How to Set Up an Account on SmugMug

SmugMug in 5 steps

SmugMug isn't free - their Standard plan runs $39.95 per year. However, I believe the fee is totally worth it considering your photos are safe from deletion (most of the free sites will delete your photos if you don't make purchases every year), are free from advertisements, and your friends won't have to register to view your fabulous photos.

Follow these steps to create your own SmugMug account.

Step 1. Check out SmugMug. From this page, click on "Try It" and you'll be given the opportunity to try the site for 14 days before having to pay.

Step 2. The enrollment page will ask you fill out some vital information. This includes your name, email address, a password, and agreement to the site's terms and conditions. Enter this information and select the "Standard" membership (which includes the 14 day trial) and then click on "Try It."

Step 3. You will immediately be directed to the information page for your first gallery. You'll need to enter a title, category, theme, and privacy level for your gallery. As you change themes, the screen to the right will update with examples for you. Type in your information and click on "Create Gallery."

Step 4. This step will let you to upload your photos to your new gallery. SmugMug offers several options for you. You can use the simplest method and download software from the site. Or, you can drag and drop photos individually.

The site also offers you the ability to send your photos to SmugMug and they'll upload them for you and finally, you can add a SmugMug button to your Picasa account and automatically upload the photos this way. Select the option that suits you best.

Step 5. Once your photos are uploaded, you can click on "Your Photos" at the top of the page and your new gallery will come up on the screen.

Now you've got a SmugMug account and you can safely store your photos and share them with others.