Hi all, I apologize for the long post ahead. I would love to get some input and/or confirmation that my current plans are possible and feasible.
I’m attempting to build a **BuddyBoss** community that simultaneously serves as a directory for photographers. For the most part BuddyBoss can handle what I require. I chose it over BuddyPress for the Amelia integration, which I intend to use.
However, there are a few issues or challenges I’m running into. I’m not extremely experienced, mostly looking to solve issues with plugins, while at the same time trying to keep them to a minimum.
# Layout Restrictions
[**BuddyBuilder**])Considering it’ll be a photographer’s platform, the default layout options are limited and restrictive. For example, the items (grid) display in the members’ directory is quite minimalistic. I’d love to be able to show cover images or even an image slider for a better impression of members’ work before visiting a profile.
BuddyBoss support said this couldn’t be achieved without custom development, which I just don’t have the budget for. Was slightly surprised at the lack of a feature so basic, but it is what it is.
I’ve stumbled upon the plugin BuddyBuilder that would allow me to adjust these directory items to an extent. But it also requires Elementor. Not a dealbreaker, but not ideal. I wasn’t planning on adding Elementor initially.
It would also allow me to adjust the look of members’ profile pages, since those require a much larger emphasis on images and portfolios than the default photo albums offer. However, I’ve noticed using BuddyBuilder for profiles instantly removes certain QoL features like repositioning a cover image.
[**BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types**])I’ve installed this plugin to be able to extend profile functionality. I could add some sort of a gallery option with these I suppose. These extra fields disappear when I activate BuddyBuilder, BuddyBuilder is supposed to offer additional profile fields, but I must be blind as I can’t find it for the life of me.
I’m also planning to embed members’ IG-feeds with these. More on that later.
​
[**BuddyForms with ACF**])Another option I’m considering, BuddyForms. From what I understand, it would allow for more flexibility in the contents and layouts of member profile pages. Perhaps I wouldn’t have to use BuddyBuilder for profile pages by using this instead.
​
# Instagram Feeds for Portfolios
[**Spotlight – Instagram Feeds**])For a larger focus on their photography, I’d like members to be able to embed their IG-feeds. Spotlight seems like a great solution for this. I’m wondering to what extent I can restrict access to the customization options, for which I’m awaiting their response.
The plugin requires members to generate an access token. No issue there. I just have to link to Spotlight’s token generator, members can then enter their access token upon profile registration.
Ideally they’d have partial access to Spotlight’s IG-feed customizer, while I as admin can still set certain restrictions. (need confirmation from Spotlight’s support regarding this)
I’d like to automatically embed their individual IG-feeds on member profiles. Spotlight creates a unique shortcode for each feed. I’m hoping to somehow automatically connect that to members’ usernames or ID’s. The goal would be to dynamically insert the corresponding shortcodes on their profile.
I imagine I’d somehow be able to achieve this either with **Xprofile Custom Field Types** or with **BuddyForms and ACF.**
I suppose this is one of the parts I struggle with the most. An alternative would be to manually insert each shortcode or let members’ enter it in a custom field on their profiles, but ideally I’d have this automated. Any suggestions for this would be highly appreciated.
**IG-Feed** **Label / Column Removal**
Probably a dumb question, but I haven’t yet been able to remove the field label left of the embedded IG-feed on a BuddyBoss member profile. Haven’t seen a simple option to hide labels and my attempts at removing the label or column with Custom CSS have all failed.
The solution is probably dead simple, but I can’t figure it out.
Sorry, it’s a lot. I would appreciate any input or advice I can get. Hiring someone for custom development is not an option at this point. Hoping some of you have experience with these plugins and can point me in the right direction.
[ad_2]