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Abhi Kansara Photography - Premium Studio Platform

Framework: Next.js 16 Backend: .NET 8 Storage: SmugMug Styling: Tailwind CSS v4

A high-performance, full-stack photography ecosystem built for Abhi Kansara Photography. This platform transcends a traditional portfolio, operating as a professional studio management suite that bridges cinematic visual storytelling with enterprise-grade media delivery.


Vision & Architecture

The platform is architected as a Headless CMS ecosystem, decoupling the immersive frontend from a robust C# backend to ensure maximum performance, security, and scalability.

  • Immersive Presentation: Leveraging Next.js 16 and Framer Motion for a "hardware-accelerated" visual experience.
  • Limitless Media: Fully integrated with the SmugMug API, utilizing their global CDN for unlimited high-resolution photo and HLS video delivery.
  • Enterprise Backend: Powered by .NET 8 (Onion Architecture) and PostgreSQL, managing everything from dynamic site configurations to secure client portals.

Tech Stack

Frontend (Presentation Layer)

Backend (Logic & Management Layer)

  • Core: ASP.NET Core 8 Web API (C#)
  • Pattern: Clean/Onion Architecture (Core, Infrastructure, API)
  • ORM: Entity Framework Core with PostgreSQL.
  • Auth: ASP.NET Identity with JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for secure admin/client sessions.
  • Caching: Redis for high-speed SmugMug API response caching.

Infrastructure

  • Media Hosting: SmugMug (Unlimited high-res storage & optimized delivery).
  • Deployment: Vercel (Frontend), Azure App Service (Backend), Azure Database for PostgreSQL.

Key Features

1. Dynamic SmugMug Gallery Integration

The site programmatically interfaces with SmugMug nodes. The .NET backend syncs folder structures (Year > Event > Client) into a local database, allowing the frontend to render high-performance bento-grids and masonry layouts instantly using SmugMug's cached CDN links.

2. The Secure Client Vault

A dedicated, private portal where clients log in to access their specific shoots.

  • Private Delivery: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) ensures clients only see their own galleries.
  • On-Demand Downloads: Integration with SmugMug's ZIP generation for high-resolution photo downloads.
  • Seamless Sharing: Dedicated secure links for clients to share their galleries with family and friends.

3. Studio Admin Dashboard (Headless CMS)

Abhi has full control over the site's public presence without touching code:

  • Hero Management: Live-update background photos and cinematic morphing visuals.
  • Service Orchestration: Reorder, add, or modify the services carousel and offering descriptions (powered by Dnd-kit).
  • Featured Works: Toggle which SmugMug albums are highlighted on the landing page.

4. Cinematic Media Engine

  • HLS Video Streaming: Support for adaptive bitrate SmugMug video streams, ensuring buffer-free 4K playback.
  • Atmospheric Transitions: Hardware-accelerated morphing carousels and scroll-reactive hero overlays.

Project Structure

.
├── app/                # Next.js App Router (Pages, Admin Panel, Client Portal)
├── components/         # Atomic UI components & cinematic sections
├── lib/                # API wrappers, SmugMug bridge logic, and shared utils
├── public/             # Static branding assets and local media
├── server/             # .NET 8 Web API (Core, Infrastructure, API Projects)
└── .agent/             # Development roadmaps and architecture documentation

Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

  • Node.js 20+ & npm
  • .NET 8 SDK
  • PostgreSQL Instance
  • SmugMug API Credentials

1. Frontend Setup

git clone https://github.com/Viraj-Mavani/abhi-kansara-photography.git
cd abhi-kansara-photography
npm install
cp .env.example .env.local  # Configure API endpoints & SmugMug keys
npm run dev

2. Backend Setup

Navigate to the server/ directory:

cd server
dotnet restore
# Update connection string in appsettings.json
dotnet ef database update --project AbhiKansara.Infrastructure --startup-project AbhiKansara.API
dotnet run --project AbhiKansara.API

License

MIT © 2026 Viraj Mavani Designed and Engineered with precision for Abhi Kansara Photography.

About

A high-fidelity, cinematic photography portfolio built with Next.js 16. This platform is designed to showcase visual storytelling through premium aesthetics, smooth motion, and high-performance media delivery.

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