Smugmug: How to get random image mosaic/slideshow

  • Resolved cozbaldwin

    (@cozbaldwin)


    6 years, 3 months ago

    I’m trying desperately to have a mosaic of 8 images, all randomized from my SmugMug account. (even if this doesn’t work, I’d prefer a random image slideshow).

    I’m also putting it into a widget so here’s the shortcode I’m working with.

    [gallery type='smugmug' view='images' nick_name='hiddeninthesand' layout='mosaic' count=8 more='Show More' orderby='rand']

    It picks the same 8 photos every single time. They are somewhat random, in that they come from different albums, but it’s the same 8 photos every time – even when I try to add a sort order and change from Ascending to Descending and I’ve tried sort_method but that doesn’t change them either. It actually takes 5 or 6 from one album and then a few from other albums.

    Help, please! ??

    • This topic was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by cozbaldwin.

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Plugin Author Sayontan Sinha

    (@sayontan)

    Short answer: it is not possible.

    Long answer: SmugMug’s API offers no way to get random images. The front-end of SmugMug might (I don’t know if it does, but it might), however the API, which any third party has to use, doesn’t. Very few providers support randomization, and SmugMug is not one of them. Simply adding an orderby will not do it either – note that all available parameters are populated via the shortcode (or Gutenberg block) creation flow, and adding custom attributes in 99% of the cases serves little purpose.

    It is also not possible to build a custom feature such as this because, as I have explained on other threads, it tends to make your site really slow.

    Thread Starter cozbaldwin

    (@cozbaldwin)

    Appreciate the detailed and quick reply. Understood.
    Thanks.

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by cozbaldwin.
Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
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