My searchable image library is hosted by PhotoShelter, a web-based photography service that allows photographers to upload their high resolution images and automatically create clean and easy-to-use image galleries. The web site hosted with PhotoShelter provides a working photographer with many very useful services: display of images in well organized galleries and image search function, a posibility to create custom portfolios of representative images, has a built-in pricing calculator and ability to deliver high resolution images to clients upon completions of the on-line transaction. I have been using the PhotoShelter for some time now, and I m quite happy with the service they provide.
PhotoSheler was launched as a business in 2007 and provides business solutions to over 70,000 photographers. The company is based in New York, USA. As you are probably aware, the US East Coast was hit by a severe storm, hurricane Sandy this week. The so-called ‘superstorm’ caused severe damage and is responsible for over 20 human casualties in the city of New York alone. The storm caused prolonged power outages and I was concerned whether my web galleries and image storefront would be affected. On Wednesday I received a long email assuring me that the company took preventive measures in securing safety of their staff and providing enough backup power sources for their servers to run smoothly.
PhotoShelter web site home page
Here is the message I received. As you can see from the content, the management and staff made sure that my business was not affected by (quite severe) emergency situation they had to deal with. Thank you all for a job well done. I wish you good luck, safety to employees, and a fast recovery from the storm.
Dear PhotoShelter Member,
As many of you know, we at PhotoShelter are among the millions who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Most importantly, our staff is fully accounted for and, while some are still without power, we are all safe and sound. And for that we are extremely thankful.
We know that your business depends on ours, so we want to provide you with an update on the status of our systems (for the most up-to-date information going forward, please consult our Twitter and Facebook pages):
Because of the ongoing power outage in the area surrounding our office, we are unable to access or respond to any calls, voicemails or emails into our regular support lines at this time. We ask that all customer support inquiries be sent to: (email address withdrawn by BG)
Our Client Services team members are working remotely to keep up with all inquiries. We will do our best to respond to yours as quickly as possible. You may also be able to find helpful information in our Customer Support Center and Customer Forum.
Our primary data center continues to run on backup generator power, and there is a fuel truck parked outside the facility to keep it supplied. We are in regular contact with them and are confident full power will be restored soon. All PhotoShelter members’ data remains fully backed up in redundant, geographically distributed facilities.
AdoramaPix, one of our partner print labs, is also without power at their facilities. Customers may still place AdoramaPix-fulfilled orders from any PhotoShelter website; however, these orders will not be printed and shipped until AdoramaPix reopens for business. Therefore, we have placed a shipping delay advisory in shopping carts that contain AdoramaPix items. We will provide an update on any change in status. In the meantime, any emergency inquiries may be sent directly to us.
Federal, state and local authorities are working around the clock to restore power and begin the cleanup process. Our thoughts are with them, as well as with any PhotoShelter members and others who didn’t fare as well through the storm.
As always, we thank you for your business and truly appreciate your patience during this time.
Do not forget: on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 2 pm I will be giving a public presentation at the Frances Morrison Public Library in Saskatoon (311 – 23rd Street E) titled “Adventure journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp“. There is no entrance free and everyone is welcome to attend.