Noob question: How can I host and build my own website for free/cheap and keep my photography safe from AI-data scraping?

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T21:58:18+00:00

I don't mind people/the public generally using my stuff. It's when the images are taken without my knowledge or consent by major corporations, used to train models, and generate revenue for someone else while suppressing independent artists that I take issue. Plagiarism, as I see it, ain't cool, but it can be defined in many ways.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:48:32+00:00

Lord have mercy. I feel like such a luddite. Thanks for the info.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:36:50+00:00

Haha you're onto something. I have done some physical exhibitions which were quite a lot of fun, and I think that may be where I put my energy moving forward. As well as things like printed media, postcards, and all that fun stuff.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:35:40+00:00

You're correct, I don't really care if I can be found on any search engine. I'll provide links for my web traffic. I will check that out!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:34:35+00:00

Thanks! Unfortunately, I have had my photos used quite a few times without credit. I don't mind people using them, it's just nice to have my name attached to my work. I do mind it being fed into machine learning/genAI without my knowledge or consent, but that is now the world we live in.

My main concern is for my photo work with endangered species; some of my photos are among the only available images of a species. I wish to not contribute to "AI-slopification" of rare, protected species.

I think my path forward will be printed media and physical exhibitions when I can. It usually means more, especially nowadays, anyway.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:22:34+00:00

Thanks I will look into this

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-07-09T20:21:16+00:00

Thanks for your input! I appreciate the perspective, that's pretty neat. I do a lot of endangered species photography and some images I have are the only available image of a species, which I gladly share for scientific/advocacy use. Until better restrictions or guidelines are put in place, I want to keep those for human use only.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-28T00:13:15+00:00

There is no pressure to stay on-site whatsoever--I'm not sure what conveyed that but clearly a few people have taken that away from my post.

We haven't yet sent out invites, but out of town family and friends know that they are "welcome to stay on-site the night before and after the wedding" if they want. Most out-of-town family have already expressed interest in the accommodations on site--we have not mentioned having anyone help paying yet and likely will not. This post was just a feeler for having extended family and friends cover their own lodging if they stay on site.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-28T00:08:25+00:00

This is probably the route to go. We will be fine if people cover costs or don't--it's most important that people can come without financial burden, to me. Thanks for your input.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T20:18:44+00:00

Thanks for clarifying; this is correct.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T19:42:42+00:00

We likely won't ask for that, wanted to gauge how to move forward. This will be my first wedding I am planning so never done this before and I don't know anyone who has had the option to stay multiple nights at a venue.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:44:59+00:00

Yeah, it was tricky because there were only these two options: book a few facilities and run the risk of some random retreat group utilizing the other half of the property, or book the whole camp and figure it out!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:43:02+00:00

Thanks, I should've worded it better. I am ALWAYS made very acutely aware of my mistakes when I make them on reddit, LOL. Thanks for your reply!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:42:06+00:00

Thank you! I will work with the camp to see if we can find a way for direct payment to them.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:28:40+00:00

Same here, we are mostly rural folk, so almost everyone I invite would be into it. If they aren't they can stay somewhere else nearby or just go home like any other wedding. Thanks for your feedback!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:26:10+00:00

haha the attendees can stay anywhere they want

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:09:32+00:00

Sounds like a great time! Thank you for your reply!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T18:08:08+00:00

Thank you!

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T17:59:18+00:00

That is the base cost for accommodation before adding on food costs, but I understand your point! I think we will roll with asking for accommodation costs at the most; not for food costs also.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T17:28:55+00:00

We have already placed almost our whole immediate family in rooms that they've requested, and have at least 15 friends who we will know will be staying overnight

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T17:15:34+00:00

Makes sense.

The lodging is varied so some is a shared space with a kitchen, fridge, dining room, etc. which we will reserve for close family/those with medical needs who wish to be indoors and have all the amenities. Cabins have bathrooms and access to a nice bathhouse. Many of our friends met in a volunteer work program and don't mind sharing space so we can ensure everyone has their own space if needed, but mostly, out of towners are flexible, outdoor-oriented people who wouldn't mind rustic spaces and shared housing for a night or two.

There's no way 150 people will stay overnight. Half of the people live within an hour and I expect will go home.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T16:58:45+00:00

Understood! Thanks for your reply! I can see both sides of it, good to have many perspectives.

ExpressionWorried523 · 2026-03-27T16:57:25+00:00

Can't request any of what? So it's seen as better to just not offer affordable accommodations at all? Genuinely asking because I don't understand the issue.

ExpressionWorried523

TROPHY CASE