How to Share SmugMug Photos Privately?

Want to share your SmugMug photos without making them public? Whether it's personal family pictures, professional client galleries, or exclusive event shots, keeping them private is easy with SmugMug's built-in features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you share your photos securely.

Why Share Photos Privately on SmugMug?

SmugMug is a fantastic platform for photographers, but not every photo should be public. Private sharing helps you:

• Protect personal memories from strangers.
• Share client galleries securely.
• Control who sees your work.
• Prevent unauthorized downloads or sharing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Private Sharing on SmugMug

Step 1: Upload Your Photos

First, log in to your SmugMug account and upload the photos you want to share. You can drag and drop files or use the upload button.

Step 2: Create a Private Gallery

Instead of adding photos to a public gallery, create a new one with privacy settings:

1. Go to Galleries and click New Gallery.
2. Name your gallery and set the privacy to Unlisted or Password-Protected.
3. Click Save.

Step 3: Adjust Gallery Privacy Settings

To fine-tune who sees your gallery:

• Unlisted: Only people with the direct link can view it.
• Password-Protected: Visitors need a password to access.
• Hide from Search Engines: Prevents Google from indexing your gallery.

Step 4: Share the Private Link

Once your gallery is set up:

1. Click on the gallery you want to share.
2. Copy the gallery URL from the address bar.
3. Send it via email, messaging apps, or social media (if password-protected, include the password).

Step 5: Set Download Permissions (Optional)

If you don’t want others downloading your photos:

• Go to Gallery Settings > Privacy & Sharing.
• Disable Allow Downloads or restrict sizes.

Alternative Ways to Share Privately

Email Sharing Directly from SmugMug

SmugMug lets you email photos directly:

1. Open the photo or gallery.
2. Click the Share button.
3. Enter recipient emails and a custom message.

Using Client Proofing for Professionals

Photographers can use SmugMug’s Client Proofing feature:

• Clients get a private link to view and select photos.
• They can favorite or comment on images.
• You control access and permissions.

Comparison: Unlisted vs. Password-Protected Galleries

Tips for Secure Private Sharing

• Use strong passwords: Avoid easy-to-guess phrases.
• Expire links if needed: Some services let you set expiration dates.
• Monitor traffic: Check SmugMug stats to see who’s viewing.

FAQs

1. Can I share a single photo privately?

Yes! Set the photo’s privacy to Unlisted or Password-Protected in the photo settings.

2. Do recipients need a SmugMug account?

No, they can view private galleries without an account.

3. Can I revoke access later?

Yes, change the gallery’s privacy settings or reset the password.

4. Are private galleries safe from hackers?

Password-protected galleries are very secure, but avoid sharing passwords publicly.

5. Can clients download photos from a private gallery?

Only if you allow downloads in the gallery settings.

Conclusion

Sharing SmugMug photos privately is simple and keeps your images safe from unwanted eyes. Whether you choose unlisted links or password protection, you control who sees your work. Follow these steps, and you’ll share photos securely in no time!