How to Set Up an Account on Shutterfly

Four Easy Steps to Successful Photo Sharing on Shutterfly

Step 1. Begin by visiting the Shutterfly site (you'll get your first 15 prints free with this link).

You can quickly start the process by clicking on the "Get Started" button. This page asks you for your first and last name, email address, and a password. Enter your information, accept the terms and conditions, and click on "Join Now". Once you have completed these few steps, you will be redirected to your account homepage and can continue the setup process.

Step 2. Navigate yourself to the bottom of the page under the heading "My Account" or click on Member sign in at the top of the page. The links here will direct to the other necessary items that must be set up.

The "Personal Info" icon or "Personal info/settings" link will be your next step. Here, you will input personal and payment information that will be stored and secured by Shutterfly. This includes your mailing address and a credit card that will be used to pay for purchases. This enables you to make orders very rapidly once you start ordering prints and other products.

If you're thinking of using the site simply for photo sharing and don't plan to make any purchases, then you can skip the payment information and add it later if you change your mind.

Step 3. The third step is to return to the "My Account" section of the personal homepage and select "Address Book".

The next several minutes will be completely worthwhile as you enter the mailing and email addresses of friends and relatives. Not only is this information secure, but it also enables you to electronically share photos in an instant. Plus, once you start using the site to print products, the items can be mailed directly to anyone listed in your address book.

If you already have all of your contacts saved in Outlook or on your Palm, importing them is a snap.

Keep in mind that these contacts are arranged alphabetically; however, you can also categorize them by group. That way, when you want to send all of your friends pictures from last night's party, you can select that group and the photos will be waiting in their inboxes.

Step 4. Your final step is to add pictures to your account.

From the homepage, select "Add Pictures." When the screen appears, name your photo group (for example, either by date or by event) and click on "Next" in the top right hand corner. You will immediately be taken to a page that gives you the opportunity to select the photos you want to upload from your computer.

This will only take a few minutes, depending upon the speed of your computer and your Internet connection. As soon as the upload is complete, you'll be able to view, edit, and share some of your most cherished memories.

There you have it! In about twenty minutes, you've completely set up an online photo sharing account on Shutterfly!