So with this mind-numbing process fresh in mind I decided to create 'getPHOTO()'  a very simple, yet powerful tool to automate the whole process.

Overview

getPHOTO() works by scanning the pages of a user-selected website (specified in the project properties) downloading, comparing and ultimately saving matching photos to a location on your computer.

Highlights:

• Scan all or only selected webpage.
• Filter by photo format (JPEG, PNG or GIF).
• Set a minimize photo size (can ignore thumbnails).
• Handles javascript code (such as Coppermine based galleries).
• View downloaded photos (thumbnail viewer with multiple sizes) while scanning a website.
• Will include photos even if they are sourced from a different host.
• Recreates folder structure of target website.
• Small footprint and can run in the background while you continue to do other work on your computer.
• and more...

Examples

I've created a sample project (walkthrough) (below the slideshow) that will help you get started.

Sample Project

The following sample project will help you gain a quick understanding of how getPHOTO() works.  It is assumed you have already downloaded, installed and are running getPHOTO().

NASA - Picture of the Day Sample.

This NASA site provides incredible photos gathered from various NASA projects,   many of which can be used to personalize your computer's desktop (as wallpaper).

1. From the main screen, click on the 'New Project' button.
2. getPHOTO() will display the 'New getPHOTO() project' dialog (see below).

New getPHOTO() Project Dialog

3. Type in the Project Name: 'NASA - Picture of the Day'
4. Enter 'http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html' as the Website's URL.
5. Browse and select the folder to store the downloaded photos.
6. Choose 'JPEG' as the only photo format.
7. Check 'Minimum Photo Size' and enter in 750 (in pixels).
8. Click OK to save the new project and return to the main screen (see below)

getPHOTO()'s Main Screen

9. From the main screen, click on the 'Go' button (the little green button).
10. After a few moments, getPHOTO() will start to crawl the website and download matching photos (see below).

getPHOTO()'s Main Screen (Scanning)

NOTE: getPHOTO() displays crawling stats below the thumbnail viewer.

getPHOTO() will display a results dialog box when completed.  Time to download & process photos depends on your broadband connection and pc.  It is important to note that getPHOTO() will download and compare ***all*** photos (filtered by photo format - JPEG, PNG or GIF) it finds.  It's the most accurate way to determine if a photo matches your criteria.

Now repeat the same process to crawl and download photos from your favorite website!  (As always, please respect copyrighted material....)

Enjoy!