LensScapes will disapppear for a while

I had better clarify that title. Some of you may have read it as ‘LensScaper’, thinking that there was a typo error in the title. No there isn’t an error. This blog is not disappearing, but my original website titled ‘LensScapes Photography’ which was set up in early 2011 before my WP blog is about to disappear, both the link on the menu list that is just under the banner at the top of my blog, and also from the Internet. Not for ever, but for a month or so and then it will re-surface anew  – re-designed, and hosted by SmugMug.

LensScapes Logo

Why the change? A number of reasons. The original website is looking a bit tired and it has most certainly been seriously neglected for at least four years. It no longer tells an accurate up-to-date story of where I am on my visual journey. Ideally it should have a complete re-vamp but that is not possible as the company that hosts it is no longer actively updating or improving their service. In future they will only support existing sites. My annual fee for hosting is about due, so this is an opportune moment to change.

I have periodically considered SmugMug as a possible alternative; I know it is used by many photographers as a site on which to show galleries, or a portfolio, of their current work. It also offers the ability to Sell one’s work – not something I am rushing into but maybe something I will do in the future.

The one thing I will miss is the flexibility of the original site. It allowed significant introductory text on the front pages of galleries; and also articles about my photography and the philosophy behind my work. However my blog now covers much of that ground and what I really need is a place to display a portfolio of work in a readily accessible way, and I think SmugMug provides that service.

I don’t like change, and at first glance – really a toe in the water –  I don’t find the setting-up of a new site on SmugMug easy. WordPress was straightforward and intuitive. So far SmugMug feels a lot more opaque. Maybe that’s my age, but I will be leaning on Support from the good people of SmugMug and hopefully before long I will get a better understanding of the mechanics of setting up my new site.

My reason for mentioning this imminent disappearance, likely to be next week (beginning Monday 11 June), is that if you wish to take a look at it before it is gone then you have just a few days to do so.

I will keep you posted and certainly tell you when the Domain name re-surfaces.

Finally if you, dear reader, have a SmugMug page do please use the comment box to let me know. The more I can see of other people’s use of the site, the more I will become aware of its potential.

PS – LensScapes Photography has now gone, temporarily.  Earlier today 11 June I successfully transferred the Domain name to SmugMug. Now begins the task of building the content.