Zenphoto - Photoblog Engine for Your Website

Zenphoto: A Powerful Photoblogging Platform

Previously, we showcased Pixelpost, a functional and user-friendly photoblogging engine, although its design reflects a slightly older era. Following that article, several readers contacted us to recommend Zenphoto as an alternative.

My initial experience with Zenphoto dates back a few years. Upon revisiting the project, it became immediately apparent that significant advancements have been made.

Examining Version 1.4.0.2

This review focuses on version 1.4.0.2 of Zenphoto, which was recently released at the time of this writing – just a couple of weeks prior.

For photographers seeking an alternative to platforms like Flickr and desiring complete control over their work, Zenphoto presents a compelling solution.

The platform allows users to self-host their images, providing greater privacy and customization options.

Zenphoto offers a robust set of features designed specifically for photographers.

• It supports various image formats.
• It allows for detailed metadata management.
• It provides flexible theme options.

These capabilities make it a strong contender for those looking to establish a dedicated online photography presence.

The development team has clearly prioritized improvements, resulting in a more polished and feature-rich experience.

Compared to its earlier iterations, the current version demonstrates a commitment to usability and modern web standards.

Initial Setup of ZenPhoto

Similar to platforms like Pixelpost, ZenPhoto is engineered to operate on a web server, necessitating a dedicated hosting plan for installation. A server utilizing Apache with PHP 5.2 or a later version, alongside MySQL 5 or a more recent iteration, is required. From version 2.0 onward, PostgreSQL and SQLite databases are also supported as viable options.

The installation procedure is intentionally streamlined, a characteristic ZenPhoto emphasizes. The newest version can be obtained from the official website in either .ZIP or .TAR.GZ archive formats. After downloading the package (approximately 6MB in compressed size), extract its contents to a directory on your local computer.

Uploading the Files

Subsequently, transfer the extracted folder to the designated location on your web server. Uploading ZenPhoto to the root directory—often labeled "httpdocs"—will make your gallery accessible at yoururl.com/zenphoto. An FTP client, such as Filezilla, is highly recommended for this file transfer.

The upload duration will vary based on your connection speed. While the upload is in progress, you can proceed with creating a MySQL database. Your hosting provider likely offers a web control panel, like Plesk or CPanel, to facilitate this process.

Upon completion, record the database's name. You must also establish a user account for the database, remembering both the username and password. With these prerequisites met, you are prepared to begin the installation by navigating to yoururl.com/zenphoto/zp-core/setup.php and adhering to the on-screen prompts.

Administrative Tasks in Zenphoto

Following the configuration of database parameters and the establishment of a username and password, access to the administration panel is granted. Zenphoto’s administrative interface presents a more visually appealing and potentially more user-friendly experience compared to Pixelpost, despite maintaining a broadly similar overall structure.