouch the digital file before it is downloaded by the customer?

[Andy]

If I choose to sell the digital file and I also have the proof-delayed option turned on, will I still have the "x" days to retouch the digital file before it is downloaded by the customer?
No, digital downloads are instant, proof delay does not apply to them.

[jh4wvu]

I would also like a web-size only image that people can use whether it is MySpace or Facebook, say 320 x 230. I am the photographer for the WVU Marching Band and I have kids posting pics all over Facebook. I do have a copyright on the lower left corner but they post it anyway. Some are going as far as to crop off the copyright.

I just recently added a larger copyright in the center and of course now everyone is chatting about how they can't steal the pictures. I did notice that some of them are even being posted.

Just my two cents.

Chris



Just want to add my voice to wanting a web-only sized download without the second gallery of web images.

There is a (potential) large MySpace market to be tapped... and while the customers are among the least concerned with copyright issues, MySpace and such sites are responsive, from what I hear. (And no teenager wants to have their MySpace page shut down - that's far worse than grounding!)

One more request is to have a special watermark that IS included on the web-sized download. This can be done now with the 2nd gallery option, but again that's confusing and tedious. I would like to put a small www.scottwestphotography.com (http://www.scottwestphotography.com) in the corner to provide advertisement on those MySpace images.

Scott
scottkwest
www.scottwestphotogrpahy.com (http://www.scottwestphotogrpahy.com)

[Andy]

I would also like a web-size only image that people can use whether it is MySpace or Facebook, say 320 x 230. I am the photographer for the WVU Marching Band and I have kids posting pics all over Facebook. I do have a copyright on the lower left corner but they post it anyway. Some are going as far as to crop off the copyright.

I just recently added a larger copyright in the center and of course now everyone is chatting about how they can't steal the pictures. I did notice that some of them are even being posted.

Just my two cents.

ChrisGood for you, changing the watermark.

Question: would these kids purchase the small 320px file?

One way to do it now, is to create a special gallery of small originals. Price it special, too. In photoshop, it would take just a few minutes to batch resize and then upload them to a new gallery.

I hope this helps!

[dogwood]

I agree completly. Please smugmug make this easy for us... perdy please. I'm not at all interested in the 1 m, 4m downloads.
- I'd like to offer just 2 sizes: A web based 600 or 800 (longest side) by whatever and the origanal. Other sizes are just icing on the cake.
- I'm also very confident that most if not all event shooters will agree with me that an option to price per image &/or bulk per gallery (event) for downloads would be super fab :-)

Adding my perdy please to this thread too!

[warren]

Any news regarding changing the commercial licence, or better yet, allowing users to enter their own terms? Ideally, I'd like to use my own licences - editorial and maybe personal.

No offence, but the existing commercial licence is actually very bad for any photographer but absolutely fantastic for any photo buyer. This licence allows for a perpetual, worldwide licence for any and all commercial uses for one price! That's worth many thousands of dollars and more. Also, the licence leaves the photographer open to liability for any unreleased photo. It may also leave Smugmug open to some liability as the author of this default and mandatory contract.

Perhaps an option to contact the photographer for any commercial use. This would allow the photographer to properly negotiate, price and control their work.

In any case, how about letting each person choose between their own licences and the default licences?

Cheers,
Warren

P.S. I've just started fiddling with my site, and it's quite impressive how well thought-out Smugmug is!

[Andy]

Any news regarding changing the commercial licence, or better yet, allowing users to enter their own terms? Ideally, I'd like to use my own licences - editorial and maybe personal.

No offence, but the existing commercial licence is actually very bad for any photographer but absolutely fantastic for any photo buyer. This licence allows for a perpetual, worldwide licence for any and all commercial uses for one price! That's worth many thousands of dollars and more. Also, the licence leaves the photographer open to liability for any unreleased photo. It may also leave Smugmug open to some liability as the author of this default and mandatory contract.

Perhaps an option to contact the photographer for any commercial use. This would allow the photographer to properly negotiate, price and control their work.

In any case, how about letting each person choose between their own licences and the default licences?

Cheers,
Warren

P.S. I've just started fiddling with my site, and it's quite impressive how well thought-out Smugmug is!
we'd like to do this... we'll see what can be done!

[Cindy]

we'd like to do this... we'll see what can be done!

My happy, happy please do it bump for editorial. Local paper wanted some images of our high schools battle of the bands concert last week. It would be so much simpler if they could just go to the website, pick and buy... as it is I havn't even uploaded them yet. Did it through e-mail and what a pain...

[jfriend]

My happy, happy please do it bump for editorial. Local paper wanted some images of our high schools battle of the bands concert last week. It would be so much simpler if they could just go to the website, pick and buy... as it is I havn't even uploaded them yet. Did it through e-mail and what a pain...

Would this work as a temporary work-around for a situation like this?

Upload your original with a watermark set on it to a public gallery. Put some identifying mark in the image caption (filename or image number) so they can easily tell you which ones they want. Do not enable digital downloads of any kind and don't allow download of originals.
If you know what you want to charge and want them to see that when browsing, you could either put the digital price in the caption or in the gallery description (if it's the same for all). Or you could just tell them via a separate communication what each original will cost for their intended license and use.
This lets your client easily look at the images and decide what they want at their leisure.
Then, the client decides what they want and you close the deal with them (including license terms) in person, on phone or in email.
You then agree with them on how they want to pay (outside of the Smugmug payment system) and they remit payment or you bill them.
You then upload the sizes that they bought to a password protected gallery with originals enabled. You send them the password and the gallery link so they can download the images and tell them they will be available there for a few days.In this case, you are using Smugmug for display while the customer is shopping and for fullfillment when they want to download the digital images they bought, but not using them for license terms or money collection. Not ideal obviously, but maybe a work-around until Smugmug gets to where you want them.

[Andy]

Would this work as a temporary work-around for a situation like this?

Upload your original with a watermark set on it to a public gallery. Put some identifying mark in the image caption (filename or image number) so they can easily tell you which ones they want. Do not enable digital downloads of any kind and don't allow download of originals.
If you know what you want to charge and want them to see that when browsing, you could either put the digital price in the caption or in the gallery description (if it's the same for all). Or you could just tell them via a separate communication what each original will cost for their intended license and use.
This lets your client easily look at the images and decide what they want at their leisure.
Then, the client decides what they want and you close the deal with them (including license terms) in person, on phone or in email.
You then agree with them on how they want to pay (outside of the Smugmug payment system) and they remit payment or you bill them.
You then upload the sizes that they bought to a password protected gallery with originals enabled. You send them the password and the gallery link so they can download the images and tell them they will be available there for a few days.In this case, you are using Smugmug for display while the customer is shopping and for fullfillment when they want to download the digital images they bought, but not using them for license terms or money collection. Not ideal obviously, but maybe a work-around until Smugmug gets to where you want them.John - this is essentially how I've done 90% of my commercial license deals. :clap

[Cindy]

Would this work as a temporary work-around for a situation like this?

Upload your original with a watermark set on it to a public gallery. Put some identifying mark in the image caption (filename or image number) so they can easily tell you which ones they want. Do not enable digital downloads of any kind and don't allow download of originals.
If you know what you want to charge and want them to see that when browsing, you could either put the digital price in the caption or in the gallery description (if it's the same for all). Or you could just tell them via a separate communication what each original will cost for their intended license and use.
This lets your client easily look at the images and decide what they want at their leisure.
Then, the client decides what they want and you close the deal with them (including license terms) in person, on phone or in email.
You then agree with them on how they want to pay (outside of the Smugmug payment system) and they remit payment or you bill them.
You then upload the sizes that they bought to a password protected gallery with originals enabled. You send them the password and the gallery link so they can download the images and tell them they will be available there for a few days.In this case, you are using Smugmug for display while the customer is shopping and for fullfillment when they want to download the digital images they bought, but not using them for license terms or money collection. Not ideal obviously, but maybe a work-around until Smugmug gets to where you want them.

Yes normally that would be the easiest but I'm on dial up so I just picked a few favs and sent to them. If I didn't trust these guys I couldn't wouldn't but around here with most people their word is still good enough :o) Course I've been caught more than once being too niave and trusting. Idealy I hope they can enable editorial DD, and once they do I'll be sending the gallery links to all the area papers for interesting events I got but for whatever reason or another their papers didn't cover. Hopefully will pick up some pocket change anyway... but I know how little local papers want to pay also... not much.

[jchin]

Just wanted to say ... I'd like to see a web-sized digital download option, say something like 0.5mpixels or smaller. Also it would be great to have an option to "always watermark this image" so that even small images are watermarked when sold digitally.

BTW, is there a place we can see if there are guidelines for commercial license fees for digital images? I'd like to start using SmugMug to sell digital images but don't know where to start pricing them.

Thanks.

[Andy]

Just wanted to say ... I'd like to see a web-sized digital download option, say something like 0.5mpixels or smaller. Also it would be great to have an option to "always watermark this image" so that even small images are watermarked when sold digitally.

BTW, is there a place we can see if there are guidelines for commercial license fees for digital images? I'd like to start using SmugMug to sell digital images but don't know where to start pricing them.

Thanks.
Thansk for the FR.

Ask your peer pros, start a thread in this forum, for pricing suggestions/help :thumb

[NugBlazer]

I also wanted to cast my vote for web-sized downloads. That's really the only digital download size I want to do. I don't want to have to download them twice to use the "oringinal" workaround.

[snapapple]

Would this work as a temporary work-around for a situation like this?

Upload your original with a watermark set on it to a public gallery. Put some identifying mark in the image caption (filename or image number) so they can easily tell you which ones they want. Do not enable digital downloads of any kind and don't allow download of originals.
If you know what you want to charge and want them to see that when browsing, you could either put the digital price in the caption or in the gallery description (if it's the same for all). Or you could just tell them via a separate communication what each original will cost for their intended license and use.
This lets your client easily look at the images and decide what they want at their leisure.
Then, the client decides what they want and you close the deal with them (including license terms) in person, on phone or in email.
You then agree with them on how they want to pay (outside of the Smugmug payment system) and they remit payment or you bill them.
You then upload the sizes that they bought to a password protected gallery with originals enabled. You send them the password and the gallery link so they can download the images and tell them they will be available there for a few days.In this case, you are using Smugmug for display while the customer is shopping and for fullfillment when they want to download the digital images they bought, but not using them for license terms or money collection. Not ideal obviously, but maybe a work-around until Smugmug gets to where you want them.

I recently did this. I did a bunch of shots for a real estate agent to use on her website. We negotiated the price and license terms by email. We attached signed agreements in PDF format. I put all of the images in a private, passworded gallery and made them "right-clickable". I only enabled small size images. She could then download a small image for use on her website. I still retain ownership of the images and can sell them as I chose. I have them in another gallery available for print sales.

I have not watermarked my images in the past, but I am not seeing any sales even though I see lots of views on my stats. I guess I'm going to have to watermark my images. All of my galleries are right-click protected.

Andy, I don't see watermarks on your images. Do you have any thoughts on the watermark issue. Do you think people could be lifting the images for small prints?

You can see my images on her site at: www.ranchosandiegolifestyle.com

[Andy]

Andy, I don't see watermarks on your images. Do you have any thoughts on the watermark issue. Do you think people could be lifting the images for small prints?
Look here http://www.moonriverphotography.com/gallery/2144279#111435189 I watermark all my event stuff. I do not watermark my other photos.

[Andy]

License for personal use


License For Personal Use

Photographer grants buyer a non-exclusive perpetual personal-use license to download and copy the accompanying image, subject to the following restrictions:

* This license is for personal use only. Personal use means non-commercial use of the image(s) for display on personal websites and computers, or making prints for personal use. The image(s) may not be used in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, collect fees, or receive any form of remuneration. The image(s) may not be used in advertising. The image(s) may not be resold, relicensed, or sub-licensed.
* Title and ownership, and all rights now and in the future, of and for the image(s) remain exclusively with the photographer.
* There are no warranties, express or implied. The image(s) are provided 'as is.'
* Neither photographer nor SmugMug will be liable for any third party claims or incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of this license or buyer's use of the image(s).

License for Commercial Use



License For Commercial Use

What you can do: Photographer grants you a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to use this image for permitted commercial purposes, defined as:

* advertising, promotion, brochures, packaging
* as part of a commercial website for promotional purposes (maximum 800x600pixels) use
* prints, posters, flyers, tearsheets for promotional purposes (not for resale)
* prints, posters, or other commercial display of image
* magazines, books, newspapers, other printed publications
* video, broadcast, theatrical

What you may not do: Buyer may not resell, relicense, redistribute without express written permission from photographer. Use as a derivative work, and reselling or redistributing such derivative work is prohibited. Images may not be used in a pornographic, obscene, illegal, immoral, libelous or defamatory manner. Images may not be incorporated into trademarks, logos, or service marks. Image may not be made available for download.

Photographer retains all rights, license, copyright, title and ownership of the image(s).

There is no warranty, express or implied, with the purchase of this digital image file. Neither photographer nor SmugMug will be liable for any claims, or incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of this license or buyer's use of the image(s).

[BrendaO]

Since this wasn't completely clear to me the first time I read it, here's what you can do if you want to sell web-sized digital downloads.

Create a gallery into which you only upload web-sized originals. Then set the price on the "original" size digital download to what you want to charge for web-sized downloads and disable print orders for this gallery (since the originals are too small for good prints).

You cannot currently offer any other size along with the web-sized originals until Smugmug adds more direct support for a web-size download, but you can price and sell just web-sized digital downloads by uploading the web-size as the original.

You may also want to remember that it's pretty easy for people to grab the web-size image through the browser when viewing your gallery if you aren't using watermarks.

I was reading through this thread and went to your site. Did you know that your site is not protected from "right-click save" not only your thumbnail but also your M sized images? I just did it and the photo saved well.

Just a heads up. Loved the photos!

BrendaO

[I Simonius]

Concerning DDs - From EPUK

'Host clearly fancy themselves as rather clever. Most, if not all, of the pictures they’ve taken from Flickr have Creative Commons licenses, and they’ve included the photographers’ Flickr URLs in the ads. So far, so slick. CC licenses are so poorly written and widely misunderstood that Host and Virgin are probably safe. And anyway, who cares? If somebody is dumb enough to post images with a pseudo-license that invites free republication it’s hard to feel sympathy when they cry ‘rip-off’.'

[bham]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jfriend
Would this work as a temporary work-around for a situation like this?
Upload your original with a watermark set on it to a public gallery. Put some identifying mark in the image caption (filename or image number) so they can easily tell you which ones they want. Do not enable digital downloads of any kind and don't allow download of originals.
If you know what you want to charge and want them to see that when browsing, you could either put the digital price in the caption or in the gallery description (if it's the same for all). Or you could just tell them via a separate communication what each original will cost for their intended license and use.
This lets your client easily look at the images and decide what they want at their leisure.
Then, the client decides what they want and you close the deal with them (including license terms) in person, on phone or in email.
You then agree with them on how they want to pay (outside of the Smugmug payment system) and they remit payment or you bill them.
You then upload the sizes that they bought to a password protected gallery with originals enabled. You send them the password and the gallery link so they can download the images and tell them they will be available there for a few days.In this case, you are using Smugmug for display while the customer is shopping and for fullfillment when they want to download the digital images they bought, but not using them for license terms or money collection. Not ideal obviously, but maybe a work-around until Smugmug gets to where you want them.


John - this is essentially how I've done 90% of my commercial license deals. :clap


I am looking to do a high volume of digital downloads of event photo downsize smaller than the 1Mpix image that smugmug currently serves up. The issue with being able to do this is that you can't watermark the image, due to the size, but so with people just using this size for myspace and facebook, my concern is the will just take a screenshot and not purchase it. These would be for personal use and if the watermark feature could do smaller images I could use this, but emailing, etc just really isn't a viable option. I am afraid that it would become to overwhelming. During the school year we usually sell close to 700 - 1000 prints a month and growing, so if we got even 15% that then wanted a digital version, then that is a significant amount of added work. I would rather have smugmug handle that as well.

I just figured that since Andy has to find an alternate to just using the smugmug service that this is an indication that possibly many others would benefit (including smugmug from the additional 15%) from additional options with the digital download. I think it was OneThumb said that even he usually downloads the small web version when getting images from iStockphoto.

Thanks for listening and always improving. I hope we can get this on the list of improvements to come.

Scott

[Kris]

Someone mentioned that "Basic" or "Standard" Res might be substuted for Low Res. I really agree; the name change would be a great improvement. I would like to add that using some term like "Web" or "Custom" Res would really help avoid the likelihood of misunderstanding when the term "Original" is used to describe Original (Huge) files and using the same word to describe a custom size which could be absolutely any thing that two parties agree on.

It feels confusing using one business term to describe two completely different usage - & potential usage - items. Having to offer a Custom Size as "Original" feels very confusing in terms of keeping up with many images.

When the changes are made to the Digital Downloads offered by Smugmug,
please look at clarity of wording and also changing the basic service, "Low Res" to a more marketable term, Basic or Standard.

I'm so glad you're looking in to this area of sales. We will all be gaining as this moves forward.

Thank you for all you are doing! :)
Kris

PS: I would also like to ask if there is a way to allow specific individuals to down load images with a password and no charge? I noticed that fees for down loading are not listed on the price setting page for pro users. That is the only reason I have to have people I know to have access to my images at no charge.

Thanks again. Kris

Just to be sure you understand, you can still upload any size you like, and sell it as "original."

[ivar]

Someone mentioned that "Basic" or "Standard" Res might be substuted for Low Res. I really agree; the name change would be a great improvement. I would like to add that using some term like "Web" or "Custom" Res would really help avoid the likelihood of misunderstanding when the term "Original" is used to describe Original (Huge) files and using the same word to describe a custom size which could be absolutely any thing that two parties agree on.

It feels confusing using one business term to describe two completely different usage - & potential usage - items. Having to offer a Custom Size as "Original" feels very confusing in terms of keeping up with many images.

When the changes are made to the Digital Downloads offered by Smugmug,
please look at clarity of wording and also changing the basic service, "Low Res" to a more marketable term, Basic or Standard.

I'm so glad you're looking in to this area of sales. We will all be gaining as this moves forward.

Thank you for all you are doing! :)
Welcome to Dgrin, Kris :wave

Thanks for adding your voice on this :thumb we appreciate all the feedback we can get.

I would also like to ask if there is a way to allow specific individuals to down load images with a password and no charge? It is possible, but not throught the cart/digital download system.

You will have to make a separate passworded gallery in which you allow originals and give the person/people the password for that gallery.

Make sure that you set Large, Originals and Easy Sharing to 'yes' and protected to 'no' on the customize gallery page. That way the 'save photo' link will show up in the gallery.

[Steve Knight Photo]

Hello All,

Is there any new word about making "web-sized" digital downloads available without having to create a duplicate image at the smaller dimensions? It would be a great feature to have on SmugMug!:D I have not enabled digital downloads on my site yet, but would do it in a heartbeat if this were an option! Thanks as always for the tremendous support.:thumb

Steve
www.steveknightphoto.com (http://www.steveknightphoto.com)

[Andy]

Thanks for the suggestion, and telling us how important that is to you :thumb

[darryl]

Hi! I've got a Pro account for a non-profit Nursery School, so I unlike everybody else here, I am *not* trying to make money by selling high schoolers 320x240px images for their Facebook pages. ;-}

But I *do* want to make it easier for our parents to download photos of their kids. Sure, they could click "Save Original" on each photo with little Timmy. But I was wondering:

Do digital downloads get "packaged" into a zip file, or do you just end up with a page full of "click here to download" and a printable license for personal use?

If it was the former, I would love to tell people that they could use the shopping cart bulk-picker to pick a bunch of their photos (we're doing our best to tag the photos by keywords to make it easier), and then click through and eventually "buy" digital downloads of all the pics of their kids.

But I have a feeling SmugMug isn't keen on using up their Shopping Cart processing to handle $0.00 transactions. And unless I make those digital downloads $0.01, the option doesn't even show up in the cart.

Enh -- may be time for me to roll another hack -- some kind of bulk keyword downloader. Aiyeee.

--Darryl

[Andy]

But I have a feeling SmugMug isn't keen on using up their Shopping Cart processing to handle $0.00 transactions. And unless I make those digital downloads $0.01, the option doesn't even show up in the cart.
Right.

[meatloaf]

Hi Andy, I know i am a pest, but here goes again anyway. This is VERY important... Rather than just saying "no, sorry", Maybe you can explain why this is not easy for SM to incorporate such an addition/mod. From the outside, it seems adding to a drop box selection and modifyling some verbaige would be a relativley easy mod to something that already exists in your system. Again this is VERY imprtant to me and others...

This is the way your commercial license reads verbatum:


License For Commercial Use

What you can do: Photographer grants you a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to use this image for permitted commercial purposes, defined as:

advertising, promotion, brochures, packaging
as part of a commercial website for promotional purposes (maximum 800x600pixels) use
prints, posters, flyers, tearsheets for promotional purposes (not for resale)
prints, posters, or other commercial display of image
magazines, books, newspapers, other printed publications
video, broadcast, theatricalWhat you may not do: Buyer may not resell, relicense, redistribute without express written permission from photographer. Use as a derivative work, and reselling or redistributing such derivative work is prohibited. Images may not be used in a pornographic, obscene, illegal, immoral, libelous or defamatory manner. Images may not be incorporated into trademarks, logos, or service marks. Image may not be made available for download.
Photographer retains all rights, license, copyright, title and ownership of the image(s).
There is no warranty, express or implied, with the purchase of this digital image file. Neither photographer nor SmugMug will be liable for any claims, or incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of this license or buyer's use of the image(s).
__________________________________________________ ____
This is what I think would be suitable for editorial purposes. Anyone else can chime in too and offer better verbaige and support this request to get SM attention: Thanks all

License For Editorial Use

What you can do: Photographer grants you a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to use this image for permitted editorial purposes, defined as:

as part of an editorial, news or informational website (maximum 800x600pixels), magazines, books, newspapers, other printed publications and media, video and broadcast in context of providing news, information or commentary
non-advertising, non-promotion, non-brochures, non-packaging of any kind with written express written permission from the copyright holder
not intended for resale, prints, posters, or other commercial display of image where monetary or other compensation is transferred with express written permission of the copyright holderWhat you may not do: Buyer may not resell, relicense, redistribute without express written permission from photographer. Use as a derivative work, and reselling or redistributing such derivative work is prohibited. Images may not be used in a pornographic, obscene, illegal, immoral, libelous or defamatory manner. Images may not be incorporated into trademarks, logos, or service marks. Image may not be made available for download.
Photographer retains all rights, license, copyright, title and ownership of the image(s).
There is no warranty, express or implied, with the purchase of this digital image file. Neither photographer nor SmugMug will be liable for any claims, or incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of this license or buyer's use of the image(s).
__________________________________________________ ________
:deadhorse
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________
Ted
South Florida Free Press
www.southfloridafreepress.com (http://www.southfloridafreepress.com/)
Concert and Event Photography
<!-- / sig -->

[BOM]

First of all, I would like to say that I really appreciate the high level of interaction between the Smugmug staff and their customers. I can see that customer support has been a key component of Smugmug's success.

Now, for questions and comments on the digital download.


Questions
----------

1) In regards to the download file sizes of 1M and 4M, can you share the re-sizing approach? I am assuming that there is some maximum dimension (pixels) set for each of the conversions and a jpeg quality level set.


Comments
----------

1) I was thinking it would be more useful to have file download sizes based based on pixel dimension limits, similar to how the resizing is done for the photo display sizes. Using file size just generates a list of questions. eg. 'What is the dimensions?', 'What size of print can I get from 1M versus 4M?', ... I recommend reviewing to how iStockphoto does file download sizes. I have included them below for reference.

XS 300x400 1"x1.5" @72dpi
X 600x800 2"x3" @72dpi
M 1200x1600 4"x5" @300dpi
L 1920x2560 6"x8" @300dpi
XL 2800x4200 9"x14" @300dpi
XXL 3300x4900 11"x16" @300dpi

2) On the digital download, I am interested in setting a price of $0.00 (free) and this tracked in the sales report. It provides a good record of who is downloading your images. So, I would like to collect the information, but I do not wish to charge even a penny. At the same time, I would like the buyer's identity verified, and I believe the credit card entry serves this purpose. So, maybe have the option to download free without buyer entry other then a validated email address.

3) When typing in the Order Info, if you accidently hit <ENTER> instead of <TAB> when moving to the next entry field, the browser jumps back to the previous screen, which is your shopping cart. This is very confusing and feels like a bug in the flow. Normally, when you enter these type of forms for purchase hitting <ENTER> would result in a error message in the top of the screen saying you did not fill out the required fields, and highlighting those fields.

4) After the transaction is complete, I could not see anyway for the user to go back to my site. It looks as if one has to re-type the address in the address bar.

5) Rights Usage. I suggest that Smugmug looks at providing the 6 Creative Commons options as well as the ability to have customizable templates that can be selected for the personal use and commercial use sections of the pricing entry form.

6) If a rights usage is used, then it would be nice to have the usage automatically written into the IPTC Rights Usage field of the metadata.

[rainforest1155]

1) In regards to the download file sizes of 1M and 4M, can you share the re-sizing approach? I am assuming that there is some maximum dimension (pixels) set for each of the conversions and a jpeg quality level set.
We take your hi-resolution original image, resize it to a resolution that matches the 1 megapixel or 4 megapixel requirement. Of course, the quality setting on those digital download copies should be higher than on our display copies.
In addition, all the metadata from the original is retained.

1) I was thinking it would be more useful to have file download sizes based based on pixel dimension limits, similar to how the resizing is done for the photo display sizes.
That might prove troublesome as you can upload photos in any aspect ratio you would like to. Some people shoot 4:3, other 3:2 and some people might prefer cropping their photos freely without following any standard. Thinking of panoramas, I could see digital downloads in 3:1 or even 4:1 ratio.
How would you fit these into predefined resolutions? That's why we use the megapixel option - the resolution is always determined dynamically on the proportions of the photo.

2) On the digital download, I am interested in setting a price of $0.00 (free) and this tracked in the sales report. It provides a good record of who is downloading your images. So, I would like to collect the information, but I do not wish to charge even a penny. At the same time, I would like the buyer's identity verified, and I believe the credit card entry serves this purpose. So, maybe have the option to download free without buyer entry other then a validated email address.
I'll forward this to our Product Management team. Thanks for the suggestion.

3) When typing in the Order Info, if you accidently hit <enter> instead of <tab> when moving to the next entry field, the browser jumps back to the previous screen, which is your shopping cart. This is very confusing and feels like a bug in the flow. Normally, when you enter these type of forms for purchase hitting <enter> would result in a error message in the top of the screen saying you did not fill out the required fields, and highlighting those fields.
I don't understand what you're hitting. Do you refer to the backspace key on your keyboard? If you hit backspace instead of enter? Do you mean that?
That's a browser feature as far as I know and we can't control it. Firefox provides an advanced setting to disable it.

4) After the transaction is complete, I could not see anyway for the user to go back to my site. It looks as if one has to re-type the address in the address bar.
Your buyer could click on any of the thumbnails to get back to the gallery he ordered from.

5) Rights Usage. I suggest that Smugmug looks at providing the 6 Creative Commons options as well as the ability to have customizable templates that can be selected for the personal use and commercial use sections of the pricing entry form.
Thanks, I'll forward this on as well.

6) If a rights usage is used, then it would be nice to have the usage automatically written into the IPTC Rights Usage field of the metadata.
I'll pass this on, too.

Sebastian
</enter></tab></enter>

[bobcool]

I would also like to offer free digital downloads for when I make a deal with a sports league for an up-front sum in exchange for free downloads of all the games.

What if I set the price of the digital download to $1.00 and then apply a 100% discount? Will the downloads appear in the cart?

[philraybob]

Great stuff!

Is it possible to customize the licensing info?

Can you give me an idea of how to fairly price private digital downloads.

[Troy Raymond]

I would also like to offer free digital downloads for when I make a deal with a sports league for an up-front sum in exchange for free downloads of all the games.

What if I set the price of the digital download to $1.00 and then apply a 100% discount? Will the downloads appear in the cart?
I do this for our 7th and 8th grade football team. I add a few cent markup as convenient if anyone wants to order, but in the "customize Gallery" section I just enable the original file. They can simply mouseover the large image and download will appear under all the other sizes. No paying is necessary.

Troy

[Troy Raymond]

I also have a question.

Since my son is on the football team, another father and myself take photos and simply allow the players, families and friends to download them free of charge. I have the originals turned on but I do very slightly compress them.

I was wondering if multiple digital downloads could be purchased at the same time and downloaded together.

My reason?

We live in a village w/population of 900, we have 14 players on the team. I uploaded 72 photos with the originals turned on and in 9 days I received 28,998 "original" downloads using 32.75 gb of bandwidth.

I have tried putting a few cent markup on other photos and had no print purchases. If I were to not offer prints but only digital downloads for a small fee such as 10 cents each (as an example), there would be multiple purchases and a nice little profit. Kind of like my own little 'targeted' stock photo site.

So, if a digital download would slow them down, lets say to only 5000 downloads, it would still be $500 for something I was giving away.

Then imagine going to all the neighboring schools for their sports activities.

How does the digital downloads work if multiples are purchased? Does each one have to be downloaded and paid for individually?

Troy

[Erick L]

Hello,

I just my first download inquiry, :barb and he has concern over this:

Images may not be incorporated into trademarks, logos, or service marks

He wants to use the image as background image for his website, email header and business cards. There would be a logo on top. I assume this would be ok, no? I personnally don'T have a problem with that, sas long as they don't re-sell the photographs.

Is there a way to customize the license? And is there a "approval delay" available for downloads like there is for prints?

Thanks

[richW]

I also have a question.

Since my son is on the football team, another father and myself take photos and simply allow the players, families and friends to download them free of charge. I have the originals turned on but I do very slightly compress them.

I was wondering if multiple digital downloads could be purchased at the same time and downloaded together.

My reason?

We live in a village w/population of 900, we have 14 players on the team. I uploaded 72 photos with the originals turned on and in 9 days I received 28,998 "original" downloads using 32.75 gb of bandwidth.

I have tried putting a few cent markup on other photos and had no print purchases. If I were to not offer prints but only digital downloads for a small fee such as 10 cents each (as an example), there would be multiple purchases and a nice little profit. Kind of like my own little 'targeted' stock photo site.

So, if a digital download would slow them down, lets say to only 5000 downloads, it would still be $500 for something I was giving away.

Then imagine going to all the neighboring schools for their sports activities.

How does the digital downloads work if multiples are purchased? Does each one have to be downloaded and paid for individually?

TroyMake sure you disable the 'originals' & enable protection in the gallery settings first, then price the digital downloads as needed.
When the items are purchased your customer will receive an email with a link to the order page. On the order page there are links they'll use to download each file separately. The digitals files are not bundled into one download.

If your customer orders five downloads, all of them will be on one order.

http://www.smugmug.com/help/sell-digital-downloads

[TCS]

Hi,

I just made some download available and the link to the license doesn't work.

Is it just me?

Christine

[Troy Raymond]

Hi,

I just made some download available and the link to the license doesn't work.

Is it just me?

Christine
I just tried on my wifes computer since she never visits my site. :huh

I don't see any links to the license, only "personal license" and "commercial license". Where would the customers go to review the terms of the license?

Troy

[TCS]

I just tried on my wifes computer since she never visits my site. :huh

I don't see any links to the license, only "personal license" and "commercial license". Where would the customers go to review the terms of the license?

Troy

Same for me. Can't see the text, used to.
I am also not sure I can sell pictures of people I took at an event...

Christine

[bheller]

I just enabled digital downloads on some galleries on my site.
A parent (from another team, so I don't know them) ordered
about fifteen prints. With most or all of the prints she ordered
a 1 MB download as well. (I can't tell, as smugmug removed the
canceled order from my pro sales listing.)
About 24 hours later smugmug emailed that the she has
canceled the order to make some changes and then reorder.
Can this method be used to get downloads for free? I assume
Smugmug is flexible about letting someone cancel an order
before it has been printed, but if the downloads were available
instantly...........

Bob
www.AtlantaSports.smugmug.com (http://www.AtlantaSports.smugmug.com)

[JohnBiggs]

I just enabled digital downloads on some galleries on my site.
A parent (from another team, so I don't know them) ordered
about fifteen prints. With most or all of the prints she ordered
a 1 MB download as well. (I can't tell, as smugmug removed the
canceled order from my pro sales listing.)
About 24 hours later smugmug emailed that the she has
canceled the order to make some changes and then reorder.
Can this method be used to get downloads for free? I assume
Smugmug is flexible about letting someone cancel an order
before it has been printed, but if the downloads were available
instantly...........

Bob
www.AtlantaSports.smugmug.com (http://www.AtlantaSports.smugmug.com)

IMO: Orders with digital downloads should not be cancelled, Only the print side should be refunded while the printing is worked out. That sucks.

[bheller]

IMO: Orders with digital downloads should not be cancelled, Only the print side should be refunded while the printing is worked out. That sucks.

I am not sure if it works that way - I am hoping Andy or someone from Smugmug will reply. In this particular case, she did come back with an order a couple of days later, all downloads and no prints, which is fine with me. So I guess she figured out that she could have them printed locally and save the shipping cost, etc. Again, that is fine with me.

But I am still wondering if someone can cancel an order which contains downloads after they have had access to the downloads.:dunno

[ivar]

We don't like to cancel the digital downloads orders, and we normally don't do that either, unless there is a very good reason. We can cancel/refund a partial order if we have to so that we can only do the prints and not the digital downloads in case there is a problem with the prints :thumb

[bheller]

We don't like to cancel the digital downloads orders, and we normally don't do that either, unless there is a very good reason. We can cancel/refund a partial order if we have to so that we can only do the prints and not the digital downloads in case there is a problem with the prints :thumb

Ivar -
Thanks, makes sense.
Bob