Dear community,

What may have looked like a pause was, in reality, a period of intense focus. We stepped back to move forward - refining, rebuilding, and pushing the platform to the next level. Today, we are genuinely proud to release one of the most substantial updates we have shipped so far. This is a big one.

Before anything else, we want to say this clearly: we are extremely proud of this community. Your feedback is precise, your expectations are high, and your passion sets the standard. This update exists because you challenged us - and we delivered.

Autofill. Finally.

You asked for it, and we took the time to do it right. Autofill is now live.

When an aircraft exists in our database, the relevant information is automatically filled in. Uploading is faster, cleaner, and more intuitive than ever.

And when an aircraft is not yet in the database, nothing breaks. Our suggestion system remains fully intact, ensuring new aircraft can still be added with ease. This is a major step forward for the platform.

Profiles, elevated.

Your profile is no longer just a page — it is your presence. We rebuilt it accordingly.

You can now:

• Set and edit your profile picture effortlessly

• Choose a custom banner directly from your own uploaded photos

• Fully customize your profile description

• Add your camera equipment to your profile

Your equipment can also be selected during upload and will be displayed with your photos.

In addition, following photographers is now live. Stay connected with creators you admire — their work will soon surface more prominently on your homepage.

Spotting groups, now rolling out.

Community is more than individual profiles. Spotting groups are now being introduced. You can join groups or receive invitations, enabling closer collaboration and shared spotting experiences.

These groups allow you to connect with fellow aviation photographers who share your interests - whether it's a specific airport, airline, aircraft type, or region. Share your latest catches, coordinate spotting trips, and build lasting connections with like-minded enthusiasts.

This feature is rolling out in phases, and this is only the beginning. We have exciting plans to expand group functionality in the coming months, making collaboration even more seamless and engaging.

Comments, now live.

Photography is about conversation. Commenting is now available, allowing you to engage directly with photos and let photographers know when their work resonates.

Whether it's praising a perfect shot, asking about camera settings, sharing spotting location tips, or simply connecting over a shared passion for aviation photography - comments bring the community closer together.

Every photo tells a story, and now you can be part of that story. Engage authentically, share knowledge, and celebrate the incredible work being shared on the platform daily.

Under the hood.

Beyond visible features, we reworked large parts of the platform internally. The result: noticeably faster load times, smoother interactions, and a more responsive experience overall.

We optimized database queries, streamlined our backend architecture, and enhanced caching mechanisms to ensure the platform can scale effortlessly as the community grows. Pages load faster, uploads are more reliable, and navigating through galleries feels noticeably smoother.

This update lays a strong technical foundation for what comes next. Performance isn't just a feature - it's a commitment to ensuring your experience remains exceptional as we continue to build and expand.

One last thing.

This update represents a turning point. It is the result of listening closely, building deliberately, and refusing to ship anything we are not proud of. It is, without question, one of the biggest updates we have released — and we are genuinely proud of it.

And most importantly: we are proud of you, the community.

You push the platform forward. This update is for you.

Regards,
Jan Schmelzkopf

Published at: 15/12/2025