Merge pull request #309 from the-luap/release-please--branches--beta

chore(beta): release 3.28.2-beta.0

.env.example

@@ -7,6 +7,34 @@ NODE_ENV=production
 # JWT Secret (generate with: openssl rand -base64 64)
 JWT_SECRET=your_very_long_random_jwt_secret_here
 
+# Auth cookie Secure flag
+#   unset  - default: follows NODE_ENV (production=true, dev=false)
+#   true   - always set Secure (HTTPS-only cookies; breaks plain-HTTP access)
+#   false  - never set Secure (allows HTTP; cookies not protected on HTTPS)
+#   auto   - decide per request: Secure on HTTPS, not on HTTP
+#
+# Use COOKIE_SECURE=auto if your deployment is reachable over both HTTPS
+# (via reverse proxy like Nginx Proxy Manager, Traefik, Caddy) AND plain
+# HTTP (e.g. LAN access at http://192.168.x.x:3010). The backend reads
+# req.secure from Express, which respects the X-Forwarded-Proto header
+# when the proxy is in the trust list.
+#
+# Requirements for auto mode:
+#   1. Your reverse proxy MUST send X-Forwarded-Proto: https on HTTPS
+#      requests. Standard configs for NPM/Traefik/Caddy do this by default.
+#   2. The proxy must be on a trusted IP range. By default PicPeak trusts
+#      loopback and private networks (127.0.0.1, 10.x, 172.16-31.x,
+#      192.168.x, link-local). Proxies outside those ranges need custom
+#      trust proxy configuration.
+# COOKIE_SECURE=auto
+
+# Cookie SameSite attribute (Lax | Strict | None). Default: Lax
+# COOKIE_SAMESITE=Lax
+
+# Cookie Domain — set this if serving auth cookies across subdomains.
+# Leave unset for same-origin setups.
+# COOKIE_DOMAIN=.example.com
+
 # Database Configuration (PostgreSQL)
 DATABASE_CLIENT=pg
 DB_USER=picpeak
@@ -22,6 +50,7 @@ REDIS_PASSWORD=your_secure_redis_password_here
 # Admin Account (initial setup)
 ADMIN_USERNAME=admin
 ADMIN_EMAIL=admin@yourdomain.com
+ADMIN_PASSWORD=your_secure_admin_password_here
 
 # Email Configuration
 # For Gmail: use app-specific password
@@ -39,6 +68,11 @@ EMAIL_FROM=noreply@yourdomain.com
 FRONTEND_URL=https://yourdomain.com
 ADMIN_URL=https://yourdomain.com
 
+# API URL for email assets (logos, images in notification emails)
+# This must be the publicly accessible URL where email recipients can load images.
+# If not set, defaults to http://localhost:3001 which will show broken images in emails.
+API_URL=https://yourdomain.com/api
+
 # Frontend API base
 # For pre-built images and production behind a reverse proxy, keep '/api'.
 # If you rebuild the frontend yourself, you may set a full URL at build time.
@@ -50,6 +84,16 @@ VITE_API_URL=/api
 # DB_PORT=5432
 # REDIS_PORT=6379
 
+# Release Channel
+# Options: 'stable' (default), 'beta', or specific version like 'v2.3.0'
+# 'stable' uses the :stable tag (same as :latest on main)
+# 'beta' uses the :beta tag for pre-release versions
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# Update Check Configuration
+# Set to 'false' to disable update notifications in admin UI
+UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=true
+
 # Timezone
 TZ=UTC
 

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/security_vulnerability.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ assignees: ''
 
 ⚠️ **IMPORTANT: For serious security vulnerabilities, please DO NOT create a public issue.**
 
-Instead, please email security@example.com with the details.
+Instead, please use [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/security/advisories/new) or email **info@picpeak.app** with the details.
 
 For minor security improvements or questions, you can use this template:
 

.github/workflows/docker-build.yml

@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@ name: Build and Push Docker Images
 
 on:
   push:
-    branches: [ main, develop ]
-    tags: [ 'v*.*.*' ]  # Triggered by Release Please tags
+    branches: [ main, beta ]
+    tags: [ 'v*.*.*', 'v*.*.*-beta.*' ]  # Triggered by Release Please tags (stable and beta)
   pull_request:
-    branches: [ main ]
+    branches: [ main, beta ]
   release:
     types: [ published ]  # Triggered when Release Please creates a release
   workflow_dispatch:
@@ -42,6 +42,18 @@ jobs:
     - name: Checkout code
       uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+    - name: Determine build context
+      id: context
+      run: |
+        # Determine if this is a beta or stable release
+        if [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/tags/v*-beta* ]] || [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/heads/beta ]]; then
+          echo "channel=beta" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        else
+          echo "channel=stable" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        fi
+
     - name: Determine build platforms
       id: platforms
       run: |
@@ -88,10 +100,12 @@ jobs:
           type=ref,event=branch
           type=ref,event=pr
           type=semver,pattern={{version}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
           type=sha,format=short
           type=raw,value=latest,enable={{is_default_branch}}
+          type=raw,value=stable,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' || (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false') }}
+          type=raw,value=beta,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/beta' || steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'true' }}
 
     - name: Build and push Backend Docker image
       uses: docker/build-push-action@v5
@@ -123,7 +137,7 @@ jobs:
 
     - name: Upload Trivy scan results to GitHub Security tab
       if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' && steps.login-ghcr.outcome == 'success'
-      uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v3
+      uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v4
       with:
         sarif_file: 'trivy-backend.sarif'
         category: 'backend-vulnerabilities'
@@ -139,6 +153,18 @@ jobs:
     - name: Checkout code
       uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+    - name: Determine build context
+      id: context
+      run: |
+        # Determine if this is a beta or stable release
+        if [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/tags/v*-beta* ]] || [[ "${{ github.ref }}" == refs/heads/beta ]]; then
+          echo "channel=beta" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        else
+          echo "channel=stable" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "is_prerelease=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        fi
+
     - name: Determine build platforms
       id: platforms
       run: |
@@ -185,10 +211,12 @@ jobs:
           type=ref,event=branch
           type=ref,event=pr
           type=semver,pattern={{version}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}}
-          type=semver,pattern={{major}}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}}.{{minor}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
+          type=semver,pattern={{major}},enable=${{ steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false' }}
           type=sha,format=short
           type=raw,value=latest,enable={{is_default_branch}}
+          type=raw,value=stable,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' || (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'false') }}
+          type=raw,value=beta,enable=${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/beta' || steps.context.outputs.is_prerelease == 'true' }}
 
     - name: Build and push Frontend Docker image
       uses: docker/build-push-action@v5
@@ -220,7 +248,7 @@ jobs:
 
     - name: Upload Trivy scan results to GitHub Security tab
       if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' && steps.login-ghcr.outcome == 'success'
-      uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v3
+      uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v4
       with:
         sarif_file: 'trivy-frontend.sarif'
         category: 'frontend-vulnerabilities'

.github/workflows/release-please-beta.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+name: Release Please (Beta)
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [beta]
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+  pull-requests: write
+
+jobs:
+  release-please:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      release_created: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
+      tag_name: ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}
+      version: ${{ steps.release.outputs.version }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Run Release Please
+        uses: googleapis/release-please-action@v4
+        id: release
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          config-file: release-please-config-beta.json
+          manifest-file: .release-please-manifest-beta.json
+          target-branch: beta
+
+      - name: Output Release Info
+        if: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
+        run: |
+          echo "## Beta Release Created!" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "**Tag:** ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "**Version:** ${{ steps.release.outputs.version }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "Docker images will be built and tagged with this beta version." >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+

.github/workflows/release-please.yml

@@ -34,38 +34,3 @@ jobs:
           echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           echo "Docker images will be built and tagged with this version." >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
 
-  # Sync version to package.json files after release
-  sync-versions:
-    needs: release-please
-    if: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.release_created }}
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    permissions:
-      contents: write
-    steps:
-      - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
-        with:
-          ref: main
-
-      - name: Update package.json versions
-        run: |
-          VERSION="${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}"
-          echo "Updating package.json files to version $VERSION"
-
-          # Update backend package.json
-          cd backend
-          npm version $VERSION --no-git-tag-version --allow-same-version
-          cd ..
-
-          # Update frontend package.json
-          cd frontend
-          npm version $VERSION --no-git-tag-version --allow-same-version
-          cd ..
-
-      - name: Commit version updates
-        run: |
-          git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
-          git config user.email "github-actions[bot]@users.noreply.github.com"
-          git add backend/package.json frontend/package.json
-          git diff --staged --quiet || git commit -m "chore: sync package.json versions to ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}"
-          git push

.gitignore

@@ -86,6 +86,14 @@ docs/*_PLAN.md
 docs/test-*.md
 docs/feature-*.md
 
+# Scaffolding documentation (local development reference)
+docs/DATABASE_SCHEMA.md
+docs/BACKEND_SERVICES.md
+docs/API_ROUTES.md
+docs/FRONTEND_ARCHITECTURE.md
+docs/DEVELOPER_ONBOARDING.md
+docs/ENVIRONMENT_VARIABLES.md
+
 # Local backup directory (from testing)
 backup/
 
@@ -94,3 +102,16 @@ backup/
 
 # Local SQLite files in backend
 backend/*.sqlite*
+backend/*.db
+
+# Test files and artifacts
+test-images/
+test-logo*.jpg
+test-logo*.png
+test-results/
+
+# Development docker compose
+docker-compose.dev.yml
+
+# New layout development files
+new-layouts/

.release-please-manifest-beta.json

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+{
+  ".": "3.28.2-beta.0"
+}

.release-please-manifest.json

@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 {
-  ".": "2.2.4"
+  ".": "2.6.1"
 }

DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md

@@ -2,9 +2,24 @@
 
 This guide covers multiple deployment options for PicPeak, from simple local setups to production-ready configurations.
 
-## 🎯 Quick Start - Simple Setup (Recommended for Beginners)
+## 📋 Table of Contents
 
-For the easiest installation without Docker or complex configurations, use our **unified setup script**:
+- [Quick Start](#-quick-start)
+- [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
+- [Configuration](#-configuration)
+- [Deployment](#-deployment)
+- [First Login](#-first-login)
+- [Release Channels](#-release-channels)
+- [Reverse Proxy Setup](#-reverse-proxy-setup)
+- [External Media Library](#external-media-library)
+- [Maintenance](#-maintenance)
+- [Troubleshooting](#-troubleshooting)
+
+## 🚀 Quick Start
+
+### Option 1: Automated Setup Script (Easiest)
+
+For the simplest installation, use our unified setup script:
 
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/the-luap/picpeak/main/scripts/picpeak-setup.sh -o picpeak-setup.sh && \
@@ -12,27 +27,11 @@ chmod +x picpeak-setup.sh && \
 sudo ./picpeak-setup.sh
 ```
 
-This automated script handles everything including:
-- Choice between Docker or Native installation
-- OS detection and dependency installation
-- Database setup and service configuration
-- SSL/HTTPS setup (optional)
-
-Perfect for:
-- Small to medium deployments
-- Local or VPS installations  
-- Users new to server management
-- Quick testing and evaluation
+This script handles Docker/Native installation choice, OS detection, dependencies, database setup, and optional SSL.
 
 👉 **See [SIMPLE_SETUP.md](./SIMPLE_SETUP.md) for detailed instructions.**
 
----
-
-## 🐳 Docker Compose Deployment
-
-### Option 1: Using Pre-built Images (Recommended)
-
-PicPeak provides official Docker images via GitHub Container Registry for quick deployment without building:
+### Option 2: Docker with Pre-built Images (Recommended)
 
 ```bash
 # Clone repository for configuration files
@@ -43,35 +42,40 @@ cd picpeak
 cp .env.example .env
 nano .env  # Edit with your values
 
-# Use pre-built images deployment
+# Create required directories
+mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
+chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
+
+# Deploy using pre-built images
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+
+# Check logs
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml logs -f
 ```
 
-The production compose file uses:
-- **Backend**: `ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:latest`
-- **Frontend**: `ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/frontend:latest`
+**Available image tags:**
+| Channel | Tags | Description |
+|---------|------|-------------|
+| Stable | `stable`, `latest`, `v2.3.0` | Production-ready releases |
+| Beta | `beta`, `v2.3.0-beta.1` | Early access to new features |
+| Branch | `main`, `beta` | Latest from each branch |
 
-Available tags:
-- `latest` - Latest stable release
-- `main` - Latest main branch build
-- `develop` - Development branch (may be unstable)
-- `v1.0.0` - Specific version tags
+To select a channel, set `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` in your `.env` file (see [Release Channels](#release-channels) section)
 
-### Option 2: Building from Source
+### Option 3: Build from Source
 
-If you need to customize the application or the pre-built images aren't available, you can build locally:
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
+cd picpeak
+cp .env.example .env
+nano .env  # Edit with your values
 
-## 📋 Table of Contents
+mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
+chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
 
-- [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
-- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
-- [Configuration](#configuration)
-- [Deployment](#deployment)
-- [First Login](#first-login)
-- [Reverse Proxy Setup](#reverse-proxy-setup)
-- [Maintenance](#maintenance)
-- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- - [External Media Library](#external-media-library)
+docker compose build
+docker compose up -d
+```
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
@@ -80,106 +84,6 @@ If you need to customize the application or the pre-built images aren't availabl
 - SMTP server credentials for emails
 - At least 2GB RAM and 20GB storage
 
-## 🚀 Quick Start
-
-### Method 1: Using Pre-built Images (Fastest)
-
-1. **Clone the repository for configs**
-   ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
-   cd picpeak
-   ```
-
-2. **Set up environment**
-   ```bash
-   cp .env.example .env
-   nano .env  # Edit with your values
-   ```
-
-3. **Create required directories**
-   ```bash
-   mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
-   chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
-   ```
-
-4. **Deploy using pre-built images**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
-   ```
-
-5. **Check logs**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml logs -f
-   ```
-
-## External Media Library
-
-PicPeak can reference an existing, read‑only media library mounted into the backend container. This avoids copying originals into PicPeak storage.
-
-- Map your host library path to the container as read‑only in `docker-compose.production.yml`:
-  - Add volume under `backend`: `- ${EXTERNAL_MEDIA}:/external-media:ro`
-  - Add backend env: `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/external-media`
-- In `.env`, set:
-  - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA=/mnt/photos` (example host path)
-  - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/external-media`
-
-Usage:
-- In Admin → Events, set “Source Mode” to “Reference (external folder)”, select a folder under `/external-media`, then import to index and generate thumbnails. Originals stay in your library.
-
-Backups and Archives:
-- Backups only include data under `STORAGE_PATH` and exclude external originals. The backup manifest includes `metadata.external_references = { excluded: true, events: N, photos: M }` and the Admin UI surfaces a warning.
-- Archiving reference events creates a manifest‑only ZIP and deletes thumbnails for that event. External originals are never moved or deleted.
-
-Local (npm) setup (no Docker):
-
-1. Create or choose a folder that contains your external originals, e.g. `/Users/you/Pictures/picpeak-external` (macOS/Linux) or `C:\\Pictures\\picpeak-external` (Windows).
-2. In `backend/.env` (or your shell), set:
-   - `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT=/absolute/path/to/picpeak-external`
-   - Ensure `STORAGE_PATH` points to your PicPeak storage (defaults to `./storage`).
-3. Start services from source:
-   - Backend: `cd backend && npm install && npm run migrate && JWT_SECRET=... npm start`
-   - Frontend: `cd frontend && npm install && npm run dev` (or build + serve)
-4. In Admin → Events:
-   - Create an event, set “Source Mode” to “Reference (external folder)”.
-   - Use the folder picker to browse under your `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT` and select the subfolder to reference.
-   - Click “Import from selected folder” to index files and generate thumbnails on demand.
-
-Notes:
-- PicPeak only reads from `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT`; it never modifies or deletes your originals there.
-- Thumbnails are generated under `STORAGE_PATH/thumbnails` and are included in backups; originals in `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT` are excluded.
-- On Windows, use absolute paths (e.g., `C:\\Photos\\Library`) for `EXTERNAL_MEDIA_ROOT`.
-
-### Method 2: Building from Source
-
-1. **Clone the repository**
-   ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak.git
-   cd picpeak
-   ```
-
-2. **Set up environment**
-   ```bash
-   cp .env.example .env
-   nano .env  # Edit with your values
-   ```
-
-3. **Create required directories**
-   ```bash
-   mkdir -p events/active events/archived data logs backup storage
-   chmod -R 755 events data logs backup storage
-   ```
-
-4. **Build and deploy**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose build
-   docker compose up -d
-   ```
-
-5. **Check logs**
-   ```bash
-   docker compose logs -f
-   ```
-
 ## 🔧 Configuration
 
 ### Essential Environment Variables
@@ -358,14 +262,16 @@ docker exec picpeak-backend cat data/ADMIN_CREDENTIALS.txt
 # Show current admin username and email (password is hidden)
 docker exec picpeak-backend node scripts/show-admin-credentials.js
 
-# Reset the admin password to a new random password
+# Reset the admin password to a new random password (displays new password in console)
 docker exec picpeak-backend node scripts/show-admin-credentials.js --reset
 ```
 
+> **Note:** When using `--reset`, the new password will be displayed in the console output. Save it immediately - it will not be shown again!
+
 #### Important Security Notes
 
 - **Login requires the email address**, not username
-- The admin password is only displayed once during initial setup
+- When resetting password, the new password is displayed once in the console - save it immediately
 - **Password change is MANDATORY** on first login - the system will force you to change it
 - If you lose the password before first login, use the `--reset` option to generate a new one
 - New password requirements: minimum 12 characters, mixed case, numbers, and special characters
@@ -446,6 +352,61 @@ ADMIN_EMAIL=your-email@yourdomain.com
 
 **Note**: This only works on first deployment. To change the admin email after deployment, you'll need to update it in the database or create a new admin user through the admin panel.
 
+## 🔄 Release Channels
+
+PicPeak offers two release channels for different needs:
+
+### Stable Channel (Recommended)
+- Production-ready releases
+- Thoroughly tested before release
+- Docker tags: `stable`, `latest`, or specific version like `v2.3.0`
+
+### Beta Channel
+- Early access to new features
+- May contain bugs or incomplete functionality
+- Docker tags: `beta` or specific version like `v2.3.0-beta.1`
+
+### Configuring Your Channel
+
+Set the `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` environment variable in your `.env` file:
+
+```bash
+# For stable releases (default)
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# For beta releases
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta
+
+# For a specific version
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=v2.3.0
+```
+
+The `docker-compose.production.yml` uses this variable for both backend and frontend images:
+```yaml
+image: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:${PICPEAK_CHANNEL:-stable}
+```
+
+### Switching Channels
+
+To switch between channels:
+
+```bash
+# Edit your .env file
+nano .env
+# Change PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable to PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta (or vice versa)
+
+# Pull the new images and restart
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+```
+
+### Update Notifications
+
+The admin dashboard automatically notifies you when updates are available for your channel. This feature:
+- Checks GitHub releases hourly (cached to avoid rate limits)
+- Shows updates relevant to your current channel (stable or beta)
+- Can be disabled by setting `UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=false` in your `.env`
+
 ## 🔒 Reverse Proxy Setup
 
 For production deployments, you should use a reverse proxy for SSL/HTTPS. The application exposes ports directly, allowing you to use any reverse proxy solution.
@@ -656,20 +617,27 @@ docker compose up -d
 docker compose ps
 ```
 
-#### Specific Version Updates
+#### Specific Version or Channel Updates
 
-To use a specific version of the images:
+To use a specific version or switch channels, update your `.env` file:
 
 ```bash
-# Edit docker-compose.production.yml to specify version tags
-# Change: ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:latest
-# To:     ghcr.io/the-luap/picpeak/backend:v1.0.0
+# Edit .env to change the channel or pin to a specific version
+nano .env
+
+# Options for PICPEAK_CHANNEL:
+# - stable    (recommended, production-ready)
+# - beta      (early access to new features)
+# - v2.3.0    (pin to specific stable version)
+# - v2.3.0-beta.1  (pin to specific beta version)
 
 # Then pull and restart
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
 docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
 ```
 
+The admin dashboard will notify you when updates are available for your configured channel.
+
 ### Database Migrations
 
 Migrations run automatically on startup, but you can run them manually:

README.md

@@ -7,12 +7,27 @@
   [![Docker](https://img.shields.io/badge/docker-%230db7ed.svg?style=flat&logo=docker&logoColor=white)](https://www.docker.com/)
   [![Node.js](https://img.shields.io/badge/node.js-6DA55F?style=flat&logo=node.js&logoColor=white)](https://nodejs.org/)
   [![React](https://img.shields.io/badge/react-%2320232a.svg?style=flat&logo=react&logoColor=%2361DAFB)](https://reactjs.org/)
+
+  [Homepage](https://www.picpeak.app) · [Live Demo](https://demo.picpeak.app) · [Documentation](DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md)
 </div>
 
 **PicPeak** is a powerful, self-hosted open-source alternative to commercial photo-sharing platforms like PicDrop.com and Scrapbook.de. Designed specifically for photographers and event organizers, PicPeak makes it simple to share beautiful, time-limited photo galleries with clients while maintaining full control over your data and branding.
 
 ![PicPeak Gallery Preview](docs/screenshot-gallery.png)
 
+## 🎮 Live Demo
+
+Try PicPeak without installing anything:
+
+| | |
+|---|---|
+| **Demo URL** | [demo.picpeak.app](https://demo.picpeak.app) |
+| **Admin Panel** | [demo.picpeak.app/admin](https://demo.picpeak.app/admin) |
+| **Email** | `demo@picpeak.app` |
+| **Password** | `Demo2026!` |
+
+> The demo resets periodically. Uploaded content may be removed without notice.
+
 ## 🌟 Why Choose PicPeak?
 
 Unlike expensive SaaS solutions, PicPeak gives you:
@@ -68,9 +83,9 @@ cp .env.example .env
 nano .env
 
 # Start with Docker Compose
-docker-compose up -d
+docker compose up -d
 
-# Access at http://localhost:3005
+# Access at http://localhost:3000
 ```
 
 Note on Docker file permissions (PUID/PGID)
@@ -79,7 +94,51 @@ Note on Docker file permissions (PUID/PGID)
 - Example in `.env`:
   - `PUID=1000`
   - `PGID=1000`
-- Without this, creating events, uploads, thumbnails, or logs can fail with “Permission denied”.
+- Without this, creating events, uploads, thumbnails, or logs can fail with "Permission denied".
+
+## 🔄 Release Channels
+
+PicPeak offers two release channels for different needs:
+
+### Stable Channel (Recommended)
+- Production-ready releases
+- Thoroughly tested before release
+- Docker tags: `stable`, `latest`, or specific version like `v2.3.0`
+
+### Beta Channel
+- Early access to new features
+- May contain bugs or incomplete functionality
+- Docker tags: `beta` or specific version like `v2.3.0-beta.1`
+
+### Switching Channels
+
+Set the `PICPEAK_CHANNEL` environment variable in your `.env` file:
+
+```bash
+# For stable releases (default)
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=stable
+
+# For beta releases
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=beta
+
+# For a specific version
+PICPEAK_CHANNEL=v2.3.0
+```
+
+Then update your containers:
+
+```bash
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml pull
+docker compose -f docker-compose.production.yml up -d
+```
+
+### Update Notifications
+
+The admin dashboard automatically notifies you when updates are available for your channel. To disable update checks, set:
+
+```bash
+UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED=false
+```
 
 ## 📖 Documentation
 
@@ -283,6 +342,8 @@ PicPeak is released under the [MIT License](LICENSE). Use it freely for personal
 <p align="center">
   Made with ❤️ by photographers, for photographers
   <br>
+  <a href="https://www.picpeak.app">Homepage</a> •
+  <a href="https://demo.picpeak.app">Live Demo</a> •
   <a href="https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak">GitHub</a> •
   <a href="DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md">Documentation</a> •
   <a href="https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues">Support</a>

SECURITY.md

@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@ We release patches for security vulnerabilities. Currently supported versions:
 
 | Version | Supported          |
 | ------- | ------------------ |
-| 1.x.x   | :white_check_mark: |
-| < 1.0   | :x:                |
+| 2.x.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| < 2.0   | :x:                |
 
 ## Reporting a Vulnerability
 
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ We take the security of PicPeak seriously. If you have discovered a security vul
 
 ### 1. **Do NOT create a public GitHub issue**
 
-### 2. Report the vulnerability by:
-- Opening a [security issue](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues/new?labels=security) on GitHub
-- Mark it clearly as "SECURITY" in the title
+### 2. Report the vulnerability privately by:
+- **Preferred:** Use [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/security/advisories/new)
+- **Alternative:** Email us at **info@picpeak.app** with the details
 - Include:
   - Description of the vulnerability
   - Steps to reproduce
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ We believe in responsible disclosure. Once a vulnerability is fixed:
 
 ## Contact
 
-- Security issues: [Create a security issue](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues/new?labels=security) on GitHub
+- Security issues: Email **info@picpeak.app** or use [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/security/advisories/new)
 - General support: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/issues)
 
 Thank you for helping keep PicPeak and its users safe!

SIMPLE_SETUP.md

@@ -219,29 +219,36 @@ location ~ ^/(photos|thumbnails|uploads) {
 
 ### Creating a Gallery
 
-#### Method 1: Via Admin Panel (Recommended)
-1. Login to admin panel
+#### Via Admin Panel
+1. Login to admin panel at `/admin`
 2. Click "Create New Event"
-3. Configure settings and upload photos
+3. Configure settings (name, date, password, customer email)
+4. Upload photos via drag & drop in the Photos tab
+5. Publish the gallery when ready
+
+#### Adding Photos via File System
+
+> **Important:** You must first create the event in the admin panel. The file watcher only detects new photos for events that already exist in the database. You cannot create a gallery by copying files alone.
+
+Once an event exists, you can add photos by copying them into the event's folder. PicPeak's built-in file watcher will automatically detect the new files, create database records, and generate thumbnails.
 
-#### Method 2: File System
 ```bash
-# Docker installation
-mkdir -p ~/picpeak/storage/events/active/wedding-smith-2024
-cp /path/to/photos/* ~/picpeak/storage/events/active/wedding-smith-2024/
+# Docker installation — copy photos into an existing event's folder
+cp /path/to/photos/*.jpg ~/picpeak/storage/events/active/<event-slug>/
 
 # Native installation
-sudo mkdir -p /opt/picpeak/events/active/wedding-smith-2024
-sudo cp /path/to/photos/* /opt/picpeak/events/active/wedding-smith-2024/
-sudo chown -R picpeak:picpeak /opt/picpeak/events/active/wedding-smith-2024
+sudo cp /path/to/photos/*.jpg /opt/picpeak/events/active/<event-slug>/
+sudo chown -R picpeak:picpeak /opt/picpeak/events/active/<event-slug>
 ```
 
+The event slug is visible in the admin panel URL or share link (e.g. `wedding-smith-2024`). Supported formats: `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, `.png`, `.webp`. The file watcher has a 2-second stability delay before processing new files.
+
 ### Gallery Structure
 ```
-wedding-smith-2024/
-├── collages/        # Group photos
-├── individual/      # Individual photos
-└── thumbnails/      # Auto-generated thumbnails
+<event-slug>/
+├── collages/        # Group photos (optional subfolder)
+├── individual/      # Individual photos (optional subfolder)
+└── photo.jpg        # Photos at root level also work
 ```
 
 ## 🔧 Service Management
@@ -451,6 +458,8 @@ cd /opt/picpeak/app/backend
 sudo -u picpeak node scripts/reset-admin-password.js
 ```
 
+> **Note:** The new password will be displayed in the console output and saved to `ADMIN_PASSWORD_RESET.txt`. Save it immediately!
+
 ### Getting Help
 
 1. **Check logs:**

backend/.env.example

@@ -9,11 +9,44 @@ PORT=3001
 # Generate with: openssl rand -base64 32
 JWT_SECRET=your-very-secure-jwt-secret-at-least-32-characters-long-example123456
 
+# Auth cookie Secure flag
+#   unset  - default: follows NODE_ENV (production=true, dev=false)
+#   true   - always set Secure (HTTPS-only cookies; breaks plain-HTTP access)
+#   false  - never set Secure (allows HTTP; cookies not protected on HTTPS)
+#   auto   - decide per request: Secure on HTTPS, not on HTTP
+#
+# Use COOKIE_SECURE=auto if your deployment is reachable over both HTTPS
+# (via a reverse proxy like Nginx Proxy Manager, Traefik, Caddy) AND plain
+# HTTP (e.g. LAN access at http://192.168.x.x:3001). The backend reads
+# req.secure from Express, which respects the X-Forwarded-Proto header
+# when the proxy is in the trust list.
+#
+# Requirements for auto mode:
+#   1. Your reverse proxy MUST send X-Forwarded-Proto: https on HTTPS
+#      requests. Standard configs for NPM/Traefik/Caddy do this by default.
+#   2. The proxy must be on a trusted IP range. By default PicPeak trusts
+#      loopback and private networks (127.0.0.1, 10.x, 172.16-31.x,
+#      192.168.x, link-local). Proxies outside those ranges need custom
+#      trust proxy configuration.
+# COOKIE_SECURE=auto
+
+# Cookie SameSite attribute (Lax | Strict | None). Default: Lax
+# COOKIE_SAMESITE=Lax
+
+# Cookie Domain — set this if serving auth cookies across subdomains.
+# Leave unset for same-origin setups.
+# COOKIE_DOMAIN=.example.com
+
 # URLs (adjust for your domain)
 ADMIN_URL=https://photos.example.com
 FRONTEND_URL=https://photos.example.com
 BACKEND_URL=https://photos.example.com  # Or https://api.photos.example.com if separate
 
+# API URL for email assets (logos, images in emails)
+# This must be the publicly accessible URL where recipients can load images
+# If not set, defaults to http://localhost:3001 which will break images in production emails
+API_URL=https://photos.example.com/api
+
 # Database Configuration
 DATABASE_CLIENT=pg
 DB_HOST=localhost
@@ -39,6 +72,7 @@ SMTP_PASS=your-sendgrid-api-key
 EMAIL_FROM=noreply@example.com
 
 # Storage Paths
+# IMPORTANT: STORAGE_PATH must be set to avoid file path resolution issues
 # Docker deployment:
 STORAGE_PATH=/app/storage
 EVENTS_PATH=/app/storage/events

backend/Dockerfile

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-FROM node:20-alpine AS builder
+FROM node:22-alpine AS builder
 
 # Add build arguments
 ARG CACHEBUST=1
@@ -11,10 +11,6 @@ LABEL org.opencontainers.image.source="https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak"
 LABEL org.opencontainers.image.description="PicPeak Backend Service"
 LABEL org.opencontainers.image.licenses="MIT"
 
-# Upgrade npm to fix glob CVE-2025-64756 vulnerability
-# Pin to npm 10.x which supports --omit=dev flag
-RUN npm install -g npm@10
-
 WORKDIR /app
 
 # Copy package files
@@ -27,15 +23,15 @@ RUN npm ci --omit=dev
 COPY . .
 
 # Production stage
-FROM node:20-alpine
+FROM node:22-alpine
 
 WORKDIR /app
 
-# Upgrade all packages to fix security vulnerabilities (BusyBox CVEs)
+# Upgrade all packages to fix security vulnerabilities (OpenSSL, libexpat, BusyBox CVEs)
 RUN apk upgrade --no-cache
 
-# Upgrade npm to fix glob CVE-2025-64756 vulnerability
-# Pin to npm 10.x which supports --omit=dev flag
+# Upgrade npm to fix tar, minimatch, brace-expansion CVEs in npm's own deps
+# Pin to 10.x to stay compatible with Node 22 Alpine (npm 11.x has dependency issues)
 RUN npm install -g npm@10
 
 # Install dumb-init for proper signal handling and postgresql-client for database checks

backend/migrations/README.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Database Migrations
 
-This directory contains database migrations for the Wedding Photo Sharing platform.
+This directory contains database migrations for the PicPeak photo sharing platform.
 
 ## Directory Structure
 
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ Essential migrations that are always run for new deployments. These include:
 - `init.js` - Initial database schema creation
 - Backup service tables (029-035)
 - Gallery feedback tables (033)
+- Pre-generated watermarks (061)
 
 ### `/legacy`
 Migrations needed only when upgrading from older versions. New deployments can skip these as the core schema already includes all necessary tables and columns.

backend/migrations/core/001_init.js

@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ exports.up = async function(knex) {
     // Create default admin user if none exists
     const adminExists = await knex('admin_users').first();
     if (!adminExists) {
-      // Generate a secure random password
-      const generatedPassword = generateReadablePassword();
+      // Use ADMIN_PASSWORD from environment if set, otherwise generate a random one
+      const generatedPassword = process.env.ADMIN_PASSWORD || generateReadablePassword();
       const passwordHash = await bcrypt.hash(generatedPassword, 12); // Increased rounds for better security
       
       // Get admin credentials from environment or use defaults

backend/migrations/core/059_add_admin_email_templates.js

@@ -3,6 +3,81 @@
  * These templates support the RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) feature
  */
 exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // First, ensure the email_templates table has multilingual columns
+  // This is needed for fresh installations where legacy migrations don't run
+  const columnInfo = await knex('email_templates').columnInfo();
+
+  if (!columnInfo.subject_en) {
+    // Need to add multilingual columns
+    console.log('Adding multilingual columns to email_templates table...');
+
+    // Check if we're using SQLite or PostgreSQL
+    const client = knex.client.config.client;
+    const isSqlite = client === 'sqlite3' || client === 'better-sqlite3';
+
+    if (isSqlite) {
+      // SQLite doesn't support column rename directly in all versions
+      // We need to recreate the table with new structure
+
+      // Get existing data
+      const existingData = await knex('email_templates').select('*');
+
+      // Drop the old table
+      await knex.schema.dropTable('email_templates');
+
+      // Create new table with multilingual columns
+      await knex.schema.createTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.increments('id').primary();
+        table.string('template_key').unique().notNullable();
+        table.string('subject_en');
+        table.string('subject_de');
+        table.text('body_html_en');
+        table.text('body_html_de');
+        table.text('body_text_en');
+        table.text('body_text_de');
+        table.json('variables');
+        table.datetime('updated_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      });
+
+      // Re-insert existing data with column mapping
+      for (const row of existingData) {
+        await knex('email_templates').insert({
+          template_key: row.template_key,
+          subject_en: row.subject,
+          subject_de: row.subject, // Copy to German as default
+          body_html_en: row.body_html,
+          body_html_de: row.body_html,
+          body_text_en: row.body_text,
+          body_text_de: row.body_text,
+          variables: row.variables,
+          updated_at: row.updated_at
+        });
+      }
+
+      console.log('Migrated email_templates table to multilingual structure');
+    } else {
+      // PostgreSQL supports ALTER TABLE for column operations
+      await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.renameColumn('subject', 'subject_en');
+        table.renameColumn('body_html', 'body_html_en');
+        table.renameColumn('body_text', 'body_text_en');
+      });
+
+      await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', (table) => {
+        table.string('subject_de');
+        table.text('body_html_de');
+        table.text('body_text_de');
+      });
+
+      // Copy English values to German as defaults
+      await knex('email_templates').update({
+        subject_de: knex.raw('subject_en'),
+        body_html_de: knex.raw('body_html_en'),
+        body_text_de: knex.raw('body_text_en')
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   // Check which templates already exist
   const existingTemplates = await knex('email_templates')
     .select('template_key')

backend/migrations/core/061_add_event_types_table.js

@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add event_types table
+ *
+ * Creates a customizable event types system to replace hardcoded event types.
+ * This allows users to:
+ * - Rename existing event types (wedding, birthday, corporate, other)
+ * - Create custom event types with custom slug prefixes
+ * - Associate default theme presets with event types
+ *
+ * Backward compatible: Existing events keep their event_type strings.
+ * New events can use either legacy strings or custom event type slug_prefix.
+ */
+
+const { createTableIfNotExists, insertIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Creating event_types table...');
+
+  // Create event_types table
+  const hasEventTypesTable = await knex.schema.hasTable('event_types');
+  if (!hasEventTypesTable) {
+    await knex.schema.createTable('event_types', (table) => {
+      table.increments('id').primary();
+      table.string('name', 100).notNullable(); // Display name: "Family Shoot"
+      table.string('slug_prefix', 50).unique().notNullable(); // URL prefix: "family"
+      table.string('emoji', 10); // Icon emoji: "👨‍👩‍👧"
+      table.string('theme_preset', 50); // Default theme: "elegantWedding"
+      table.text('theme_config'); // Custom theme JSON overrides (optional)
+      table.integer('display_order').defaultTo(0); // Sorting in dropdowns
+      table.boolean('is_system').defaultTo(false); // Protect default types
+      table.boolean('is_active').defaultTo(true); // Allow hiding types
+      table.timestamp('created_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      table.timestamp('updated_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+
+      // Indexes for performance
+      table.index('slug_prefix');
+      table.index('display_order');
+      table.index('is_active');
+    });
+    console.log('event_types table created');
+  } else {
+    console.log('event_types table already exists, skipping creation');
+  }
+
+  // Seed default event types (matching current hardcoded values)
+  const existingTypes = await knex('event_types').select('slug_prefix');
+  const existingSlugs = existingTypes.map(t => t.slug_prefix);
+
+  const defaultTypes = [
+    {
+      name: 'Wedding',
+      slug_prefix: 'wedding',
+      emoji: '💒',
+      theme_preset: 'elegantWedding',
+      display_order: 1,
+      is_system: true,
+      is_active: true
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'Birthday',
+      slug_prefix: 'birthday',
+      emoji: '🎂',
+      theme_preset: 'birthdayFun',
+      display_order: 2,
+      is_system: true,
+      is_active: true
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'Corporate',
+      slug_prefix: 'corporate',
+      emoji: '🏢',
+      theme_preset: 'corporateTimeline',
+      display_order: 3,
+      is_system: true,
+      is_active: true
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'Other',
+      slug_prefix: 'other',
+      emoji: '📸',
+      theme_preset: 'default',
+      display_order: 4,
+      is_system: true,
+      is_active: true
+    }
+  ];
+
+  const typesToInsert = defaultTypes.filter(type => !existingSlugs.includes(type.slug_prefix));
+
+  if (typesToInsert.length > 0) {
+    await knex('event_types').insert(typesToInsert);
+    console.log(`Inserted ${typesToInsert.length} default event types`);
+  } else {
+    console.log('Default event types already exist, skipping seed');
+  }
+
+  console.log('Migration 061_add_event_types_table completed successfully');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rolling back event_types table...');
+
+  // Drop the table (data will be lost)
+  await knex.schema.dropTableIfExists('event_types');
+
+  console.log('event_types table dropped');
+};

backend/migrations/core/061_add_optional_date_expiration_settings.js

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add optional event date and expiration settings
+ * These settings control whether event_date and expiration are required
+ * when creating new events, supporting non-event use cases like portraits.
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // Add new settings for optional date and expiration
+  const settings = [
+    { setting_key: 'event_require_event_date', setting_value: JSON.stringify(true), setting_type: 'boolean' },
+    { setting_key: 'event_require_expiration', setting_value: JSON.stringify(true), setting_type: 'boolean' }
+  ];
+
+  for (const setting of settings) {
+    const exists = await knex('app_settings').where('setting_key', setting.setting_key).first();
+    if (!exists) {
+      await knex('app_settings').insert({
+        ...setting,
+        updated_at: knex.fn.now()
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Make event_date and expires_at columns nullable
+  // PostgreSQL supports ALTER COLUMN ... DROP NOT NULL
+  // SQLite requires table recreation (handled differently)
+  const client = knex.client.config.client;
+
+  if (client === 'pg' || client === 'postgresql') {
+    // PostgreSQL: directly alter columns
+    await knex.raw('ALTER TABLE events ALTER COLUMN event_date DROP NOT NULL');
+    await knex.raw('ALTER TABLE events ALTER COLUMN expires_at DROP NOT NULL');
+  } else if (client === 'sqlite3' || client === 'better-sqlite3') {
+    // SQLite: columns are already effectively nullable in most cases
+    // SQLite doesn't enforce NOT NULL as strictly, and altering requires table recreation
+    // For safety, we'll skip the schema change for SQLite as it's complex
+    // The application logic will handle null values appropriately
+    console.log('SQLite detected - skipping schema alteration (columns will accept NULL values)');
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  // Remove the settings
+  await knex('app_settings')
+    .whereIn('setting_key', [
+      'event_require_event_date',
+      'event_require_expiration'
+    ])
+    .del();
+
+  // Note: We don't restore NOT NULL constraints as that could fail
+  // if there are existing NULL values in the database
+};

backend/migrations/core/061_add_watermark_path.js

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+/**
+ * Migration 061: Add pre-generated watermark path to photos table
+ * - photos.watermark_path: path to pre-generated watermarked image
+ * - photos.watermark_generated_at: timestamp of watermark generation
+ */
+
+const { addColumnIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 061_add_watermark_path');
+
+  // photos.watermark_path (nullable - path to pre-generated watermarked image)
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'watermark_path', (table) => {
+    table.string('watermark_path', 512);
+  });
+
+  // photos.watermark_generated_at (nullable - when watermark was last generated)
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'watermark_generated_at', (table) => {
+    table.timestamp('watermark_generated_at');
+  });
+
+  console.log('Migration 061_add_watermark_path completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 061_add_watermark_path');
+  // Keep columns (safe rollback not removing data). Intentionally no-op.
+};

backend/migrations/core/062_add_hero_logo_settings.js

@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add hero logo customization settings to events table
+ *
+ * Allows per-event customization of the hero gallery logo:
+ * - hero_logo_visible: Show/hide the logo overlay
+ * - hero_logo_size: Logo size (small, medium, large, xlarge)
+ * - hero_logo_position: Logo position (top, center, bottom)
+ *
+ * Addresses GitHub Issue #138: Add Option to customize the Hero gallery layout
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function (knex) {
+  console.log('Adding hero logo settings to events table...');
+
+  // Add hero_logo_visible column
+  const hasVisibleColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_visible');
+  if (!hasVisibleColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.boolean('hero_logo_visible').notNullable().defaultTo(true);
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_logo_visible column');
+  }
+
+  // Add hero_logo_size column
+  const hasSizeColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_size');
+  if (!hasSizeColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('hero_logo_size', 20).notNullable().defaultTo('medium');
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_logo_size column');
+  }
+
+  // Add hero_logo_position column
+  const hasPositionColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_position');
+  if (!hasPositionColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('hero_logo_position', 20).notNullable().defaultTo('top');
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_logo_position column');
+  }
+
+  console.log('Migration 062_add_hero_logo_settings completed successfully');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function (knex) {
+  console.log('Rolling back hero logo settings...');
+
+  const hasVisibleColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_visible');
+  if (hasVisibleColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_logo_visible');
+    });
+  }
+
+  const hasSizeColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_size');
+  if (hasSizeColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_logo_size');
+    });
+  }
+
+  const hasPositionColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_position');
+  if (hasPositionColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_logo_position');
+    });
+  }
+
+  console.log('Hero logo settings columns dropped');
+};

backend/migrations/core/062_add_original_filename.js

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+/**
+ * Migration 062: Add original_filename to photos table
+ * - photos.original_filename: preserves the original filename from upload
+ *   This enables Lightroom integration by exporting filtered filenames
+ */
+
+const { addColumnIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 062_add_original_filename');
+
+  // photos.original_filename (nullable - original filename before renaming)
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'original_filename', (table) => {
+    table.string('original_filename', 512);
+  });
+
+  console.log('Migration 062_add_original_filename completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 062_add_original_filename');
+  // Keep column (safe rollback not removing data). Intentionally no-op.
+};

backend/migrations/core/063_add_event_custom_logo.js

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add custom logo support to events table
+ *
+ * Allows per-event custom logo that overrides the global branding logo:
+ * - hero_logo_url: Public path to the uploaded custom logo
+ * - hero_logo_path: Full filesystem path to the custom logo
+ *
+ * Logo priority: Event custom logo > Global branding logo > Default PicPeak logo
+ *
+ * Addresses GitHub Issue #138: Per-event custom logo option
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function (knex) {
+  console.log('Adding custom logo columns to events table...');
+
+  const hasUrlColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_url');
+  if (!hasUrlColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('hero_logo_url', 500).nullable().defaultTo(null);
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_logo_url column');
+  }
+
+  const hasPathColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_path');
+  if (!hasPathColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('hero_logo_path', 500).nullable().defaultTo(null);
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_logo_path column');
+  }
+
+  console.log('Migration 063_add_event_custom_logo completed successfully');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function (knex) {
+  console.log('Rolling back custom logo columns...');
+
+  const hasUrlColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_url');
+  if (hasUrlColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_logo_url');
+    });
+  }
+
+  const hasPathColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_logo_path');
+  if (hasPathColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_logo_path');
+    });
+  }
+
+  console.log('Custom logo columns dropped');
+};

backend/migrations/core/064_backfill_photo_dimensions.js

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Backfill photo dimensions
+ *
+ * This migration extracts width/height from existing photos that don't have
+ * these dimensions stored. This is needed for aspect-ratio-aware layouts
+ * (masonry, mosaic, justified) to work properly.
+ */
+
+const path = require('path');
+const fs = require('fs');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // Check if the width/height columns exist
+  const hasWidth = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photos', 'width');
+  const hasHeight = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photos', 'height');
+
+  if (!hasWidth || !hasHeight) {
+    console.log('[Migration 064] Width/height columns not found, skipping backfill');
+    return;
+  }
+
+  // Get storage path
+  const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
+
+  // Find photos without dimensions
+  const photos = await knex('photos')
+    .whereNull('width')
+    .orWhereNull('height')
+    .select('id', 'path', 'filename', 'media_type');
+
+  console.log(`[Migration 064] Found ${photos.length} photos without dimensions`);
+
+  if (photos.length === 0) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  // Import sharp dynamically (only needed during migration)
+  let sharp;
+  try {
+    sharp = require('sharp');
+  } catch (err) {
+    console.error('[Migration 064] Sharp not available, skipping backfill:', err.message);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  let updated = 0;
+  let failed = 0;
+
+  for (const photo of photos) {
+    try {
+      // Skip videos - they need ffprobe for metadata
+      if (photo.media_type === 'video') {
+        continue;
+      }
+
+      // Construct the full file path
+      let fullPath;
+      if (photo.path) {
+        // Path is relative to events/active directory
+        fullPath = path.join(storagePath, 'events/active', photo.path);
+      } else {
+        console.warn(`[Migration 064] Photo ${photo.id} (${photo.filename}) has no path, skipping`);
+        continue;
+      }
+
+      // Check if file exists
+      if (!fs.existsSync(fullPath)) {
+        console.warn(`[Migration 064] Photo ${photo.id} file not found: ${fullPath}`);
+        failed++;
+        continue;
+      }
+
+      // Extract dimensions using sharp
+      const metadata = await sharp(fullPath).metadata();
+
+      if (metadata.width && metadata.height) {
+        await knex('photos')
+          .where('id', photo.id)
+          .update({
+            width: metadata.width,
+            height: metadata.height
+          });
+        updated++;
+
+        if (updated % 50 === 0) {
+          console.log(`[Migration 064] Updated ${updated} photos...`);
+        }
+      } else {
+        console.warn(`[Migration 064] Could not extract dimensions for photo ${photo.id}`);
+        failed++;
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error(`[Migration 064] Error processing photo ${photo.id}:`, err.message);
+      failed++;
+    }
+  }
+
+  console.log(`[Migration 064] Completed: ${updated} updated, ${failed} failed`);
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  // This migration only adds data, no rollback needed
+  // We don't want to null out dimensions on rollback as they're still valid
+  console.log('[Migration 064] Rollback: No action needed (data-only migration)');
+};

backend/migrations/core/065_add_header_style.js

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add header_style and hero_divider_style columns
+ *
+ * This migration decouples the hero header style from gallery layout,
+ * allowing any combination of header style with any layout type.
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('[Migration 065] Adding header_style and hero_divider_style columns');
+
+  // Check if columns already exist
+  const hasHeaderStyle = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'header_style');
+  const hasDividerStyle = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_divider_style');
+
+  if (!hasHeaderStyle) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('header_style', 20).defaultTo('standard');
+    });
+    console.log('[Migration 065] Added header_style column');
+  }
+
+  if (!hasDividerStyle) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('hero_divider_style', 20).defaultTo('wave');
+    });
+    console.log('[Migration 065] Added hero_divider_style column');
+  }
+
+  // Migrate existing events with hero layout in color_theme
+  console.log('[Migration 065] Migrating existing hero layouts...');
+
+  const events = await knex('events')
+    .whereNotNull('color_theme')
+    .select('id', 'color_theme');
+
+  let migratedCount = 0;
+
+  for (const event of events) {
+    try {
+      // Skip if color_theme is not JSON
+      if (!event.color_theme || !event.color_theme.startsWith('{')) {
+        continue;
+      }
+
+      const theme = JSON.parse(event.color_theme);
+
+      // Check if this event uses hero layout
+      if (theme.galleryLayout === 'hero') {
+        // Migrate: set headerStyle to 'hero' and galleryLayout to 'grid'
+        const updatedTheme = {
+          ...theme,
+          headerStyle: 'hero',
+          galleryLayout: 'grid',
+          heroDividerStyle: theme.heroDividerStyle || 'wave'
+        };
+
+        await knex('events')
+          .where('id', event.id)
+          .update({
+            color_theme: JSON.stringify(updatedTheme),
+            header_style: 'hero',
+            hero_divider_style: theme.heroDividerStyle || 'wave'
+          });
+
+        migratedCount++;
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      // Invalid JSON in color_theme, skip
+      console.warn(`[Migration 065] Could not parse color_theme for event ${event.id}: ${err.message}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  console.log(`[Migration 065] Migrated ${migratedCount} events from hero layout`);
+  console.log('[Migration 065] Completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('[Migration 065] Removing header_style and hero_divider_style columns');
+
+  // First, migrate any hero header styles back to hero layout
+  const events = await knex('events')
+    .where('header_style', 'hero')
+    .whereNotNull('color_theme')
+    .select('id', 'color_theme');
+
+  for (const event of events) {
+    try {
+      if (!event.color_theme || !event.color_theme.startsWith('{')) {
+        continue;
+      }
+
+      const theme = JSON.parse(event.color_theme);
+
+      // Revert: set galleryLayout back to 'hero'
+      const revertedTheme = {
+        ...theme,
+        galleryLayout: 'hero'
+      };
+
+      // Remove the new properties
+      delete revertedTheme.headerStyle;
+      delete revertedTheme.heroDividerStyle;
+
+      await knex('events')
+        .where('id', event.id)
+        .update({
+          color_theme: JSON.stringify(revertedTheme)
+        });
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.warn(`[Migration 065] Could not revert color_theme for event ${event.id}: ${err.message}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Remove the columns
+  const hasHeaderStyle = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'header_style');
+  const hasDividerStyle = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_divider_style');
+
+  if (hasHeaderStyle) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('header_style');
+    });
+  }
+
+  if (hasDividerStyle) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_divider_style');
+    });
+  }
+
+  console.log('[Migration 065] Rollback completed');
+};

backend/migrations/core/066_add_hero_anchor_and_category_hero.js

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Add hero image anchor position and category-specific hero images
+ *
+ * Issue #162: Add hero_image_anchor column to events table for controlling
+ *             how hero images are cropped (top/center/bottom)
+ *
+ * Issue #163: Add hero_photo_id column to photo_categories table for
+ *             category-specific hero images
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // Add hero_image_anchor to events table (Issue #162)
+  const hasHeroAnchor = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_image_anchor');
+  if (!hasHeroAnchor) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', function(table) {
+      // Values: 'top', 'center', 'bottom' - defaults to 'center' for backward compatibility
+      table.string('hero_image_anchor', 10).defaultTo('center');
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_image_anchor column to events table');
+  }
+
+  // Add hero_photo_id to photo_categories table (Issue #163)
+  const hasCategoryHero = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photo_categories', 'hero_photo_id');
+  if (!hasCategoryHero) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_categories', function(table) {
+      table.integer('hero_photo_id').references('id').inTable('photos').onDelete('SET NULL');
+    });
+    console.log('Added hero_photo_id column to photo_categories table');
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  // Remove hero_image_anchor from events table
+  const hasHeroAnchor = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_image_anchor');
+  if (hasHeroAnchor) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', function(table) {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_image_anchor');
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Remove hero_photo_id from photo_categories table
+  const hasCategoryHero = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photo_categories', 'hero_photo_id');
+  if (hasCategoryHero) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_categories', function(table) {
+      table.dropColumn('hero_photo_id');
+    });
+  }
+};

backend/migrations/core/067_expand_hero_image_anchor.js

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+/**
+ * Migration: Expand hero_image_anchor column to support focal point percentages
+ *
+ * Changes string(10) to string(20) so values like "100% 100%" (9 chars) fit
+ * with room to spare. Existing 'top', 'center', 'bottom' values are preserved.
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_image_anchor');
+  if (!hasColumn) {
+    // Column doesn't exist yet – nothing to expand
+    return;
+  }
+
+  // SQLite doesn't truly support ALTER COLUMN, but Knex handles the
+  // rebuild-table strategy internally when we call alterTable.
+  await knex.schema.alterTable('events', function(table) {
+    table.string('hero_image_anchor', 20).defaultTo('center').alter();
+  });
+  console.log('Expanded hero_image_anchor column to string(20)');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'hero_image_anchor');
+  if (!hasColumn) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  await knex.schema.alterTable('events', function(table) {
+    table.string('hero_image_anchor', 10).defaultTo('center').alter();
+  });
+};

backend/migrations/core/068_add_seo_robots_settings.js

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+const DEFAULT_AI_AGENTS = [
+  'GPTBot',
+  'ChatGPT-User',
+  'Google-Extended',
+  'Claude-Web',
+  'Anthropic-AI',
+  'CCBot',
+  'Bytespider',
+  'FacebookBot',
+  'Omgilibot',
+  'Diffbot',
+  'PetalBot',
+  'Amazonbot',
+  'PerplexityBot',
+  'YouBot',
+  'Applebot-Extended'
+];
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  const defaults = [
+    { setting_key: 'seo_allow_indexing', setting_value: JSON.stringify(false), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_block_ai_crawlers', setting_value: JSON.stringify(true), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_block_social_bots', setting_value: JSON.stringify(false), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_blocked_ai_agents', setting_value: JSON.stringify(DEFAULT_AI_AGENTS), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_custom_rules', setting_value: JSON.stringify([]), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_meta_noindex', setting_value: JSON.stringify(true), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_meta_nofollow', setting_value: JSON.stringify(false), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_meta_noai', setting_value: JSON.stringify(true), setting_type: 'seo' },
+    { setting_key: 'seo_sitemap_url', setting_value: JSON.stringify(''), setting_type: 'seo' }
+  ];
+
+  for (const setting of defaults) {
+    const exists = await knex('app_settings').where('setting_key', setting.setting_key).first();
+    if (!exists) {
+      await knex('app_settings').insert({ ...setting, updated_at: knex.fn.now() });
+    }
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  await knex('app_settings')
+    .whereIn('setting_key', [
+      'seo_allow_indexing',
+      'seo_block_ai_crawlers',
+      'seo_block_social_bots',
+      'seo_blocked_ai_agents',
+      'seo_custom_rules',
+      'seo_meta_noindex',
+      'seo_meta_nofollow',
+      'seo_meta_noai',
+      'seo_sitemap_url'
+    ])
+    .del();
+};

backend/migrations/core/069_add_hero_path.js

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+/**
+ * Migration 069: Add hero image path to photos table
+ * - photos.hero_path: path to hero-optimized image (1920x1080) for gallery headers
+ */
+
+const { addColumnIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 069_add_hero_path');
+
+  // photos.hero_path (nullable - path to hero-optimized image)
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'hero_path', (table) => {
+    table.string('hero_path', 512);
+  });
+
+  console.log('Migration 069_add_hero_path completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 069_add_hero_path');
+  // Keep columns (safe rollback not removing data). Intentionally no-op.
+};

backend/migrations/core/070_add_update_notification_settings.js

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+/**
+ * Migration 070: Add update notification settings and email template
+ * - Settings for email notifications when new versions are available
+ * - Email template for version update notifications
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 070_add_update_notification_settings');
+
+  // Add app_settings for update notifications
+  const settings = [
+    {
+      setting_key: 'update_email_notifications_enabled',
+      setting_value: JSON.stringify(false),
+      setting_type: 'notifications'
+    },
+    {
+      setting_key: 'update_email_recipients',
+      setting_value: JSON.stringify(''), // Comma-separated emails, or empty for all admin emails
+      setting_type: 'notifications'
+    },
+    {
+      setting_key: 'last_notified_version',
+      setting_value: JSON.stringify(''),
+      setting_type: 'notifications'
+    }
+  ];
+
+  for (const setting of settings) {
+    const exists = await knex('app_settings').where('setting_key', setting.setting_key).first();
+    if (!exists) {
+      await knex('app_settings').insert({ ...setting, updated_at: knex.fn.now() });
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Check if email template already exists
+  const existingTemplate = await knex('email_templates')
+    .where('template_key', 'version_update_available')
+    .first();
+
+  if (!existingTemplate) {
+    await knex('email_templates').insert({
+      template_key: 'version_update_available',
+      subject_en: 'PicPeak Update Available: Version {{new_version}}',
+      subject_de: 'PicPeak Update verfugbar: Version {{new_version}}',
+      body_html_en: `
+<h2>A New Version of PicPeak is Available</h2>
+
+<p>Great news! A new version of PicPeak is available for your installation.</p>
+
+<div style="background-color: #f0f8ff; border-left: 4px solid #5C8762; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 4px;">
+  <p style="margin: 0;"><strong>Current Version:</strong> {{current_version}}</p>
+  <p style="margin: 10px 0 0 0;"><strong>New Version:</strong> {{new_version}}</p>
+  <p style="margin: 10px 0 0 0;"><strong>Channel:</strong> {{channel}}</p>
+</div>
+
+<h3>What's New?</h3>
+<p>Check the release notes to see what's included in this update:</p>
+
+<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
+  <a href="{{release_notes_url}}" style="display: inline-block; padding: 14px 35px; background-color: #5C8762; color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px;">View Release Notes</a>
+</div>
+
+<h3>How to Update</h3>
+<p>To update your installation, log in to the admin panel and click on the "Update Available" notification. You'll find environment-specific instructions there.</p>
+
+<div style="background-color: #fff3cd; border: 1px solid #ffeaa7; color: #856404; padding: 15px; border-radius: 4px; margin: 20px 0;">
+  <p style="margin: 0;"><strong>Reminder:</strong> Always backup your database before updating to ensure you can recover if anything goes wrong.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Best regards,<br>
+Your PicPeak Installation</p>`,
+      body_text_en: `A New Version of PicPeak is Available
+
+Great news! A new version of PicPeak is available for your installation.
+
+Current Version: {{current_version}}
+New Version: {{new_version}}
+Channel: {{channel}}
+
+What's New?
+Check the release notes to see what's included in this update:
+{{release_notes_url}}
+
+How to Update
+To update your installation, log in to the admin panel and click on the "Update Available" notification. You'll find environment-specific instructions there.
+
+REMINDER: Always backup your database before updating to ensure you can recover if anything goes wrong.
+
+Best regards,
+Your PicPeak Installation`,
+      body_html_de: `
+<h2>Eine neue Version von PicPeak ist verfugbar</h2>
+
+<p>Gute Neuigkeiten! Eine neue Version von PicPeak ist fur Ihre Installation verfugbar.</p>
+
+<div style="background-color: #f0f8ff; border-left: 4px solid #5C8762; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 4px;">
+  <p style="margin: 0;"><strong>Aktuelle Version:</strong> {{current_version}}</p>
+  <p style="margin: 10px 0 0 0;"><strong>Neue Version:</strong> {{new_version}}</p>
+  <p style="margin: 10px 0 0 0;"><strong>Kanal:</strong> {{channel}}</p>
+</div>
+
+<h3>Was ist neu?</h3>
+<p>Schauen Sie sich die Versionshinweise an, um zu sehen, was in diesem Update enthalten ist:</p>
+
+<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
+  <a href="{{release_notes_url}}" style="display: inline-block; padding: 14px 35px; background-color: #5C8762; color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px;">Versionshinweise anzeigen</a>
+</div>
+
+<h3>So aktualisieren Sie</h3>
+<p>Um Ihre Installation zu aktualisieren, melden Sie sich im Admin-Panel an und klicken Sie auf die Benachrichtigung "Update verfugbar". Dort finden Sie umgebungsspezifische Anweisungen.</p>
+
+<div style="background-color: #fff3cd; border: 1px solid #ffeaa7; color: #856404; padding: 15px; border-radius: 4px; margin: 20px 0;">
+  <p style="margin: 0;"><strong>Erinnerung:</strong> Erstellen Sie immer ein Backup Ihrer Datenbank, bevor Sie aktualisieren, um sicherzustellen, dass Sie im Fehlerfall wiederherstellen konnen.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mit freundlichen Grussen,<br>
+Ihre PicPeak-Installation</p>`,
+      body_text_de: `Eine neue Version von PicPeak ist verfugbar
+
+Gute Neuigkeiten! Eine neue Version von PicPeak ist fur Ihre Installation verfugbar.
+
+Aktuelle Version: {{current_version}}
+Neue Version: {{new_version}}
+Kanal: {{channel}}
+
+Was ist neu?
+Schauen Sie sich die Versionshinweise an, um zu sehen, was in diesem Update enthalten ist:
+{{release_notes_url}}
+
+So aktualisieren Sie
+Um Ihre Installation zu aktualisieren, melden Sie sich im Admin-Panel an und klicken Sie auf die Benachrichtigung "Update verfugbar". Dort finden Sie umgebungsspezifische Anweisungen.
+
+ERINNERUNG: Erstellen Sie immer ein Backup Ihrer Datenbank, bevor Sie aktualisieren, um sicherzustellen, dass Sie im Fehlerfall wiederherstellen konnen.
+
+Mit freundlichen Grussen,
+Ihre PicPeak-Installation`,
+      variables: JSON.stringify(['current_version', 'new_version', 'channel', 'release_notes_url'])
+    });
+  }
+
+  console.log('Migration 070_add_update_notification_settings completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 070_add_update_notification_settings');
+
+  // Remove settings
+  await knex('app_settings')
+    .whereIn('setting_key', [
+      'update_email_notifications_enabled',
+      'update_email_recipients',
+      'last_notified_version'
+    ])
+    .del();
+
+  // Remove email template
+  await knex('email_templates')
+    .where('template_key', 'version_update_available')
+    .del();
+};

backend/migrations/core/071_add_captured_at.js

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+/**
+ * Migration 071: Add captured_at column to photos table
+ * - Stores the original capture date from EXIF metadata
+ * - Enables sorting photos by capture date instead of upload date
+ */
+
+const { addColumnIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 071_add_captured_at');
+
+  // Add captured_at column to photos table
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'captured_at', (table) => {
+    table.datetime('captured_at').nullable();
+  });
+
+  // Add index for sorting performance
+  const indexExists = await knex.schema.hasIndex
+    ? await knex.schema.hasIndex('photos', 'idx_photos_captured_at')
+    : false;
+
+  if (!indexExists) {
+    // Use raw query for index creation with IF NOT EXISTS
+    const client = knex.client.config.client;
+    if (client === 'pg') {
+      await knex.raw('CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_photos_captured_at ON photos(captured_at)');
+    } else if (client === 'sqlite3' || client === 'better-sqlite3') {
+      // SQLite doesn't support IF NOT EXISTS for indexes, so we need to check first
+      const existingIndexes = await knex.raw("SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='index' AND name='idx_photos_captured_at'");
+      if (existingIndexes.length === 0) {
+        await knex.raw('CREATE INDEX idx_photos_captured_at ON photos(captured_at)');
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  console.log('Migration 071_add_captured_at completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 071_add_captured_at');
+  // Keep column for safe rollback (intentionally no-op)
+};

backend/migrations/core/073_make_event_emails_nullable.js

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+    table.string('host_email', 255).nullable().alter();
+    table.string('admin_email', 255).nullable().alter();
+  });
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+    table.string('host_email', 255).notNullable().defaultTo('').alter();
+    table.string('admin_email', 255).notNullable().defaultTo('').alter();
+  });
+};

backend/migrations/core/074_add_photo_cap.js

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+const { addColumnIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Running migration: 074_add_photo_cap');
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'events', 'photo_cap', (table) => {
+    table.integer('photo_cap').nullable().defaultTo(null);
+  });
+  console.log('Migration 074_add_photo_cap completed');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  console.log('Rollback: 074_add_photo_cap');
+};

backend/migrations/core/074_photo_visibility_client_access.js

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+const { addColumnIfNotExists, createIndexIfNotExists } = require('../helpers');
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // Add visibility column to photos table
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', 'visibility', (table) => {
+    table.string('visibility', 20).defaultTo('visible').notNullable();
+  });
+
+  // Add client access columns to events table
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'events', 'client_access_enabled', (table) => {
+    table.boolean('client_access_enabled').defaultTo(false);
+  });
+
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'events', 'client_password_hash', (table) => {
+    table.string('client_password_hash', 255).nullable();
+  });
+
+  await addColumnIfNotExists(knex, 'events', 'client_share_token', (table) => {
+    table.string('client_share_token', 64).nullable().unique();
+  });
+
+  // Index for filtering photos by visibility
+  await createIndexIfNotExists(knex, 'photos', ['event_id', 'visibility'], 'idx_photos_event_visibility');
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  // Safe rollback - intentionally no-op to avoid data loss
+};

backend/migrations/core/075_email_template_translations.js

@@ -0,0 +1,281 @@
+/**
+ * Migration to create email_template_translations table
+ * Moves from per-column language support (subject_en, subject_de) to a
+ * normalized translations table where each language is a row.
+ * This allows adding new languages without schema changes.
+ */
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // 1. Create the email_template_translations table
+  await knex.schema.createTable('email_template_translations', (table) => {
+    table.increments('id').primary();
+    table.integer('template_id').unsigned().notNullable()
+      .references('id').inTable('email_templates').onDelete('CASCADE');
+    table.string('language', 10).notNullable();
+    table.text('subject');
+    table.text('body_html');
+    table.text('body_text');
+    table.datetime('created_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+    table.datetime('updated_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+    table.unique(['template_id', 'language']);
+  });
+
+  console.log('Created email_template_translations table');
+
+  // 2. Migrate existing data from email_templates columns into rows
+  const templates = await knex('email_templates').select('*');
+  const columnInfo = await knex('email_templates').columnInfo();
+  const hasLangColumns = !!columnInfo.subject_en;
+
+  for (const template of templates) {
+    // Extract EN translation
+    const enSubject = hasLangColumns
+      ? (template.subject_en || template.subject || '')
+      : (template.subject || '');
+    const enHtml = hasLangColumns
+      ? (template.body_html_en || template.body_html || '')
+      : (template.body_html || '');
+    const enText = hasLangColumns
+      ? (template.body_text_en || template.body_text || '')
+      : (template.body_text || '');
+
+    // Insert EN translation
+    if (enSubject || enHtml) {
+      await knex('email_template_translations').insert({
+        template_id: template.id,
+        language: 'en',
+        subject: enSubject,
+        body_html: enHtml,
+        body_text: enText,
+        created_at: new Date(),
+        updated_at: new Date(),
+      });
+    }
+
+    // Extract DE translation (only if lang columns exist)
+    if (hasLangColumns) {
+      const deSubject = template.subject_de || '';
+      const deHtml = template.body_html_de || '';
+      const deText = template.body_text_de || '';
+
+      // Only insert if DE content differs from EN or has content
+      if (deSubject || deHtml) {
+        await knex('email_template_translations').insert({
+          template_id: template.id,
+          language: 'de',
+          subject: deSubject,
+          body_html: deHtml,
+          body_text: deText,
+          created_at: new Date(),
+          updated_at: new Date(),
+        });
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  console.log(`Migrated ${templates.length} templates to translations table`);
+
+  // 3. Seed NL, PT, RU translations for customer-facing templates
+  // Look up template IDs
+  const customerTemplates = await knex('email_templates')
+    .whereIn('template_key', [
+      'gallery_created', 'expiration_warning', 'gallery_expired', 'archive_complete'
+    ])
+    .select('id', 'template_key');
+
+  const templateMap = {};
+  customerTemplates.forEach(t => { templateMap[t.template_key] = t.id; });
+
+  const seedTranslations = [];
+
+  // --- gallery_created ---
+  if (templateMap.gallery_created) {
+    const id = templateMap.gallery_created;
+    seedTranslations.push(
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'nl',
+        subject: 'Uw fotogalerij is klaar!',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galerij succesvol aangemaakt</h2>
+<p>Beste {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Uw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is succesvol aangemaakt!</p>
+<p><strong>Galerij details:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Evenementdatum: {{event_date}}</li>
+  <li>Galerij link: <a href="{{gallery_link}}">{{gallery_link}}</a></li>
+  <li>Wachtwoord: {{gallery_password}}</li>
+  <li>Verloopt op: {{expiry_date}}</li>
+</ul>
+<p>Deel deze link en het wachtwoord met uw gasten zodat zij de foto's kunnen bekijken en downloaden.</p>
+{{#if welcome_message}}<p><em>{{welcome_message}}</em></p>{{/if}}`,
+        body_text: `Galerij succesvol aangemaakt\n\nBeste {{host_name}},\n\nUw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is succesvol aangemaakt!\n\nGalerij link: {{gallery_link}}\nWachtwoord: {{gallery_password}}\nVerloopt op: {{expiry_date}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'pt',
+        subject: 'Sua galeria de fotos está pronta!',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galeria criada com sucesso</h2>
+<p>Prezado(a) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Sua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" foi criada com sucesso!</p>
+<p><strong>Detalhes da galeria:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Data do evento: {{event_date}}</li>
+  <li>Link da galeria: <a href="{{gallery_link}}">{{gallery_link}}</a></li>
+  <li>Senha: {{gallery_password}}</li>
+  <li>Expira em: {{expiry_date}}</li>
+</ul>
+<p>Compartilhe este link e senha com seus convidados para que possam visualizar e baixar as fotos.</p>
+{{#if welcome_message}}<p><em>{{welcome_message}}</em></p>{{/if}}`,
+        body_text: `Galeria criada com sucesso\n\nPrezado(a) {{host_name}},\n\nSua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" foi criada com sucesso!\n\nLink da galeria: {{gallery_link}}\nSenha: {{gallery_password}}\nExpira em: {{expiry_date}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'ru',
+        subject: 'Ваша фотогалерея готова!',
+        body_html: `<h2>Галерея успешно создана</h2>
+<p>Уважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Ваша фотогалерея "{{event_name}}" была успешно создана!</p>
+<p><strong>Детали галереи:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Дата события: {{event_date}}</li>
+  <li>Ссылка на галерею: <a href="{{gallery_link}}">{{gallery_link}}</a></li>
+  <li>Пароль: {{gallery_password}}</li>
+  <li>Срок действия: {{expiry_date}}</li>
+</ul>
+<p>Поделитесь этой ссылкой и паролем с вашими гостями, чтобы они могли просматривать и скачивать фотографии.</p>
+{{#if welcome_message}}<p><em>{{welcome_message}}</em></p>{{/if}}`,
+        body_text: `Галерея успешно создана\n\nУважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},\n\nВаша фотогалерея "{{event_name}}" была успешно создана!\n\nСсылка: {{gallery_link}}\nПароль: {{gallery_password}}\nСрок действия: {{expiry_date}}`,
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  // --- expiration_warning ---
+  if (templateMap.expiration_warning) {
+    const id = templateMap.expiration_warning;
+    seedTranslations.push(
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'nl',
+        subject: 'Uw fotogalerij verloopt binnenkort',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galerij verloopt binnenkort</h2>
+<p>Beste {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Uw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" verloopt over {{days_remaining}} dagen.</p>
+<p>Na het verlopen wordt de galerij gearchiveerd en is niet meer toegankelijk voor gasten.</p>
+<p><a href="{{gallery_link}}">Galerij bezoeken</a></p>`,
+        body_text: `Galerij verloopt binnenkort\n\nBeste {{host_name}},\n\nUw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" verloopt over {{days_remaining}} dagen.\n\nGalerij: {{gallery_link}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'pt',
+        subject: 'Sua galeria de fotos expira em breve',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galeria expirando em breve</h2>
+<p>Prezado(a) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Sua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" expirará em {{days_remaining}} dias.</p>
+<p>Após a expiração, a galeria será arquivada e não estará mais acessível aos convidados.</p>
+<p><a href="{{gallery_link}}">Visitar galeria</a></p>`,
+        body_text: `Galeria expirando em breve\n\nPrezado(a) {{host_name}},\n\nSua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" expirará em {{days_remaining}} dias.\n\nGaleria: {{gallery_link}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'ru',
+        subject: 'Срок действия вашей фотогалереи скоро истекает',
+        body_html: `<h2>Срок действия галереи истекает</h2>
+<p>Уважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Срок действия вашей фотогалереи "{{event_name}}" истекает через {{days_remaining}} дней.</p>
+<p>После истечения срока галерея будет архивирована и станет недоступна для гостей.</p>
+<p><a href="{{gallery_link}}">Перейти в галерею</a></p>`,
+        body_text: `Срок действия галереи истекает\n\nУважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},\n\nСрок действия вашей фотогалереи "{{event_name}}" истекает через {{days_remaining}} дней.\n\nГалерея: {{gallery_link}}`,
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  // --- gallery_expired ---
+  if (templateMap.gallery_expired) {
+    const id = templateMap.gallery_expired;
+    seedTranslations.push(
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'nl',
+        subject: 'Uw fotogalerij {{event_name}} is verlopen',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galerij verlopen</h2>
+<p>Beste {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Uw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is verlopen en niet meer toegankelijk.</p>
+<p>De foto's zijn gearchiveerd. Als u toegang nodig heeft, neem dan contact op met de beheerder via {{admin_email}}.</p>`,
+        body_text: `Galerij verlopen\n\nBeste {{host_name}},\n\nUw fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is verlopen en niet meer toegankelijk.\n\nNeem contact op met: {{admin_email}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'pt',
+        subject: 'Sua galeria de fotos {{event_name}} expirou',
+        body_html: `<h2>Galeria expirada</h2>
+<p>Prezado(a) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Sua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" expirou e não está mais acessível.</p>
+<p>As fotos foram arquivadas. Se precisar de acesso, entre em contato com o administrador em {{admin_email}}.</p>`,
+        body_text: `Galeria expirada\n\nPrezado(a) {{host_name}},\n\nSua galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" expirou e não está mais acessível.\n\nContato: {{admin_email}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'ru',
+        subject: 'Срок действия фотогалереи {{event_name}} истёк',
+        body_html: `<h2>Срок действия галереи истёк</h2>
+<p>Уважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Срок действия вашей фотогалереи "{{event_name}}" истёк, и она больше недоступна.</p>
+<p>Фотографии были архивированы. Если вам нужен доступ, свяжитесь с администратором: {{admin_email}}.</p>`,
+        body_text: `Срок действия галереи истёк\n\nУважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},\n\nСрок действия вашей фотогалереи "{{event_name}}" истёк.\n\nКонтакт: {{admin_email}}`,
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  // --- archive_complete ---
+  if (templateMap.archive_complete) {
+    const id = templateMap.archive_complete;
+    seedTranslations.push(
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'nl',
+        subject: 'Archivering voltooid: {{event_name}}',
+        body_html: `<h2>Archivering voltooid</h2>
+<p>Beste {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>De fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is succesvol gearchiveerd.</p>
+<p><strong>Archief details:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Aantal foto's: {{photo_count}}</li>
+  <li>Archiefgrootte: {{archive_size}}</li>
+  <li>Archiefdatum: {{archive_date}}</li>
+</ul>`,
+        body_text: `Archivering voltooid\n\nBeste {{host_name}},\n\nDe fotogalerij "{{event_name}}" is succesvol gearchiveerd.\n\nAantal foto's: {{photo_count}}\nGrootte: {{archive_size}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'pt',
+        subject: 'Arquivamento concluído: {{event_name}}',
+        body_html: `<h2>Arquivamento concluído</h2>
+<p>Prezado(a) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>A galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" foi arquivada com sucesso.</p>
+<p><strong>Detalhes do arquivo:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Número de fotos: {{photo_count}}</li>
+  <li>Tamanho do arquivo: {{archive_size}}</li>
+  <li>Data do arquivamento: {{archive_date}}</li>
+</ul>`,
+        body_text: `Arquivamento concluído\n\nPrezado(a) {{host_name}},\n\nA galeria de fotos "{{event_name}}" foi arquivada com sucesso.\n\nFotos: {{photo_count}}\nTamanho: {{archive_size}}`,
+      },
+      {
+        template_id: id, language: 'ru',
+        subject: 'Архивация завершена: {{event_name}}',
+        body_html: `<h2>Архивация завершена</h2>
+<p>Уважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},</p>
+<p>Фотогалерея "{{event_name}}" была успешно архивирована.</p>
+<p><strong>Детали архива:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Количество фото: {{photo_count}}</li>
+  <li>Размер архива: {{archive_size}}</li>
+  <li>Дата архивации: {{archive_date}}</li>
+</ul>`,
+        body_text: `Архивация завершена\n\nУважаемый(ая) {{host_name}},\n\nФотогалерея "{{event_name}}" была успешно архивирована.\n\nФото: {{photo_count}}\nРазмер: {{archive_size}}`,
+      },
+    );
+  }
+
+  // Insert all seed translations
+  const now = new Date();
+  for (const trans of seedTranslations) {
+    trans.created_at = now;
+    trans.updated_at = now;
+    await knex('email_template_translations').insert(trans);
+  }
+
+  console.log(`Seeded ${seedTranslations.length} translations for customer-facing templates`);
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  await knex.schema.dropTableIfExists('email_template_translations');
+};

backend/migrations/core/076_add_is_draft_column.js

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+/**
+ * Migration to add is_draft column to events table.
+ * Draft events are not visible to gallery visitors until published.
+ */
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'is_draft');
+  if (!hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.boolean('is_draft').defaultTo(false);
+    });
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'is_draft');
+  if (hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('is_draft');
+    });
+  }
+};

backend/migrations/core/077_add_default_photo_sort.js

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'default_photo_sort');
+  if (!hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.string('default_photo_sort', 50).defaultTo('upload_date_desc');
+    });
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'default_photo_sort');
+  if (hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('default_photo_sort');
+    });
+  }
+};

backend/migrations/core/078_add_guest_identity.js

@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+/**
+ * Add guest identity layer for per-person photo selections (issue #292).
+ *
+ * Adds:
+ *   - gallery_guests              — persistent guest profiles per event
+ *   - guest_invites               — pre-minted invite tokens (Phase 3.3)
+ *   - guest_verification_codes    — email-based identity recovery (Phase 3.2)
+ *   - event_feedback_settings.identity_mode ('simple' | 'guest', default 'simple')
+ *   - photo_feedback.guest_id FK  — links feedback to gallery_guests (nullable)
+ *
+ * All changes are additive. Existing events default to 'simple' mode so behavior
+ * is unchanged. Legacy photo_feedback rows keep NULL guest_id.
+ */
+
+exports.up = async function(knex) {
+  // 1. gallery_guests — persistent per-person identity within an event.
+  const hasGalleryGuests = await knex.schema.hasTable('gallery_guests');
+  if (!hasGalleryGuests) {
+    await knex.schema.createTable('gallery_guests', (table) => {
+      table.increments('id').primary();
+      table.integer('event_id').notNullable().references('id').inTable('events').onDelete('CASCADE');
+      table.string('name', 100).notNullable();
+      table.string('email', 255);
+      table.string('identifier', 64).notNullable(); // UUIDv4 issued server-side
+      table.string('ip_address_last', 45);
+      table.text('user_agent_last');
+      table.timestamp('email_verified_at');
+      table.timestamp('created_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      table.timestamp('last_seen_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      table.boolean('is_deleted').defaultTo(false);
+
+      table.unique(['event_id', 'identifier']);
+      table.index(['event_id']);
+      table.index(['event_id', 'email']);
+    });
+  }
+
+  // 2. guest_invites — pre-minted one-time-use tokens for invited guests.
+  const hasGuestInvites = await knex.schema.hasTable('guest_invites');
+  if (!hasGuestInvites) {
+    await knex.schema.createTable('guest_invites', (table) => {
+      table.increments('id').primary();
+      table.integer('event_id').notNullable().references('id').inTable('events').onDelete('CASCADE');
+      table.integer('guest_id').notNullable().references('id').inTable('gallery_guests').onDelete('CASCADE');
+      table.string('token', 64).notNullable().unique();
+      table.integer('created_by_admin_id').references('id').inTable('admin_users');
+      table.timestamp('created_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+      table.timestamp('redeemed_at');
+      table.timestamp('revoked_at');
+
+      table.index(['event_id']);
+      table.index(['guest_id']);
+    });
+  }
+
+  // 3. guest_verification_codes — short-lived codes for email-based recovery.
+  const hasGuestVerificationCodes = await knex.schema.hasTable('guest_verification_codes');
+  if (!hasGuestVerificationCodes) {
+    await knex.schema.createTable('guest_verification_codes', (table) => {
+      table.increments('id').primary();
+      table.integer('event_id').notNullable().references('id').inTable('events').onDelete('CASCADE');
+      table.string('email', 255).notNullable();
+      table.string('code_hash', 128).notNullable(); // bcrypt hash of 6-digit code
+      table.integer('attempts').defaultTo(0);
+      table.timestamp('expires_at').notNullable();
+      table.timestamp('consumed_at');
+      table.timestamp('created_at').defaultTo(knex.fn.now());
+
+      table.index(['event_id', 'email']);
+      table.index(['expires_at']);
+    });
+  }
+
+  // 4. event_feedback_settings.identity_mode
+  const hasIdentityMode = await knex.schema.hasColumn('event_feedback_settings', 'identity_mode');
+  if (!hasIdentityMode) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('event_feedback_settings', (table) => {
+      table.string('identity_mode', 16).notNullable().defaultTo('simple');
+    });
+    if (knex.client.config.client === 'pg') {
+      await knex.raw(`
+        ALTER TABLE event_feedback_settings
+        ADD CONSTRAINT event_feedback_settings_identity_mode_check
+        CHECK (identity_mode IN ('simple','guest'))
+      `);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // 5. photo_feedback.guest_id FK
+  const hasGuestIdColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photo_feedback', 'guest_id');
+  if (!hasGuestIdColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_feedback', (table) => {
+      table.integer('guest_id').references('id').inTable('gallery_guests').onDelete('SET NULL');
+      table.index(['guest_id']);
+    });
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function(knex) {
+  const hasGuestIdColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photo_feedback', 'guest_id');
+  if (hasGuestIdColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_feedback', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('guest_id');
+    });
+  }
+
+  if (knex.client.config.client === 'pg') {
+    await knex.raw('ALTER TABLE event_feedback_settings DROP CONSTRAINT IF EXISTS event_feedback_settings_identity_mode_check');
+  }
+  const hasIdentityMode = await knex.schema.hasColumn('event_feedback_settings', 'identity_mode');
+  if (hasIdentityMode) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('event_feedback_settings', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('identity_mode');
+    });
+  }
+
+  await knex.schema.dropTableIfExists('guest_verification_codes');
+  await knex.schema.dropTableIfExists('guest_invites');
+  await knex.schema.dropTableIfExists('gallery_guests');
+};

backend/migrations/legacy/006_add_photo_counter_to_categories.js

@@ -1,22 +1,27 @@
 exports.up = async function(knex) {
-  // Add photo_counter column to photo_categories table
-  await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_categories', function(table) {
-    table.integer('photo_counter').defaultTo(0).notNullable();
-  });
+  // Check if photo_counter column already exists to make migration idempotent
+  const hasPhotoCounter = await knex.schema.hasColumn('photo_categories', 'photo_counter');
 
-  // Initialize counters based on existing photos
-  const categories = await knex('photo_categories').select('id');
-  
-  for (const category of categories) {
-    const photoCount = await knex('photos')
-      .where('category_id', category.id)
-      .count('id as count')
-      .first();
-    
-    if (photoCount && photoCount.count > 0) {
-      await knex('photo_categories')
-        .where('id', category.id)
-        .update({ photo_counter: photoCount.count });
+  if (!hasPhotoCounter) {
+    // Add photo_counter column to photo_categories table
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('photo_categories', function(table) {
+      table.integer('photo_counter').defaultTo(0).notNullable();
+    });
+
+    // Initialize counters based on existing photos
+    const categories = await knex('photo_categories').select('id');
+
+    for (const category of categories) {
+      const photoCount = await knex('photos')
+        .where('category_id', category.id)
+        .count('id as count')
+        .first();
+
+      if (photoCount && photoCount.count > 0) {
+        await knex('photo_categories')
+          .where('id', category.id)
+          .update({ photo_counter: photoCount.count });
+      }
     }
   }
 };

backend/migrations/legacy/008_add_language_support_to_email_templates.js

@@ -1,23 +1,33 @@
 exports.up = async function(knex) {
-  // Add language-specific columns to email_templates
-  await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', function(table) {
-    // Add English versions (rename existing columns for consistency)
-    table.renameColumn('subject', 'subject_en');
-    table.renameColumn('body_html', 'body_html_en');
-    table.renameColumn('body_text', 'body_text_en');
-    
-    // Add German versions
-    table.string('subject_de');
-    table.text('body_html_de');
-    table.text('body_text_de');
-  });
+  // Check which columns already exist to make migration idempotent
+  const hasSubjectEn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('email_templates', 'subject_en');
+  const hasSubjectDe = await knex.schema.hasColumn('email_templates', 'subject_de');
+  const hasSubjectOriginal = await knex.schema.hasColumn('email_templates', 'subject');
 
-  // Copy existing values to German columns as defaults
-  await knex('email_templates').update({
-    subject_de: knex.raw('subject_en'),
-    body_html_de: knex.raw('body_html_en'),
-    body_text_de: knex.raw('body_text_en')
-  });
+  // Only rename columns if they haven't been renamed yet
+  if (hasSubjectOriginal && !hasSubjectEn) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', function(table) {
+      table.renameColumn('subject', 'subject_en');
+      table.renameColumn('body_html', 'body_html_en');
+      table.renameColumn('body_text', 'body_text_en');
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Only add German columns if they don't exist
+  if (!hasSubjectDe) {
+    await knex.schema.alterTable('email_templates', function(table) {
+      table.string('subject_de');
+      table.text('body_html_de');
+      table.text('body_text_de');
+    });
+
+    // Copy existing values to German columns as defaults
+    await knex('email_templates').update({
+      subject_de: knex.raw('subject_en'),
+      body_html_de: knex.raw('body_html_en'),
+      body_text_de: knex.raw('body_text_en')
+    });
+  }
 };
 
 exports.down = async function(knex) {

backend/migrations/run-migrations-safe.js

@@ -67,26 +67,37 @@ async function runMigrationSafely(filepath) {
     const migrationPath = path.join(__dirname, filepath);
     const migration = require(migrationPath);
     const filename = path.basename(filepath);
-    
+
     if (migration.up) {
       console.log(`Running migration: ${filepath}`);
-      
+
       // Run migration in a transaction if possible
+      // IMPORTANT: Include the migrations table insert INSIDE the transaction
+      // to ensure atomicity between schema changes and tracking
       if (db.client.config.client === 'pg') {
         await db.transaction(async (trx) => {
           await migration.up(trx);
+          // Insert migration record inside transaction for atomicity
+          await trx('migrations').insert({ filename });
         });
       } else {
         await migration.up(db);
+        await db('migrations').insert({ filename });
       }
-      
-      await db('migrations').insert({ filename });
+
       console.log(`Migration ${filepath} completed successfully`);
     }
   } catch (error) {
     // Check if error is because schema already exists
-    if (error.code === '42P07' || // PostgreSQL: relation already exists
-        error.code === 'SQLITE_ERROR' && error.message.includes('already exists')) {
+    // PostgreSQL error codes:
+    // - 42P07: duplicate_table (relation already exists)
+    // - 42701: duplicate_column (column already exists)
+    // - 42710: duplicate_object (constraint, index, etc. already exists)
+    // - 23505: unique_violation (migration record already exists)
+    const schemaExistsErrors = ['42P07', '42701', '42710', '23505'];
+    const isSQLiteAlreadyExists = error.code === 'SQLITE_ERROR' && error.message.includes('already exists');
+
+    if (schemaExistsErrors.includes(error.code) || isSQLiteAlreadyExists) {
       console.log(`Migration ${filepath} - schema already exists, marking as applied`);
       await markMigrationAsApplied(path.basename(filepath));
     } else {

backend/migrations/run-migrations.js

@@ -26,11 +26,22 @@ async function runMigration(filepath) {
   const migrationPath = path.join(__dirname, filepath);
   const migration = require(migrationPath);
   const filename = path.basename(filepath);
-  
+
   if (migration.up) {
     console.log(`Running migration: ${filepath}`);
-    await migration.up(db);
-    await db('migrations').insert({ filename });
+
+    // Run migration in a transaction if PostgreSQL to ensure atomicity
+    // between schema changes and migration tracking
+    if (db.client.config.client === 'pg') {
+      await db.transaction(async (trx) => {
+        await migration.up(trx);
+        await trx('migrations').insert({ filename });
+      });
+    } else {
+      await migration.up(db);
+      await db('migrations').insert({ filename });
+    }
+
     console.log(`Migration ${filepath} completed`);
   }
 }

backend/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "picpeak-backend",
-  "version": "2.2.3",
+  "version": "3.28.2-beta.0",
   "description": "Backend for PicPeak event photo sharing platform",
   "main": "server.js",
   "scripts": {
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
     "dev": "nodemon server.js",
     "migrate": "node migrations/run-migrations.js",
     "migrate:safe": "node migrations/run-migrations-safe.js",
+    "generate:watermarks": "node scripts/generate-watermarks.js",
     "test": "jest",
     "lint": "eslint src/"
   },
@@ -18,18 +19,19 @@
     "@ffmpeg-installer/ffmpeg": "^1.1.0",
     "adm-zip": "^0.5.16",
     "archiver": "^5.3.1",
-    "axios": "^1.12.2",
+    "axios": "1.14.0",
     "bcrypt": "6.0.0",
     "chokidar": "4.0.3",
     "cookie-parser": "^1.4.7",
     "cors": "^2.8.5",
     "dotenv": "^16.0.3",
+    "exifr": "^7.1.3",
     "express": "^4.18.2",
     "express-rate-limit": "^6.7.0",
     "express-validator": "^7.0.1",
     "fluent-ffmpeg": "^2.1.3",
     "form-data": "^4.0.4",
-    "handlebars": "^4.7.8",
+    "handlebars": "^4.7.9",
     "helmet": "^7.0.0",
     "i18next": "25.3.2",
     "i18next-browser-languagedetector": "^8.2.0",
@@ -42,7 +44,7 @@
     "mime-types": "^3.0.1",
     "multer": "^2.0.2",
     "node-cron": "^3.0.2",
-    "nodemailer": "^7.0.10",
+    "nodemailer": "^7.0.13",
     "pg": "^8.16.3",
     "react-i18next": "^15.6.0",
     "sanitize-html": "^2.17.0",
@@ -64,7 +66,13 @@
       "tar-fs": "2.1.4"
     },
     "glob": "^11.1.0",
-    "body-parser": "^2.2.1",
-    "js-yaml": "^4.1.1"
+    "js-yaml": "^4.1.1",
+    "fast-xml-parser": ">=5.5.10",
+    "qs": ">=6.14.2",
+    "tar": ">=7.5.13",
+    "brace-expansion": ">=5.0.5",
+    "minimatch": ">=9.0.7",
+    "path-to-regexp": "0.1.13",
+    "lodash": ">=4.18.1"
   }
 }

backend/scripts/create-admin.js

@@ -44,28 +44,39 @@ async function createAdmin() {
       .orWhere('username', username)
       .first();
 
-    if (existingUser) {
-      console.error(`Error: User with email "${email}" or username "${username}" already exists`);
-      process.exit(1);
-    }
-
     // Hash password
     const passwordHash = await bcrypt.hash(password, 10);
 
-    // Create admin user
-    await db('admin_users').insert({
-      username,
-      email,
-      password_hash: passwordHash,
-      is_active: true,
-      created_at: new Date(),
-      updated_at: new Date()
-    });
+    if (existingUser) {
+      // Update existing user's password
+      await db('admin_users')
+        .where('id', existingUser.id)
+        .update({
+          password_hash: passwordHash,
+          updated_at: new Date()
+        });
 
-    console.log(`✅ Admin user created successfully!`);
-    console.log(`   Email: ${email}`);
-    console.log(`   Username: ${username}`);
-    console.log(`   Login URL: ${process.env.ADMIN_URL || 'http://localhost:3000'}/admin/login`);
+      console.log(`✅ Admin user updated successfully!`);
+      console.log(`   Email: ${existingUser.email}`);
+      console.log(`   Username: ${existingUser.username}`);
+      console.log(`   Password has been reset to the provided value`);
+      console.log(`   Login URL: ${process.env.ADMIN_URL || 'http://localhost:3000'}/admin/login`);
+    } else {
+      // Create new admin user
+      await db('admin_users').insert({
+        username,
+        email,
+        password_hash: passwordHash,
+        is_active: true,
+        created_at: new Date(),
+        updated_at: new Date()
+      });
+
+      console.log(`✅ Admin user created successfully!`);
+      console.log(`   Email: ${email}`);
+      console.log(`   Username: ${username}`);
+      console.log(`   Login URL: ${process.env.ADMIN_URL || 'http://localhost:3000'}/admin/login`);
+    }
     
     process.exit(0);
   } catch (error) {

backend/scripts/generate-watermarks.js

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+
+/**
+ * Script to generate pre-watermarked versions for existing photos
+ * This is a one-time migration script to populate watermarks for photos
+ * that existed before the pre-generation feature was implemented.
+ *
+ * Usage: node scripts/generate-watermarks.js [eventId]
+ *
+ * Options:
+ *   eventId - Optional: Only generate watermarks for a specific event
+ *
+ * Examples:
+ *   node scripts/generate-watermarks.js          # Generate for all photos
+ *   node scripts/generate-watermarks.js 5        # Generate for event ID 5
+ */
+
+const path = require('path');
+const { db } = require('../src/database/db');
+const watermarkService = require('../src/services/watermarkService');
+const watermarkGeneratorService = require('../src/services/watermarkGeneratorService');
+
+async function generateWatermarks(eventId = null) {
+  try {
+    console.log('='.repeat(60));
+    console.log('PicPeak Watermark Generation Script');
+    console.log('='.repeat(60));
+
+    // Check if watermarking is enabled
+    const settings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+
+    if (!settings || !settings.enabled) {
+      console.log('\nWatermarking is currently DISABLED in settings.');
+      console.log('Enable watermarking in Admin > Branding settings first.');
+      console.log('Exiting without generating watermarks.');
+      process.exit(0);
+    }
+
+    console.log('\nWatermark Settings:');
+    console.log(`  Enabled: ${settings.enabled}`);
+    console.log(`  Position: ${settings.position}`);
+    console.log(`  Opacity: ${settings.opacity}%`);
+    console.log(`  Size: ${settings.size}%`);
+    console.log(`  Logo: ${settings.logoPath || '(using text fallback)'}`);
+
+    // Build query
+    let query = db('photos')
+      .join('events', 'photos.event_id', 'events.id')
+      .whereNull('photos.watermark_path')
+      .whereNot(function() {
+        this.where('photos.media_type', 'video')
+          .orWhere('photos.mime_type', 'like', 'video/%');
+      })
+      .select(
+        'photos.id',
+        'photos.filename',
+        'photos.event_id',
+        'events.event_name'
+      );
+
+    if (eventId) {
+      query = query.where('photos.event_id', eventId);
+      console.log(`\nFiltering to event ID: ${eventId}`);
+    }
+
+    const photos = await query;
+
+    if (photos.length === 0) {
+      console.log('\nNo photos found without watermarks.');
+      if (eventId) {
+        console.log(`(Checked event ID: ${eventId})`);
+      }
+      console.log('All photos already have pre-generated watermarks or watermarking is disabled.');
+      process.exit(0);
+    }
+
+    console.log(`\nFound ${photos.length} photos without watermarks.`);
+
+    // Group by event for display
+    const eventCounts = {};
+    photos.forEach(p => {
+      eventCounts[p.event_name] = (eventCounts[p.event_name] || 0) + 1;
+    });
+
+    console.log('\nPhotos by event:');
+    Object.entries(eventCounts).forEach(([name, count]) => {
+      console.log(`  ${name}: ${count} photos`);
+    });
+
+    console.log('\nStarting watermark generation...\n');
+
+    let successCount = 0;
+    let failCount = 0;
+    const startTime = Date.now();
+
+    // Process photos with progress display
+    for (let i = 0; i < photos.length; i++) {
+      const photo = photos[i];
+      const progress = Math.round(((i + 1) / photos.length) * 100);
+
+      process.stdout.write(`\r[${progress}%] Processing photo ${i + 1}/${photos.length}: ${photo.filename.substring(0, 30)}...`);
+
+      try {
+        const result = await watermarkGeneratorService.generateForPhoto(photo.id);
+
+        if (result.success) {
+          successCount++;
+        } else {
+          failCount++;
+          console.log(`\n  Failed: ${photo.filename} - ${result.error}`);
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        failCount++;
+        console.log(`\n  Error: ${photo.filename} - ${error.message}`);
+      }
+    }
+
+    const duration = ((Date.now() - startTime) / 1000).toFixed(1);
+
+    console.log('\n');
+    console.log('='.repeat(60));
+    console.log('Watermark Generation Complete');
+    console.log('='.repeat(60));
+    console.log(`  Total processed: ${photos.length}`);
+    console.log(`  Successful: ${successCount}`);
+    console.log(`  Failed: ${failCount}`);
+    console.log(`  Duration: ${duration} seconds`);
+    console.log(`  Average: ${(photos.length / parseFloat(duration)).toFixed(1)} photos/second`);
+
+    if (failCount > 0) {
+      console.log('\nSome watermarks failed to generate. Check the errors above.');
+      console.log('You can re-run this script to retry failed photos.');
+    }
+
+    process.exit(failCount > 0 ? 1 : 0);
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('\nFatal error:', error.message);
+    console.error(error.stack);
+    process.exit(1);
+  }
+}
+
+// Parse command line arguments
+const args = process.argv.slice(2);
+const eventId = args[0] ? parseInt(args[0], 10) : null;
+
+if (args[0] && isNaN(eventId)) {
+  console.error('Error: eventId must be a number');
+  console.log('Usage: node scripts/generate-watermarks.js [eventId]');
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+// Run the script
+generateWatermarks(eventId)
+  .then(() => {
+    process.exit(0);
+  })
+  .catch(error => {
+    console.error('Unhandled error:', error);
+    process.exit(1);
+  });

backend/scripts/show-admin-credentials.js

@@ -36,12 +36,14 @@ async function showAdminCredentials(resetPassword = false) {
         .where('id', admin.id)
         .update({
           password_hash: passwordHash,
+          must_change_password: true,
           updated_at: new Date()
         });
-      
-      // Password logging removed for security - check logs or database if needed
-      console.log('Password: [NEWLY RESET - stored in database]');
-      console.log('\n⚠️  IMPORTANT: New password has been set in database!');
+
+      console.log(`Password: ${newPassword}`);
+      console.log('\n⚠️  IMPORTANT:');
+      console.log('1. Save this password securely - it will not be shown again');
+      console.log('2. You will be required to change it on next login');
     } else {
       console.log('Password: [hidden - use --reset flag to generate new password]');
     }

backend/server.js

@@ -194,13 +194,23 @@ function composeInlineStyles(payload) {
   return cssSegments.join('\n\n');
 }
 
+function escapeHtml(str) {
+  if (!str) return '';
+  return String(str)
+    .replace(/&/g, '&')
+    .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+    .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+    .replace(/"/g, '&quot;')
+    .replace(/'/g, '&#039;');
+}
+
 function renderBrandHeader(branding) {
-  const displayName = branding.companyName || 'PicPeak';
-  const logoSrc = branding.logoUrl || '/picpeak-logo-transparent.png';
+  const displayName = escapeHtml(branding.companyName || 'PicPeak');
+  const logoSrc = encodeURI(branding.logoUrl || '/picpeak-logo-transparent.png');
   const logo = `<img src="${logoSrc}" alt="${displayName}" class="brand-logo" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />`;
 
   const tagline = branding.companyTagline
-    ? `<p class="brand-tagline">${branding.companyTagline}</p>`
+    ? `<p class="brand-tagline">${escapeHtml(branding.companyTagline)}</p>`
     : '';
 
   return `<header class="site-header">
@@ -224,13 +234,14 @@ function renderBrandHeader(branding) {
 }
 
 function renderBrandFooter(branding) {
-  const displayName = branding.companyName || 'PicPeak';
+  const displayName = escapeHtml(branding.companyName || 'PicPeak');
   const footerNote = branding.footerText
-    ? `<p>${branding.footerText}</p>`
+    ? `<p>${escapeHtml(branding.footerText)}</p>`
     : '<p>Powered by PicPeak to keep every celebration beautifully organised.</p>';
 
-  const supportLink = branding.supportEmail
-    ? `<a href="mailto:${branding.supportEmail}">Support</a>`
+  const supportEmail = escapeHtml(branding.supportEmail || '');
+  const supportLink = supportEmail
+    ? `<a href="mailto:${supportEmail}">Support</a>`
     : '';
 
   const legalLinks = `
@@ -252,10 +263,29 @@ function renderBrandFooter(branding) {
 </footer>`;
 }
 
+function buildSeoMetaTags(seoSettings) {
+  const tags = [];
+  const robotsDirectives = [];
+
+  if (seoSettings.seo_meta_noindex) robotsDirectives.push('noindex');
+  if (seoSettings.seo_meta_nofollow) robotsDirectives.push('nofollow');
+
+  if (robotsDirectives.length > 0) {
+    tags.push(`<meta name="robots" content="${robotsDirectives.join(', ')}" />`);
+  }
+
+  if (seoSettings.seo_meta_noai) {
+    tags.push('<meta name="robots" content="noai, noimageai" />');
+  }
+
+  return tags.join('\n  ');
+}
+
 function buildPublicSiteDocument(payload) {
   const inlineStyles = composeInlineStyles(payload);
   const header = renderBrandHeader(payload.branding);
   const footer = renderBrandFooter(payload.branding);
+  const seoMeta = payload.seoSettings ? buildSeoMetaTags(payload.seoSettings) : '';
 
   return `<!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="en">
@@ -263,8 +293,9 @@ function buildPublicSiteDocument(payload) {
   <meta charset="utf-8" />
   <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" />
   <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" />
-  <title>${payload.title}</title>
+  <title>${escapeHtml(payload.title)}</title>
   <meta name="description" content="Curated photo galleries and stories from unforgettable celebrations." />
+  ${seoMeta}
   <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com" />
   <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin />
   <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet" />
@@ -296,6 +327,21 @@ async function handlePublicSiteRequest(req, res, next) {
       return;
     }
 
+    // Inject SEO meta settings into payload
+    try {
+      const seoRows = await db('app_settings')
+        .where('setting_type', 'seo')
+        .whereIn('setting_key', ['seo_meta_noindex', 'seo_meta_nofollow', 'seo_meta_noai'])
+        .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
+      const seoSettings = {};
+      for (const row of seoRows) {
+        let val = row.setting_value;
+        if (typeof val === 'string') { try { val = JSON.parse(val); } catch {} }
+        seoSettings[row.setting_key] = val;
+      }
+      payload.seoSettings = seoSettings;
+    } catch {}
+
     const document = buildPublicSiteDocument(payload);
 
     res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/html; charset=utf-8');
@@ -324,8 +370,22 @@ async function initializeRateLimiters() {
 }
 
 // Note: Rate limiters will be initialized after database connection
-app.use(express.json({ limit: '10gb' }));
-app.use(express.urlencoded({ extended: true, limit: '10gb' }));
+app.use(express.json({ limit: '50mb' }));
+app.use(express.urlencoded({ extended: true, limit: '50mb' }));
+
+// CSRF protection: require JSON Content-Type on mutating API requests
+// This blocks cross-origin form submissions which cannot set Content-Type: application/json
+app.use('/api', (req, res, next) => {
+  if (['POST', 'PUT', 'DELETE', 'PATCH'].includes(req.method)) {
+    const contentType = req.headers['content-type'] || '';
+    const contentLength = parseInt(req.headers['content-length'] || '0', 10);
+    // Allow empty-body requests (e.g. logout), multipart for uploads, and JSON for API calls
+    if (contentLength > 0 && !contentType.includes('application/json') && !contentType.includes('multipart/form-data')) {
+      return res.status(415).json({ error: 'Unsupported Content-Type. Use application/json or multipart/form-data.' });
+    }
+  }
+  next();
+});
 
 // Request logging for API routes (with timestamps)
 const apiRequestLogger = (req, res, next) => {
@@ -351,8 +411,23 @@ app.use('/api/admin', sessionTimeoutMiddleware);
 
 // Middleware to set CORS headers for static files
 const setCorsHeaders = (req, res, next) => {
-  res.header('Access-Control-Allow-Origin', req.headers.origin || '*');
-  res.header('Access-Control-Allow-Credentials', 'true');
+  const origin = req.headers.origin;
+  const staticAllowedOrigins = [
+    process.env.FRONTEND_URL || 'http://localhost:3005',
+    process.env.ADMIN_URL || 'http://localhost:3005'
+  ];
+  if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development') {
+    staticAllowedOrigins.push(
+      'http://localhost:5173',
+      'http://localhost:3002',
+      'http://localhost:3001',
+      'http://localhost:3000'
+    );
+  }
+  if (origin && staticAllowedOrigins.indexOf(origin) !== -1) {
+    res.header('Access-Control-Allow-Origin', origin);
+    res.header('Access-Control-Allow-Credentials', 'true');
+  }
   res.header('Cross-Origin-Resource-Policy', 'cross-origin');
   next();
 };
@@ -395,24 +470,37 @@ if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development') {
   });
 }
 
+// robots.txt endpoint (dynamic, served from DB settings)
+const { generateRobotsTxt } = require('./src/services/robotsTxtService');
+app.get('/robots.txt', async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const robotsTxt = await generateRobotsTxt();
+    res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
+    res.setHeader('Cache-Control', 'public, max-age=3600');
+    res.status(200).send(robotsTxt);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Failed to generate robots.txt', { error: error.message });
+    // Safe default for a private photo platform
+    res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
+    res.status(200).send('User-agent: *\nDisallow: /\n');
+  }
+});
+
 // Health check endpoint
 app.get('/health', async (req, res) => {
   try {
     // Check database connectivity
     await db.raw('SELECT 1');
-    
-    res.json({ 
-      status: 'ok', 
-      database: 'connected',
-      timestamp: new Date().toISOString() 
+
+    res.json({
+      status: 'ok',
+      timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
     });
   } catch (error) {
     logger.error('Health check failed:', error);
-    res.status(503).json({ 
-      status: 'error', 
-      database: 'disconnected',
-      error: error.message,
-      timestamp: new Date().toISOString() 
+    res.status(503).json({
+      status: 'error',
+      timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
     });
   }
 });
@@ -424,19 +512,23 @@ app.use('/api/auth', authRoutes);
 // Gallery routes - main routes first, then feedback routes
 app.use('/api/gallery', galleryRoutes);
 app.use('/api/gallery', require('./src/routes/galleryFeedback'));
+app.use('/api/gallery', require('./src/routes/galleryGuests'));
 app.use('/api/admin', adminRoutes);
 app.use('/api/admin/auth', adminAuthRoutes);
 app.use('/api/admin/system', require('./src/routes/adminSystem'));
 app.use('/api/admin/backup', require('./src/routes/adminBackup'));
 app.use('/api/admin/database-backup', require('./src/routes/adminDatabaseBackup'));
 app.use('/api/admin/feedback', require('./src/routes/adminFeedback'));
+app.use('/api/admin', require('./src/routes/adminGuests'));
 app.use('/api/admin/image-security', require('./src/routes/adminImageSecurity'));
 app.use('/api/admin/thumbnails', require('./src/routes/adminThumbnails'));
+app.use('/api/admin/photos', require('./src/routes/adminPhotoDimensions'));
 app.use('/api/admin/photos', require('./src/routes/adminPhotos'));
 app.use('/api/admin/photo-export', require('./src/routes/adminPhotoExport'));
 app.use('/api/admin/css-templates', require('./src/routes/adminCssTemplates'));
 app.use('/api/admin/events', require('./src/routes/adminEventRename'));
 app.use('/api/admin/users', require('./src/routes/adminUsers'));
+app.use('/api/admin/event-types', require('./src/routes/adminEventTypes'));
 app.use('/api/invite', require('./src/routes/acceptInvite'));
 app.use('/api/public/settings', require('./src/routes/publicSettings'));
 app.use('/api/public', require('./src/routes/publicCMS'));

backend/src/middleware/auth.js

@@ -168,9 +168,10 @@ async function galleryAuth(req, res, next) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found or expired' });
     }
     
-    // Check if gallery has expired
-    if (new Date(event.expires_at) < new Date()) {
-      return res.status(410).json({ 
+    // Check if gallery has expired (only if expires_at is set)
+    // Galleries with null expires_at never expire
+    if (event.expires_at && new Date(event.expires_at) < new Date()) {
+      return res.status(410).json({
         error: 'Gallery has expired',
         code: 'GALLERY_EXPIRED'
       });

backend/src/middleware/feedbackRateLimit.js

@@ -3,9 +3,20 @@ const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
 /**
- * Generate a unique identifier for the guest
+ * Generate a unique identifier for the guest.
+ *
+ * In guest identity mode, `req.guest.identifier` is a server-issued UUID
+ * unique per person per event (set by the resolveGuest middleware). When
+ * present it takes precedence, so rate limits and deduplication become
+ * per-person instead of per-device.
+ *
+ * In simple (legacy) mode, the identifier falls back to a hash of IP + UA,
+ * matching prior behavior.
  */
 function generateGuestIdentifier(req) {
+  if (req.guest && req.guest.identifier) {
+    return req.guest.identifier;
+  }
   const ip = req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress || 'unknown';
   const userAgent = req.headers['user-agent'] || 'unknown';
   return crypto

backend/src/middleware/gallery.js

@@ -4,6 +4,18 @@ const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { getGalleryTokenFromRequest } = require('../utils/tokenUtils');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
+// Check if the request carries a valid admin preview token (Feature 3)
+function isAdminPreview(req) {
+  const previewToken = req.query?.preview;
+  if (!previewToken) return false;
+  try {
+    const decoded = jwt.verify(previewToken, process.env.JWT_SECRET, { issuer: 'picpeak-auth' });
+    return decoded.type === 'admin';
+  } catch {
+    return false;
+  }
+}
+
 // Middleware to verify gallery access
 async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
   try {
@@ -16,15 +28,18 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
         return res.status(401).json({ error: 'No token provided' });
       }
 
+      const adminPreview = isAdminPreview(req);
       event = await withRetry(async () => {
-        return await db('events')
-          .where({ 
+        const q = db('events')
+          .where({
             slug: requestedSlug,
             is_active: formatBoolean(true),
             is_archived: formatBoolean(false)
-          })
-          .select('*')
-          .first();
+          });
+        if (!adminPreview) {
+          q.where({ is_draft: formatBoolean(false) });
+        }
+        return await q.select('*').first();
       });
 
       if (!event) {
@@ -66,15 +81,18 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
     // If we have a slug in the URL params or from pre-middleware, verify it matches
     if (requestedSlug) {
       // Verify by slug and ensure it matches the token's event
+      const adminPreviewToken = isAdminPreview(req);
       event = await withRetry(async () => {
-        return await db('events')
-          .where({ 
+        const q = db('events')
+          .where({
             slug: requestedSlug,
             is_active: formatBoolean(true),
             is_archived: formatBoolean(false)
-          })
-          .select('*')
-          .first();
+          });
+        if (!adminPreviewToken) {
+          q.where({ is_draft: formatBoolean(false) });
+        }
+        return await q.select('*').first();
       });
       
       // Verify the token's eventId matches
@@ -83,15 +101,18 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
       }
     } else {
       // Fallback to using eventId from token
+      const adminPreviewFallback = isAdminPreview(req);
       event = await withRetry(async () => {
-        return await db('events')
-          .where({ 
-            id: decoded.eventId, 
+        const q = db('events')
+          .where({
+            id: decoded.eventId,
             is_active: formatBoolean(true),
             is_archived: formatBoolean(false)
-          })
-          .select('*')
-          .first();
+          });
+        if (!adminPreviewFallback) {
+          q.where({ is_draft: formatBoolean(false) });
+        }
+        return await q.select('*').first();
       });
     }
     
@@ -102,8 +123,9 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
     
     logger.debug('[verifyGalleryAccess] Event located', { eventId: event.id, slug: event.slug });
     req.event = event;
+    req.accessLevel = decoded.accessLevel || 'guest';
     req.sessionID = decoded.sessionId || `gallery_${event.id}_${Date.now()}`;
-    
+
     // Create client info for logging (similar to secureImageMiddleware but simpler)
     req.clientInfo = {
       ip: req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress || 'unknown',
@@ -121,5 +143,6 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
 }
 
 module.exports = {
-  verifyGalleryAccess
+  verifyGalleryAccess,
+  isAdminPreview
 };

backend/src/middleware/guestAuth.js

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+const jwt = require('jsonwebtoken');
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { getGuestTokenFromRequest } = require('../utils/tokenUtils');
+
+/**
+ * Non-blocking middleware. Reads an optional guest token from the request and,
+ * if present and valid, populates req.guest with { id, identifier, name, eventId }.
+ *
+ * If the token is missing, malformed, or expired → req.guest = null and the
+ * request continues. Downstream handlers (e.g. feedback submission) enforce
+ * presence explicitly based on event feedback settings (identity_mode).
+ */
+async function resolveGuest(req, res, next) {
+  try {
+    const slug = req.params?.slug;
+    const token = getGuestTokenFromRequest(req, slug);
+    if (!token) {
+      req.guest = null;
+      return next();
+    }
+
+    let decoded;
+    try {
+      const verified = jwt.verify(token, process.env.JWT_SECRET, {
+        issuer: 'picpeak-auth',
+        complete: true,
+      });
+      decoded = verified.payload;
+    } catch (err) {
+      // Invalid or expired guest tokens are silently ignored so that public
+      // gallery browsing continues to work even if the token is stale.
+      logger.debug('Invalid guest token', { reason: err.message });
+      req.guest = null;
+      return next();
+    }
+
+    if (decoded.type !== 'guest') {
+      req.guest = null;
+      return next();
+    }
+
+    // Verify the guest row still exists and is not soft-deleted.
+    const guest = await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ id: decoded.guestId, event_id: decoded.eventId, is_deleted: false })
+      .first();
+
+    if (!guest) {
+      req.guest = null;
+      return next();
+    }
+
+    req.guest = {
+      id: guest.id,
+      eventId: guest.event_id,
+      identifier: guest.identifier,
+      name: guest.name,
+      email: guest.email || null,
+    };
+
+    return next();
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('resolveGuest middleware error', { error: error.message });
+    req.guest = null;
+    return next();
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Blocking middleware that 401s if no guest identity was resolved.
+ * Use this on endpoints that require a valid guest session.
+ */
+function requireGuest(req, res, next) {
+  if (!req.guest) {
+    return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Guest identity required' });
+  }
+  return next();
+}
+
+/**
+ * Sign a new guest JWT. Scoped to a specific event and guest row.
+ * Expiry matches the gallery token default (24h).
+ */
+function signGuestToken({ guestId, eventId, identifier, name }, expiresIn = '24h') {
+  return jwt.sign(
+    {
+      type: 'guest',
+      guestId,
+      eventId,
+      identifier,
+      name,
+    },
+    process.env.JWT_SECRET,
+    {
+      issuer: 'picpeak-auth',
+      expiresIn,
+    }
+  );
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  resolveGuest,
+  requireGuest,
+  signGuestToken,
+};

backend/src/middleware/ownership.js

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+
+/**
+ * Middleware to enforce event ownership for non-super_admin users.
+ * Super admins bypass the check. Other admins can only access events they created.
+ */
+function requireEventOwnership(req, res, next) {
+  if (req.admin.roleName === 'super_admin') {
+    return next();
+  }
+
+  const eventId = req.params.eventId || req.params.id;
+  if (!eventId) {
+    return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Event ID is required' });
+  }
+
+  db('events')
+    .where('id', eventId)
+    .first()
+    .then((event) => {
+      if (!event) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
+      }
+      // Allow access if: event has no owner (legacy/system), or admin owns it
+      if (event.created_by && event.created_by !== req.admin.id) {
+        return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Access denied' });
+      }
+      next();
+    })
+    .catch((err) => {
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to verify ownership' });
+    });
+}
+
+module.exports = { requireEventOwnership };

backend/src/middleware/sessionTimeout.js

@@ -85,18 +85,28 @@ async function sessionTimeoutMiddleware(req, res, next) {
     const now = Date.now();
     const lastActivity = sessions.get(token);
     const timeout = await getSessionTimeout();
-    
-    // If session exists, check if it's expired
+
     if (lastActivity) {
+      // Existing session — check if idle too long
       if (now - lastActivity > timeout) {
         sessions.delete(token);
-        return res.status(401).json({ 
-          error: 'Session expired', 
-          code: 'SESSION_TIMEOUT' 
+        return res.status(401).json({
+          error: 'Session expired',
+          code: 'SESSION_TIMEOUT'
+        });
+      }
+    } else {
+      // First request with this token — check if token was issued longer ago than the timeout
+      // This prevents old/stolen tokens from bypassing session timeout after server restart
+      const tokenIssuedAt = (decoded.iat || 0) * 1000; // iat is in seconds
+      if (now - tokenIssuedAt > timeout) {
+        return res.status(401).json({
+          error: 'Session expired',
+          code: 'SESSION_TIMEOUT'
         });
       }
     }
-    
+
     // Update last activity
     sessions.set(token, now);
     

backend/src/routes/adminArchives.js

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
 const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
 const archiver = require('archiver');
 const AdmZip = require('adm-zip');
+const { requireEventOwnership } = require('../middleware/ownership');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get all archived events
@@ -82,7 +83,7 @@ router.get('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.view'), async (req, res)
 });
 
 // Get single archive details
-router.get('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const archive = await db('events')
       .where('id', req.params.id)
@@ -138,7 +139,7 @@ router.get('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.view'), async (req, re
 });
 
 // Restore archive
-router.post('/:id/restore', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.restore'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:id/restore', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.restore'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const archive = await db('events')
       .where('id', req.params.id)
@@ -301,7 +302,7 @@ router.post('/:id/restore', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.restore'), as
 });
 
 // Download archive
-router.get('/:id/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.download'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:id/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.download'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const archive = await db('events')
       .where('id', req.params.id)
@@ -350,7 +351,7 @@ router.get('/:id/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.download'), a
 });
 
 // Delete archive permanently
-router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.delete'), async (req, res) => {
+router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('archives.delete'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const archive = await db('events')
       .where('id', req.params.id)

backend/src/routes/adminAuth.js

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 const express = require('express');
 const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
+const jwt = require('jsonwebtoken');
 const { body } = require('express-validator');
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
 const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
@@ -7,6 +8,7 @@ const { endSession } = require('../middleware/sessionTimeout');
 const { validatePasswordStrength } = require('../utils/passwordGenerator');
 const { handleAsync, validateRequest, successResponse } = require('../utils/routeHelpers');
 const { NotFoundError, ConflictError, ValidationError } = require('../utils/errors');
+const { setAdminAuthCookie } = require('../utils/tokenUtils');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get admin profile
@@ -122,15 +124,36 @@ router.post('/change-password', [
   // Hash new password with more rounds
   const newPasswordHash = await bcrypt.hash(newPassword, 12);
 
-  // Update password and clear must_change_password flag
+  // Update password, set password_changed_at to invalidate existing tokens, and clear must_change_password flag
+  const now = new Date();
   await db('admin_users')
     .where('id', userId)
     .update({
       password_hash: newPasswordHash,
+      password_changed_at: now,
       must_change_password: false,
-      updated_at: new Date()
+      updated_at: now
     });
 
+  // Issue a new token so the session remains valid after password_changed_at invalidated the old one.
+  // Set iat to 1 second after password_changed_at to guarantee the token passes the
+  // "iat < password_changed_at" check in auth middleware (password_changed_at has ms precision
+  // but JWT iat is floored to seconds, which can cause the new token to be rejected).
+  const iatAfterPasswordChange = Math.floor(now.getTime() / 1000) + 1;
+  const newToken = jwt.sign({
+    id: user.id,
+    username: user.username,
+    type: 'admin',
+    role: user.role_name,
+    iat: iatAfterPasswordChange,
+    loginTime: Date.now()
+  }, process.env.JWT_SECRET, {
+    expiresIn: '24h',
+    issuer: 'picpeak-auth'
+  });
+
+  setAdminAuthCookie(res, newToken);
+
   // Log activity
   await logActivity('password_changed',
     { admin_id: userId },

backend/src/routes/adminBackup.js

@@ -258,6 +258,13 @@ router.post('/test-connection', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup.create'), a
           break;
         }
 
+        // SSRF protection: block connections to private/internal addresses
+        const { isPrivateIP } = require('../utils/networkValidation');
+        if (isPrivateIP(host)) {
+          res.json({ success: false, message: 'Host cannot be a private or internal network address' });
+          break;
+        }
+
         // Validate username format if provided
         if (user && !/^[a-zA-Z_][a-zA-Z0-9_-]*$/.test(user)) {
           res.json({ success: false, message: 'Invalid username format' });
@@ -355,12 +362,17 @@ router.get('/manifest/:backupRunId', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup.view')
 router.post('/manifest/validate', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { manifestPath } = req.body;
-    
+
     if (!manifestPath) {
       return res.status(400).json({ error: 'manifestPath is required' });
     }
-    
-    const result = await validateBackupManifest(manifestPath);
+
+    // Prevent path traversal — manifest must be within backup directory
+    const backupBasePath = process.env.BACKUP_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../backups');
+    const { safePathJoin } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+    const safePath = safePathJoin(backupBasePath, manifestPath);
+
+    const result = await validateBackupManifest(safePath);
     
     res.json({
       valid: result.valid,
@@ -456,19 +468,24 @@ router.get('/manifests/:backupId/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup
 router.post('/manifests/validate', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { manifestPath, manifestData } = req.body;
-    
+
     if (!manifestPath && !manifestData) {
       return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Either manifestPath or manifestData is required' });
     }
-    
+
     if (manifestData) {
       // Validate provided manifest data directly
       const validationResult = await validateManifestData(manifestData);
       return res.json(validationResult);
     }
-    
+
+    // Prevent path traversal — manifest must be within backup directory
+    const backupBasePath = process.env.BACKUP_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../backups');
+    const { safePathJoin } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+    const safePath = safePathJoin(backupBasePath, manifestPath);
+
     // Use existing validation function for path
-    const result = await validateBackupManifest(manifestPath);
+    const result = await validateBackupManifest(safePath);
     
     res.json({
       valid: result.valid,
@@ -757,10 +774,14 @@ router.get('/checksums', adminAuth, requirePermission('backup.view'), async (req
   try {
     const { path: targetPath = '', recursive = true } = req.query;
     const checksums = {};
-    
+
     // Get storage path
     const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
-    const basePath = targetPath ? path.join(storagePath, targetPath) : storagePath;
+    let basePath = storagePath;
+    if (targetPath) {
+      const { safePathJoin } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+      basePath = safePathJoin(storagePath, targetPath);
+    }
     
     // Calculate checksums for files
     async function calculateDirChecksums(dirPath, relative = '') {

backend/src/routes/adminCategories.js

@@ -106,42 +106,53 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
 
 // Update a category
 router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
-  body('name').notEmpty().withMessage('Category name is required')
+  body('name').notEmpty().withMessage('Category name is required'),
+  body('hero_photo_id').optional({ nullable: true }).custom((value) => {
+    if (value === null || value === undefined) return true;
+    return Number.isInteger(Number(value));
+  }).withMessage('hero_photo_id must be an integer or null')
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const errors = validationResult(req);
     if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
       return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
     }
-    
+
     const { id } = req.params;
-    const { name } = req.body;
-    
+    const { name, hero_photo_id } = req.body;
+
     const category = await db('photo_categories').where('id', id).first();
     if (!category) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Category not found' });
     }
-    
+
+    const updateData = {
+      name,
+      slug: name.toLowerCase()
+        .replace(/[^\w\s-]/g, '')
+        .replace(/\s+/g, '-')
+        .replace(/-+/g, '-')
+        .trim()
+    };
+
+    // Update hero_photo_id if provided (including null to clear it)
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(req.body, 'hero_photo_id')) {
+      updateData.hero_photo_id = hero_photo_id || null;
+    }
+
     await db('photo_categories')
       .where('id', id)
-      .update({
-        name,
-        slug: name.toLowerCase()
-          .replace(/[^\w\s-]/g, '')
-          .replace(/\s+/g, '-')
-          .replace(/-+/g, '-')
-          .trim()
-      });
-    
+      .update(updateData);
+
     const updated = await db('photo_categories').where('id', id).first();
-    
+
     // Log activity
     await logActivity('category_updated',
-      { categoryName: name },
+      { categoryName: name, heroPhotoId: hero_photo_id },
       category.event_id,
       { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
     );
-    
+
     res.json(updated);
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Error updating category:', error);
@@ -149,6 +160,55 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
   }
 });
 
+// Set category hero photo (#163)
+router.put('/:id/hero', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
+  body('hero_photo_id').optional({ nullable: true }).custom((value) => {
+    if (value === null || value === undefined) return true;
+    return Number.isInteger(Number(value));
+  }).withMessage('hero_photo_id must be an integer or null')
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { id } = req.params;
+    const { hero_photo_id } = req.body;
+
+    const category = await db('photo_categories').where('id', id).first();
+    if (!category) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Category not found' });
+    }
+
+    // If hero_photo_id is provided, verify it belongs to a photo in this category
+    if (hero_photo_id) {
+      const photo = await db('photos').where('id', hero_photo_id).first();
+      if (!photo) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
+      }
+    }
+
+    await db('photo_categories')
+      .where('id', id)
+      .update({ hero_photo_id: hero_photo_id || null });
+
+    const updated = await db('photo_categories').where('id', id).first();
+
+    // Log activity
+    await logActivity('category_hero_updated',
+      { categoryName: category.name, heroPhotoId: hero_photo_id },
+      category.event_id,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json(updated);
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('Error updating category hero:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update category hero' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Delete a category
 router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (req, res) => {
   try {

backend/src/routes/adminEmail.js

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ const { body, validationResult } = require('express-validator');
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
 const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
 const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
+const { wrapEmailHtml } = require('../services/emailProcessor');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get email configuration
@@ -60,6 +61,12 @@ router.post('/config', [
       tls_reject_unauthorized
     } = req.body;
 
+    // Validate SMTP host is not a private/internal address (SSRF protection)
+    const { isPrivateIP } = require('../utils/networkValidation');
+    if (isPrivateIP(smtp_host)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'SMTP host cannot point to a private or internal network address' });
+    }
+
     // Check if config exists
     const existingConfig = await db('email_configs').first();
     
@@ -159,22 +166,26 @@ router.post('/test', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.send'), async (req, res
 
     const transporter = nodemailer.createTransport(transportConfig);
 
-    // Send test email
+    // Send test email with the same wrapper used for all other emails
+    const subject = 'Test Email - Photo Sharing Platform';
+    const testHtmlBody = `
+      <h2>Test Email Successful!</h2>
+      <p>This is a test email from your Photo Sharing platform.</p>
+      <p>If you're seeing this, your email configuration is working correctly.</p>
+      <hr>
+      <p style="color: #666; font-size: 12px;">
+        Sent from: ${config.from_email}<br>
+        SMTP Host: ${config.smtp_host}<br>
+        Time: ${new Date().toISOString()}
+      </p>
+    `;
+    const wrappedHtml = await wrapEmailHtml(testHtmlBody, subject);
+
     await transporter.sendMail({
       from: `${config.from_name} <${config.from_email}>`,
       to: test_email,
-      subject: 'Test Email - Photo Sharing Platform',
-      html: `
-        <h2>Test Email Successful!</h2>
-        <p>This is a test email from your Photo Sharing platform.</p>
-        <p>If you're seeing this, your email configuration is working correctly.</p>
-        <hr>
-        <p style="color: #666; font-size: 12px;">
-          Sent from: ${config.from_email}<br>
-          SMTP Host: ${config.smtp_host}<br>
-          Time: ${new Date().toISOString()}
-        </p>
-      `,
+      subject,
+      html: wrappedHtml,
       text: 'Test Email Successful! Your email configuration is working correctly.'
     });
 
@@ -237,6 +248,58 @@ router.post('/test', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.send'), async (req, res
   }
 });
 
+// Helper: parse variables JSON safely
+function parseVariables(template) {
+  try {
+    if (!template.variables) return [];
+    if (typeof template.variables === 'object') return template.variables;
+    return JSON.parse(template.variables);
+  } catch (e) {
+    console.warn('Failed to parse variables for template:', template.template_key, e.message);
+    return [];
+  }
+}
+
+// Helper: get translations for a template, with legacy column fallback
+async function getTemplateTranslations(templateId, template) {
+  const translations = {};
+  try {
+    const rows = await db('email_template_translations')
+      .where('template_id', templateId)
+      .select('language', 'subject', 'body_html', 'body_text');
+
+    rows.forEach(row => {
+      translations[row.language] = {
+        subject: row.subject || '',
+        body_html: row.body_html || '',
+        body_text: row.body_text || '',
+      };
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    // Translations table might not exist yet (pre-migration)
+    // Fall back to legacy columns
+    if (template.subject_en !== undefined) {
+      translations.en = {
+        subject: template.subject_en || '',
+        body_html: template.body_html_en || '',
+        body_text: template.body_text_en || '',
+      };
+      translations.de = {
+        subject: template.subject_de || '',
+        body_html: template.body_html_de || '',
+        body_text: template.body_text_de || '',
+      };
+    } else {
+      translations.en = {
+        subject: template.subject || '',
+        body_html: template.body_html || '',
+        body_text: template.body_text || '',
+      };
+    }
+  }
+  return translations;
+}
+
 // Get email templates
 router.get('/templates', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {
@@ -244,45 +307,17 @@ router.get('/templates', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.view'), async (req,
       .select('*')
       .orderBy('template_key');
 
-    // Parse variables JSON and format for multi-language support
-    const formattedTemplates = templates.map(template => {
-      const result = {
+    const formattedTemplates = [];
+    for (const template of templates) {
+      const translations = await getTemplateTranslations(template.id, template);
+      formattedTemplates.push({
         id: template.id,
         template_key: template.template_key,
-        variables: (() => {
-          try {
-            if (!template.variables) return [];
-            if (typeof template.variables === 'object') return template.variables;
-            return JSON.parse(template.variables);
-          } catch (e) {
-            console.warn('Failed to parse variables for template:', template.template_key, e.message);
-            return [];
-          }
-        })(),
-        updated_at: template.updated_at
-      };
-      
-      // Handle both old and new schema formats
-      if (template.subject_en !== undefined) {
-        // New schema with language columns
-        result.subject_en = template.subject_en;
-        result.body_html_en = template.body_html_en;
-        result.body_text_en = template.body_text_en;
-        result.subject_de = template.subject_de;
-        result.body_html_de = template.body_html_de;
-        result.body_text_de = template.body_text_de;
-      } else {
-        // Old schema - use basic columns for both languages
-        result.subject_en = template.subject;
-        result.body_html_en = template.body_html;
-        result.body_text_en = template.body_text;
-        result.subject_de = template.subject;
-        result.body_html_de = template.body_html;
-        result.body_text_de = template.body_text;
-      }
-      
-      return result;
-    });
+        variables: parseVariables(template),
+        translations,
+        updated_at: template.updated_at,
+      });
+    }
 
     res.json(formattedTemplates);
   } catch (error) {
@@ -302,119 +337,99 @@ router.get('/templates/:key', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.view'), async
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Template not found' });
     }
 
-    // Handle both old and new schema formats
-    const response = {
+    const translations = await getTemplateTranslations(template.id, template);
+
+    res.json({
       id: template.id,
       template_key: template.template_key,
-      variables: (() => {
-        try {
-          if (!template.variables) return [];
-          if (typeof template.variables === 'object') return template.variables;
-          return JSON.parse(template.variables);
-        } catch (e) {
-          console.warn('Failed to parse variables for template:', template.template_key, e.message);
-          return [];
-        }
-      })(),
-      updated_at: template.updated_at
-    };
-    
-    // Check which columns exist and use them appropriately
-    if (template.subject_en !== undefined) {
-      // New schema with language columns
-      response.subject_en = template.subject_en;
-      response.body_html_en = template.body_html_en;
-      response.body_text_en = template.body_text_en;
-      response.subject_de = template.subject_de;
-      response.body_html_de = template.body_html_de;
-      response.body_text_de = template.body_text_de;
-    } else {
-      // Old schema - use basic columns for both languages
-      response.subject_en = template.subject;
-      response.body_html_en = template.body_html;
-      response.body_text_en = template.body_text;
-      response.subject_de = template.subject;
-      response.body_html_de = template.body_html;
-      response.body_text_de = template.body_text;
-    }
-    
-    res.json(response);
+      variables: parseVariables(template),
+      translations,
+      updated_at: template.updated_at,
+    });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Email template fetch error:', error);
     res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch email template' });
   }
 });
 
-// Update email template
+// Update email template translations
 router.put('/templates/:key', [
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('email.edit'),
-  body('subject_en').optional().notEmpty().withMessage('English subject cannot be empty'),
-  body('subject_de').optional().notEmpty().withMessage('German subject cannot be empty'),
-  body('body_html_en').optional().notEmpty().withMessage('English HTML body cannot be empty'),
-  body('body_html_de').optional().notEmpty().withMessage('German HTML body cannot be empty')
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    const errors = validationResult(req);
-    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
-      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
-    }
-
-    const {
-      subject_en, subject_de,
-      body_html_en, body_html_de,
-      body_text_en, body_text_de
-    } = req.body;
-
-    const updateData = {
-      updated_at: new Date()
-    };
-
-    // Check which columns exist in the database
     const template = await db('email_templates')
       .where('template_key', req.params.key)
       .first();
-      
+
     if (!template) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Template not found' });
     }
 
-    // Determine schema type and update accordingly
-    if (template.subject_en !== undefined) {
-      // New schema with language columns
-      if (subject_en !== undefined) updateData.subject_en = subject_en;
-      if (subject_de !== undefined) updateData.subject_de = subject_de;
-      if (body_html_en !== undefined) updateData.body_html_en = body_html_en;
-      if (body_html_de !== undefined) updateData.body_html_de = body_html_de;
-      if (body_text_en !== undefined) updateData.body_text_en = body_text_en || '';
-      if (body_text_de !== undefined) updateData.body_text_de = body_text_de || '';
-      
-      // Also update basic columns if they exist
-      if (template.subject !== undefined) {
-        updateData.subject = subject_en || updateData.subject_en;
-        updateData.body_html = body_html_en || updateData.body_html_en;
-        updateData.body_text = body_text_en || updateData.body_text_en || '';
-      }
-    } else {
-      // Old schema - only update basic columns
-      if (subject_en !== undefined) {
-        updateData.subject = subject_en;
-        updateData.body_html = body_html_en;
-        updateData.body_text = body_text_en || '';
+    const { translations } = req.body;
+
+    if (!translations || typeof translations !== 'object') {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'translations object is required' });
+    }
+
+    // Upsert each language translation
+    for (const [language, data] of Object.entries(translations)) {
+      if (!data || typeof data !== 'object') continue;
+
+      const existing = await db('email_template_translations')
+        .where({ template_id: template.id, language })
+        .first();
+
+      const row = {
+        subject: data.subject || '',
+        body_html: data.body_html || '',
+        body_text: data.body_text || '',
+        updated_at: new Date(),
+      };
+
+      if (existing) {
+        await db('email_template_translations')
+          .where({ template_id: template.id, language })
+          .update(row);
+      } else {
+        await db('email_template_translations').insert({
+          template_id: template.id,
+          language,
+          ...row,
+          created_at: new Date(),
+        });
       }
     }
 
-    const updated = await db('email_templates')
-      .where('template_key', req.params.key)
-      .update(updateData);
+    // Update timestamp on parent template
+    await db('email_templates')
+      .where('id', template.id)
+      .update({ updated_at: new Date() });
 
-    if (!updated) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Template not found' });
+    // Also sync legacy columns for backward compatibility
+    const enData = translations.en;
+    const deData = translations.de;
+    const legacyUpdate = { updated_at: new Date() };
+    const columnInfo = await db('email_templates').columnInfo();
+
+    if (enData && columnInfo.subject_en) {
+      legacyUpdate.subject_en = enData.subject || '';
+      legacyUpdate.body_html_en = enData.body_html || '';
+      legacyUpdate.body_text_en = enData.body_text || '';
     }
+    if (deData && columnInfo.subject_de) {
+      legacyUpdate.subject_de = deData.subject || '';
+      legacyUpdate.body_html_de = deData.body_html || '';
+      legacyUpdate.body_text_de = deData.body_text || '';
+    }
+
+    await db('email_templates')
+      .where('id', template.id)
+      .update(legacyUpdate);
 
     // Log activity
     await logActivity('email_template_updated',
-      { template_key: req.params.key },
+      { template_key: req.params.key, languages: Object.keys(translations) },
       null,
       { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
     );
@@ -438,29 +453,64 @@ router.post('/templates/:key/preview', adminAuth, requirePermission('email.view'
     }
 
     const { preview_data, language = 'en' } = req.body;
-    
-    // Get the appropriate language version
-    const subjectField = language === 'de' && template.subject_de ? 'subject_de' : 'subject_en';
-    const htmlField = language === 'de' && template.body_html_de ? 'body_html_de' : 'body_html_en';
-    const textField = language === 'de' && template.body_text_de ? 'body_text_de' : 'body_text_en';
-    
-    // Handle backward compatibility
-    let htmlContent = template[htmlField] || template.body_html || '';
-    let textContent = template[textField] || template.body_text || '';
-    let subject = template[subjectField] || template.subject || '';
+
+    // Get translation from translations table with fallback
+    let translation = null;
+    try {
+      translation = await db('email_template_translations')
+        .where({ template_id: template.id, language })
+        .first();
+
+      if (!translation && language !== 'en') {
+        translation = await db('email_template_translations')
+          .where({ template_id: template.id, language: 'en' })
+          .first();
+      }
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Fallback to legacy columns
+    }
+
+    let subject = '';
+    let htmlContent = '';
+    let textContent = '';
+
+    if (translation) {
+      subject = translation.subject || '';
+      htmlContent = translation.body_html || '';
+      textContent = translation.body_text || '';
+    } else {
+      // Legacy column fallback
+      const subjectField = language === 'de' && template.subject_de ? 'subject_de' : 'subject_en';
+      const htmlField = language === 'de' && template.body_html_de ? 'body_html_de' : 'body_html_en';
+      const textField = language === 'de' && template.body_text_de ? 'body_text_de' : 'body_text_en';
+      subject = template[subjectField] || template.subject || '';
+      htmlContent = template[htmlField] || template.body_html || '';
+      textContent = template[textField] || template.body_text || '';
+    }
 
     if (preview_data) {
+      const escapeHtml = (str) => String(str)
+        .replace(/&/g, '&amp;')
+        .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+        .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+        .replace(/"/g, '&quot;')
+        .replace(/'/g, '&#039;');
+
       Object.keys(preview_data).forEach(key => {
         const regex = new RegExp(`{{${key}}}`, 'g');
-        htmlContent = htmlContent.replace(regex, preview_data[key]);
+        const escapedValue = escapeHtml(preview_data[key]);
+        htmlContent = htmlContent.replace(regex, escapedValue);
         textContent = textContent.replace(regex, preview_data[key]);
-        subject = subject.replace(regex, preview_data[key]);
+        subject = subject.replace(regex, escapeHtml(preview_data[key]));
       });
     }
 
+    // Wrap in the full styled email template with header/footer/logo
+    const wrappedHtml = await wrapEmailHtml(htmlContent, subject, language);
+
     res.json({
       subject,
-      body_html: htmlContent,
+      body_html: wrappedHtml,
       body_text: textContent,
       language
     });

backend/src/routes/adminEventTypes.js

@@ -0,0 +1,258 @@
+/**
+ * Admin Event Types Routes
+ * CRUD operations for managing customizable event types
+ *
+ * @module routes/adminEventTypes
+ */
+
+const express = require('express');
+const { body, param, validationResult } = require('express-validator');
+const { logActivity } = require('../database/db');
+const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
+const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
+const eventTypeService = require('../services/eventTypeService');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+const router = express.Router();
+
+/**
+ * GET /admin/event-types
+ * Get all event types (for admin management)
+ */
+router.get('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const includeInactive = req.query.includeInactive === 'true';
+    const eventTypes = await eventTypeService.getAllEventTypes({
+      activeOnly: !includeInactive
+    });
+
+    res.json({ eventTypes });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error fetching event types:', { error: error.message });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch event types' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * GET /admin/event-types/active
+ * Get only active event types (for dropdowns/selection)
+ */
+router.get('/active', adminAuth, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const eventTypes = await eventTypeService.getActiveEventTypes();
+    res.json({ eventTypes });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error fetching active event types:', { error: error.message });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch event types' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * GET /admin/event-types/:id
+ * Get a single event type by ID
+ */
+router.get('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), [
+  param('id').isInt().withMessage('Invalid event type ID')
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { id } = req.params;
+    const eventType = await eventTypeService.getEventTypeById(parseInt(id));
+
+    if (!eventType) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event type not found' });
+    }
+
+    res.json(eventType);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error fetching event type:', { error: error.message });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch event type' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * POST /admin/event-types
+ * Create a new event type
+ */
+router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
+  body('name').notEmpty().trim().withMessage('Name is required'),
+  body('slug_prefix')
+    .notEmpty()
+    .trim()
+    .isLength({ min: 2, max: 50 })
+    .matches(/^[a-z0-9-]+$/i)
+    .withMessage('Slug prefix must be 2-50 characters and contain only letters, numbers, and hyphens'),
+  body('emoji').optional().trim(),
+  body('theme_preset').optional().trim(),
+  body('theme_config').optional(),
+  body('display_order').optional().isInt({ min: 0 })
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const {
+      name,
+      slug_prefix,
+      emoji,
+      theme_preset,
+      theme_config,
+      display_order
+    } = req.body;
+
+    const eventType = await eventTypeService.createEventType({
+      name,
+      slug_prefix,
+      emoji,
+      theme_preset,
+      theme_config,
+      display_order
+    });
+
+    // Log activity
+    await logActivity('event_type_created',
+      { name, slug_prefix },
+      null,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.status(201).json(eventType);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error creating event type:', { error: error.message });
+
+    if (error.code === 'DUPLICATE_SLUG_PREFIX') {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: error.message });
+    }
+
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to create event type' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * PUT /admin/event-types/:id
+ * Update an event type
+ */
+router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
+  param('id').isInt().withMessage('Invalid event type ID'),
+  body('name').optional().notEmpty().trim().withMessage('Name cannot be empty'),
+  body('slug_prefix')
+    .optional()
+    .trim()
+    .isLength({ min: 2, max: 50 })
+    .matches(/^[a-z0-9-]+$/i)
+    .withMessage('Slug prefix must be 2-50 characters and contain only letters, numbers, and hyphens'),
+  body('emoji').optional().trim(),
+  body('theme_preset').optional().trim(),
+  body('theme_config').optional(),
+  body('display_order').optional().isInt({ min: 0 }),
+  body('is_active').optional().isBoolean()
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { id } = req.params;
+    const updates = req.body;
+
+    const eventType = await eventTypeService.updateEventType(parseInt(id), updates);
+
+    // Log activity
+    await logActivity('event_type_updated',
+      { id, changes: Object.keys(updates) },
+      null,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json(eventType);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error updating event type:', { error: error.message });
+
+    if (error.code === 'NOT_FOUND') {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: error.message });
+    }
+    if (error.code === 'DUPLICATE_SLUG_PREFIX') {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: error.message });
+    }
+
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update event type' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * DELETE /admin/event-types/:id
+ * Delete an event type (only non-system types with no events)
+ */
+router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
+  param('id').isInt().withMessage('Invalid event type ID')
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { id } = req.params;
+    const result = await eventTypeService.deleteEventType(parseInt(id));
+
+    // Log activity
+    await logActivity('event_type_deleted',
+      { id, name: result.deleted.name, slug_prefix: result.deleted.slug_prefix },
+      null,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json({ message: 'Event type deleted successfully' });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error deleting event type:', { error: error.message });
+
+    if (error.code === 'NOT_FOUND') {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: error.message });
+    }
+    if (error.code === 'SYSTEM_TYPE' || error.code === 'IN_USE') {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: error.message });
+    }
+
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to delete event type' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * POST /admin/event-types/reorder
+ * Reorder event types by providing an array of IDs in the desired order
+ */
+router.post('/reorder', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), [
+  body('orderedIds').isArray().withMessage('orderedIds must be an array'),
+  body('orderedIds.*').isInt().withMessage('Each ID must be an integer')
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { orderedIds } = req.body;
+    const eventTypes = await eventTypeService.reorderEventTypes(orderedIds);
+
+    // Log activity
+    await logActivity('event_types_reordered',
+      { newOrder: orderedIds },
+      null,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json({ eventTypes, message: 'Event types reordered successfully' });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error reordering event types:', { error: error.message });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to reorder event types' });
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/adminEvents-enhanced.js

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ const { buildShareLinkVariants } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
 const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
 
 // Enhanced event creation with password validation
+// Note: This is a partial/reference file - dynamic event type validation should be implemented
+// similar to adminEvents.js using eventTypeService.isValidEventType()
 router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
-  body('event_type').isIn(['wedding', 'birthday', 'corporate', 'other']),
+  body('event_type').notEmpty().trim(), // Dynamic validation via eventTypeService
   body('event_name').notEmpty().trim(),
   body('event_date').isDate(),
   body('customer_email').isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
@@ -40,7 +42,8 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       color_theme = null,
       expiration_days = 30,
       allow_user_uploads = false,
-      upload_category_id = null
+      upload_category_id = null,
+      photo_cap = null
     } = req.body;
     
     // Validate password strength for gallery
@@ -103,7 +106,8 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       expires_at: expires_at.toISOString(),
       created_at: new Date().toISOString(),
       allow_user_uploads,
-      upload_category_id
+      upload_category_id,
+      photo_cap: photo_cap || null
     }).returning('id');
     
     // Handle both PostgreSQL (returns array of objects) and SQLite (returns array of IDs)

backend/src/routes/adminEvents.js

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const express = require('express');
-const { body, query, validationResult } = require('express-validator');
+const { body, validationResult } = require('express-validator');
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
 const crypto = require('crypto');
 const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const path = require('path');
+const multer = require('multer');
 const { archiveEvent } = require('../services/archiveService');
 const { queueEmail } = require('../services/emailProcessor');
 const { escapeLikePattern } = require('../utils/sqlSecurity');
@@ -16,7 +17,50 @@ const { escapeLikePattern } = require('../utils/sqlSecurity');
 const { validatePasswordInContext, getBcryptRounds } = require('../utils/passwordValidation');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 const { buildShareLinkVariants } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
-const { parseBooleanInput, parseStringInput, parseJsonInput } = require('../utils/parsers');
+const { parseBooleanInput, parseStringInput } = require('../utils/parsers');
+const eventTypeService = require('../services/eventTypeService');
+const { validateFileType } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+const { requireEventOwnership } = require('../middleware/ownership');
+const { getFrontendBaseUrl } = require('../utils/frontendUrl');
+
+// Shared validator for hero_image_anchor – accepts legacy keywords or "X% Y%" focal point
+const validateHeroImageAnchor = (value) => {
+  if (['top', 'center', 'bottom'].includes(value)) return true;
+  if (typeof value === 'string' && /^\d{1,3}%\s+\d{1,3}%$/.test(value)) {
+    const [x, y] = value.split(/\s+/).map(v => parseInt(v));
+    if (x >= 0 && x <= 100 && y >= 0 && y <= 100) return true;
+  }
+  throw new Error('Must be top, center, bottom, or "X% Y%" (0-100)');
+};
+
+// Get storage path from environment or default
+const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
+
+// Configure multer for event logo uploads
+const eventLogoStorage = multer.diskStorage({
+  destination: async (req, file, cb) => {
+    const uploadDir = path.join(getStoragePath(), 'uploads/logos/events');
+    await fs.mkdir(uploadDir, { recursive: true });
+    cb(null, uploadDir);
+  },
+  filename: (req, file, cb) => {
+    const ext = path.extname(file.originalname);
+    cb(null, `event-${req.params.id}-logo-${Date.now()}${ext}`);
+  }
+});
+
+const eventLogoUpload = multer({
+  storage: eventLogoStorage,
+  limits: { fileSize: 5 * 1024 * 1024 }, // 5MB
+  fileFilter: (req, file, cb) => {
+    const allowedMimeTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/gif', 'image/svg+xml'];
+    if (validateFileType(file.originalname, file.mimetype, allowedMimeTypes)) {
+      return cb(null, true);
+    } else {
+      cb(new Error('Only JPEG, PNG, GIF and SVG image files are allowed'));
+    }
+  }
+});
 
 // Helper to get event field requirements from settings
 const getEventFieldRequirements = async () => {
@@ -25,14 +69,18 @@ const getEventFieldRequirements = async () => {
       .whereIn('setting_key', [
         'event_require_customer_name',
         'event_require_customer_email',
-        'event_require_admin_email'
+        'event_require_admin_email',
+        'event_require_event_date',
+        'event_require_expiration'
       ])
       .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
 
     const requirements = {
       require_customer_name: true,
       require_customer_email: true,
-      require_admin_email: true
+      require_admin_email: true,
+      require_event_date: true,
+      require_expiration: true
     };
 
     settings.forEach(s => {
@@ -47,6 +95,8 @@ const getEventFieldRequirements = async () => {
       if (s.setting_key === 'event_require_customer_name') requirements.require_customer_name = value;
       if (s.setting_key === 'event_require_customer_email') requirements.require_customer_email = value;
       if (s.setting_key === 'event_require_admin_email') requirements.require_admin_email = value;
+      if (s.setting_key === 'event_require_event_date') requirements.require_event_date = value;
+      if (s.setting_key === 'event_require_expiration') requirements.require_expiration = value;
     });
 
     return requirements;
@@ -55,7 +105,53 @@ const getEventFieldRequirements = async () => {
     return {
       require_customer_name: true,
       require_customer_email: true,
-      require_admin_email: true
+      require_admin_email: true,
+      require_event_date: true,
+      require_expiration: true
+    };
+  }
+};
+
+// Helper to get branding defaults for new events (Feature 7: Branding Inheritance)
+const getBrandingDefaults = async () => {
+  try {
+    const settings = await db('app_settings')
+      .whereIn('setting_key', [
+        'branding_logo_display_hero',
+        'branding_logo_size',
+        'branding_logo_position'
+      ])
+      .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
+
+    const defaults = {
+      hero_logo_visible: true,
+      hero_logo_size: 'medium',
+      hero_logo_position: 'top'
+    };
+
+    settings.forEach(s => {
+      let value = s.setting_value;
+      if (typeof value === 'string') {
+        try { value = JSON.parse(value); } catch (e) { /* use as-is */ }
+      }
+      if (s.setting_key === 'branding_logo_display_hero') {
+        defaults.hero_logo_visible = value !== false;
+      }
+      if (s.setting_key === 'branding_logo_size' && value) {
+        defaults.hero_logo_size = value;
+      }
+      if (s.setting_key === 'branding_logo_position' && value) {
+        defaults.hero_logo_position = value;
+      }
+    });
+
+    return defaults;
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Failed to get branding defaults', { error: error.message });
+    return {
+      hero_logo_visible: true,
+      hero_logo_size: 'medium',
+      hero_logo_position: 'top'
     };
   }
 };
@@ -74,6 +170,8 @@ const mapEventForApi = (event) => {
     host_email,
     customer_name,
     customer_email,
+    password_hash: _ph,
+    client_password_hash: _cph,
     ...rest
   } = event;
 
@@ -104,12 +202,18 @@ const hasCustomerContactColumns = async () => {
 
 // Create new event
 router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
-  body('event_type').isIn(['wedding', 'birthday', 'corporate', 'other']),
+  body('event_type').notEmpty().trim().custom(async (value) => {
+    const isValid = await eventTypeService.isValidEventType(value);
+    if (!isValid) {
+      throw new Error('Invalid event type');
+    }
+    return true;
+  }),
   body('event_name').notEmpty().trim(),
-  body('event_date').isDate(),
+  body('event_date').optional({ values: 'falsy' }).isDate(),
   body('customer_name').optional().trim(),
-  body('customer_email').optional().isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
-  body('admin_email').optional().isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
+  body('customer_email').optional({ values: 'falsy' }).isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
+  body('admin_email').optional({ values: 'falsy' }).isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
   body('require_password').optional().isBoolean(),
   body('password').optional().isString().custom((value, { req }) => {
     const input = req.body.require_password;
@@ -143,7 +247,24 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
   body('disable_right_click').optional().isBoolean(),
   body('watermark_downloads').optional().isBoolean(),
   body('watermark_text').optional().trim(),
-  body('css_template_id').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).isInt()
+  body('css_template_id').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).isInt(),
+  // Hero logo settings
+  body('hero_logo_visible').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('hero_logo_size').optional().isIn(['small', 'medium', 'large', 'xlarge']),
+  body('hero_logo_position').optional().isIn(['top', 'center', 'bottom']),
+  // Header style settings (decoupled from layout)
+  body('header_style').optional().isIn(['hero', 'standard', 'minimal', 'none']),
+  body('hero_divider_style').optional().isIn(['wave', 'straight', 'angle', 'curve', 'none']),
+  // Hero image anchor position (#162) – accepts legacy keywords or "X% Y%" focal point
+  body('hero_image_anchor').optional().custom(validateHeroImageAnchor),
+  // Client access settings (#172)
+  body('client_access_enabled').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('client_password').optional().isString(),
+  body('default_photo_sort').optional().isIn([
+    'upload_date_desc', 'upload_date_asc',
+    'capture_date_desc', 'capture_date_asc',
+    'filename_asc', 'filename_desc'
+  ])
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     logger.debug('Create event request body', { body: req.body });
@@ -182,7 +303,25 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       moderate_comments = true,
       show_feedback_to_guests = true,
       // CSS Template
-      css_template_id = null
+      css_template_id = null,
+      // Hero logo settings
+      hero_logo_visible = true,
+      hero_logo_size = 'medium',
+      hero_logo_position = 'top',
+      // Header style settings
+      header_style = 'standard',
+      hero_divider_style = 'wave',
+      // Hero image anchor position (#162)
+      hero_image_anchor = 'center',
+      // Photo cap
+      photo_cap = null,
+      // Client access settings (#172)
+      client_access_enabled = false,
+      client_password = null,
+      // Draft mode
+      is_draft = true,
+      // Default photo sort
+      default_photo_sort = 'upload_date_desc'
     } = req.body;
 
     const customerName = getCustomerNameFromPayload(req.body);
@@ -201,6 +340,9 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
     if (fieldRequirements.require_admin_email && !admin_email) {
       validationErrors.push({ path: 'admin_email', msg: 'Admin email is required' });
     }
+    if (fieldRequirements.require_event_date && !event_date) {
+      validationErrors.push({ path: 'event_date', msg: 'Event date is required' });
+    }
 
     if (validationErrors.length > 0) {
       return res.status(400).json({ errors: validationErrors });
@@ -245,10 +387,13 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       .replace(/[^a-z0-9]/g, '-') // Replace non-alphanumeric with dash
       .replace(/-+/g, '-')         // Replace multiple dashes with single dash
       .replace(/^-|-$/g, '');      // Remove leading/trailing dashes
-    const baseSlug = `${event_type}-${processedEventName}-${event_date}`;
+
+    // Use event_date in slug if provided, otherwise use random suffix
+    const slugSuffix = event_date || crypto.randomBytes(3).toString('hex');
+    const baseSlug = `${event_type}-${processedEventName}-${slugSuffix}`;
     let slug = baseSlug;
     let counter = 1;
-    
+
     while (await db('events').where({ slug }).first()) {
       slug = `${baseSlug}-${counter}`;
       counter++;
@@ -256,7 +401,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
     
     // Generate share link respecting configured format
     const shareToken = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
-    const { sharePath, shareUrl, shareLinkToStore } = await buildShareLinkVariants({ slug, shareToken });
+    const { shareUrl, shareLinkToStore } = await buildShareLinkVariants({ slug, shareToken });
     
     // Hash password with configurable rounds (random placeholder when not required)
     const password_hash = requirePassword
@@ -264,15 +409,20 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       : await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
     
     // Calculate expiration date (days after event date)
-    // Parse YYYY-MM-DD format as local date to avoid timezone issues
-    let expires_at;
-    if (event_date.match(/^\d{4}-\d{2}-\d{2}$/)) {
-      const [year, month, day] = event_date.split('-').map(num => parseInt(num, 10));
-      expires_at = new Date(year, month - 1, day);
-    } else {
-      expires_at = new Date(event_date);
+    // If expiration is not required, expires_at will be null (never expires)
+    // If event_date is not provided, use current date as base for expiration
+    let expires_at = null;
+    if (fieldRequirements.require_expiration) {
+      const baseDate = event_date || new Date().toISOString().split('T')[0];
+      // Parse YYYY-MM-DD format as local date to avoid timezone issues
+      if (baseDate.match(/^\d{4}-\d{2}-\d{2}$/)) {
+        const [year, month, day] = baseDate.split('-').map(num => parseInt(num, 10));
+        expires_at = new Date(year, month - 1, day);
+      } else {
+        expires_at = new Date(baseDate);
+      }
+      expires_at.setDate(expires_at.getDate() + parseInt(expiration_days, 10));
     }
-    expires_at.setDate(expires_at.getDate() + parseInt(expiration_days, 10));
     
     // Create folder structure
     const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
@@ -280,22 +430,48 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
     await fs.mkdir(path.join(eventPath, 'collages'), { recursive: true });
     await fs.mkdir(path.join(eventPath, 'individual'), { recursive: true });
     
+    // Sync header_style / hero_divider_style from color_theme JSON when not
+    // explicitly provided in the request body (#158).
+    let effectiveHeaderStyle = header_style;
+    let effectiveDividerStyle = hero_divider_style;
+    if (color_theme && (!req.body.header_style || !req.body.hero_divider_style)) {
+      try {
+        if (typeof color_theme === 'string' && color_theme.startsWith('{')) {
+          const parsed = JSON.parse(color_theme);
+          if (!req.body.header_style && parsed.headerStyle) {
+            effectiveHeaderStyle = parsed.headerStyle;
+          }
+          if (!req.body.hero_divider_style && parsed.heroDividerStyle) {
+            effectiveDividerStyle = parsed.heroDividerStyle;
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (_) {
+        // color_theme is not JSON – nothing to extract
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Get branding defaults for hero logo settings (Feature 7: Branding Inheritance)
+    const brandingDefaults = await getBrandingDefaults();
+    const effectiveHeroLogoVisible = req.body.hero_logo_visible !== undefined ? hero_logo_visible : brandingDefaults.hero_logo_visible;
+    const effectiveHeroLogoSize = req.body.hero_logo_size || brandingDefaults.hero_logo_size;
+    const effectiveHeroLogoPosition = req.body.hero_logo_position || brandingDefaults.hero_logo_position;
+
     // Insert into database
     const insertResult = await db('events').insert({
       slug,
       event_type,
       event_name,
-      event_date,
+      event_date: event_date || null,
       ...(customerColumnsAvailable ? { customer_name: customerName, customer_email: customerEmail } : {}),
-      host_name: customerName,
-      host_email: customerEmail,
-      admin_email,
+      host_name: customerName || null,
+      host_email: customerEmail || null,
+      admin_email: admin_email || null,
       password_hash,
       welcome_message,
       color_theme,
       share_link: shareLinkToStore,
       share_token: shareToken,
-      expires_at: expires_at.toISOString(),
+      expires_at: expires_at ? expires_at.toISOString() : null,
       created_at: new Date().toISOString(),
       created_by: req.admin.id,
       allow_user_uploads,
@@ -305,7 +481,22 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       watermark_downloads: formatBoolean(watermark_downloads !== undefined ? watermark_downloads : false),
       watermark_text,
       require_password: formatBoolean(requirePassword),
-      css_template_id: css_template_id || null
+      css_template_id: css_template_id || null,
+      hero_logo_visible: formatBoolean(effectiveHeroLogoVisible),
+      hero_logo_size: effectiveHeroLogoSize,
+      hero_logo_position: effectiveHeroLogoPosition,
+      header_style: effectiveHeaderStyle || 'standard',
+      hero_divider_style: effectiveDividerStyle || 'wave',
+      hero_image_anchor: hero_image_anchor || 'center',
+      photo_cap: photo_cap || null,
+      is_draft: formatBoolean(parseBooleanInput(is_draft, true)),
+      default_photo_sort: default_photo_sort || 'upload_date_desc',
+      // Client access (#172)
+      client_access_enabled: formatBoolean(client_access_enabled),
+      ...(client_access_enabled && client_password ? {
+        client_password_hash: await bcrypt.hash(client_password, getBcryptRounds()),
+        client_share_token: crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex')
+      } : {})
     }).returning('id');
     
     // Handle both PostgreSQL (returns array of objects) and SQLite (returns array of IDs)
@@ -335,14 +526,13 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
     );
     
-    // Queue creation email
+    // Queue creation email (only if there is a recipient and event is not a draft)
     // Language detection is handled by email processor
-    
-    await db('email_queue').insert({
-      event_id: eventId,
-      recipient_email: customerEmail,
-      email_type: 'gallery_created',
-      email_data: JSON.stringify({
+    const isDraft = parseBooleanInput(is_draft, true);
+
+    if (customerEmail && !isDraft) {
+      // Build email data with optional client access info
+      const emailData = {
         customer_name: customerName,
         customer_email: customerEmail,
         host_name: customerName || (customerEmail ? customerEmail.split('@')[0] : null),
@@ -350,13 +540,28 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
         event_date: event_date,  // Pass raw date - will be formatted by email processor
         gallery_link: shareUrl,
         gallery_password: requirePassword ? password : 'No password required',
-        expiry_date: expires_at.toISOString(),  // Pass ISO string - will be formatted by email processor
+        expiry_date: expires_at ? expires_at.toISOString() : null,  // Pass ISO string - will be formatted by email processor
         welcome_message: welcome_message || ''
-      }),
-      status: 'pending',
-      created_at: new Date()
-      // scheduled_at will use default value
-    });
+      };
+
+      // Include client access info in email when enabled (#172)
+      if (client_access_enabled && client_password) {
+        const createdEvent = await db('events').where('id', eventId).first();
+        const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || process.env.APP_URL || '';
+        emailData.client_link = `${frontendUrl}/gallery/${slug}/client-access?token=${createdEvent.client_share_token}`;
+        emailData.client_password = client_password;
+      }
+
+      await db('email_queue').insert({
+        event_id: eventId,
+        recipient_email: customerEmail,
+        email_type: 'gallery_created',
+        email_data: JSON.stringify(emailData),
+        status: 'pending',
+        created_at: new Date()
+        // scheduled_at will use default value
+      });
+    }
     
     res.json({
       id: eventId,
@@ -366,8 +571,10 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.create'), [
       customer_name: customerName,
       customer_email: customerEmail,
       require_password: requirePassword,
+      photo_cap: photo_cap || null,
+      is_draft: isDraft,
       share_link: shareUrl,
-      expires_at: expires_at.toISOString(),
+      expires_at: expires_at ? expires_at.toISOString() : null,
       created_at: new Date().toISOString()
     });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -384,8 +591,9 @@ router.get('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.view'), async (req, res) =>
     const offset = (page - 1) * limit;
     const search = req.query.search || '';
     const status = req.query.status || 'all';
-    const sortBy = req.query.sortBy || 'created_at';
-    const sortOrder = req.query.sortOrder || 'desc';
+    const allowedSortBy = ['created_at', 'event_name', 'slug', 'updated_at', 'expires_at', 'capture_date'];
+    const sortBy = allowedSortBy.includes(req.query.sortBy) ? req.query.sortBy : 'created_at';
+    const sortOrder = ['asc', 'desc'].includes(req.query.sortOrder) ? req.query.sortOrder : 'desc';
 
     // Build query
     let query = db('events');
@@ -412,6 +620,8 @@ router.get('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.view'), async (req, res) =>
       query = query.where('is_archived', formatBoolean(true));
     } else if (status === 'inactive') {
       query = query.where('is_active', formatBoolean(false)).where('is_archived', formatBoolean(false));
+    } else if (status === 'draft') {
+      query = query.where('is_draft', formatBoolean(true));
     } else if (status === 'expiring') {
       const sevenDaysFromNow = new Date();
       sevenDaysFromNow.setDate(sevenDaysFromNow.getDate() + 7);
@@ -536,12 +746,71 @@ router.get('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.view'), async (req, res)
   }
 });
 
+// Publish a draft event (set is_draft=false and queue creation email)
+router.post('/:id/publish', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { id } = req.params;
+    const event = await db('events').where('id', id).first();
+
+    if (!event) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (!parseBooleanInput(event.is_draft, false)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Event is already published' });
+    }
+
+    // Set is_draft to false
+    await db('events').where('id', id).update({ is_draft: formatBoolean(false) });
+
+    // Queue creation email
+    const customerEmail = event.customer_email || event.host_email;
+    const customerName = event.customer_name || event.host_name;
+    if (customerEmail) {
+      const frontendBase = await getFrontendBaseUrl();
+      const { shareUrl } = await buildShareLinkVariants({ slug: event.slug, shareToken: event.share_token });
+
+      const emailData = {
+        customer_name: customerName,
+        customer_email: customerEmail,
+        host_name: customerName || (customerEmail ? customerEmail.split('@')[0] : null),
+        event_name: event.event_name,
+        event_date: event.event_date,
+        gallery_link: shareUrl || `${frontendBase}/gallery/${event.slug}`,
+        gallery_password: parseBooleanInput(event.require_password, true) ? '(set at creation)' : 'No password required',
+        expiry_date: event.expires_at ? new Date(event.expires_at).toISOString() : null,
+        welcome_message: event.welcome_message || ''
+      };
+
+      await db('email_queue').insert({
+        event_id: id,
+        recipient_email: customerEmail,
+        email_type: 'gallery_created',
+        email_data: JSON.stringify(emailData),
+        status: 'pending',
+        created_at: new Date()
+      });
+    }
+
+    await logActivity('event_published',
+      { event_name: event.event_name },
+      id,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json({ message: 'Event published successfully', is_draft: false });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error publishing event:', { error: error.message });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to publish event' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Update event
-router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
+router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, [
   body('event_name').optional().trim().notEmpty(),
   body('admin_email').optional().isEmail(),
   body('is_active').optional().isBoolean(),
-  body('expires_at').optional().isISO8601(),
+  body('expires_at').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).isISO8601(),
   body('welcome_message').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).trim(),
   body('color_theme').optional({ nullable: true }),
   body('allow_user_uploads').optional().isBoolean(),
@@ -573,7 +842,7 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
   body('overlay_protection').optional().isBoolean(),
   body('image_quality').optional().isInt({ min: 1, max: 100 }),
   body('fragmentation_level').optional().isInt({ min: 1, max: 10 }),
-  body('password').optional().isString().custom((value, { req }) => {
+  body('password').optional().isString().custom((value) => {
     if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') {
       return true;
     }
@@ -582,7 +851,25 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
     }
     return true;
   }),
-  body('css_template_id').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).isInt()
+  body('css_template_id').optional({ nullable: true, checkFalsy: true }).isInt(),
+  // Hero logo settings
+  body('hero_logo_visible').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('hero_logo_size').optional().isIn(['small', 'medium', 'large', 'xlarge']),
+  body('hero_logo_position').optional().isIn(['top', 'center', 'bottom']),
+  // Header style settings (decoupled from layout)
+  body('header_style').optional().isIn(['hero', 'standard', 'minimal', 'none']),
+  body('hero_divider_style').optional().isIn(['wave', 'straight', 'angle', 'curve', 'none']),
+  // Hero image anchor position (#162) – accepts legacy keywords or "X% Y%" focal point
+  body('hero_image_anchor').optional().custom(validateHeroImageAnchor),
+  // Client access settings (#172)
+  body('client_access_enabled').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('client_password').optional().isString(),
+  body('regenerate_client_token').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('default_photo_sort').optional().isIn([
+    'upload_date_desc', 'upload_date_asc',
+    'capture_date_desc', 'capture_date_asc',
+    'filename_asc', 'filename_desc'
+  ])
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const errors = validationResult(req);
@@ -661,6 +948,25 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
       return res.status(400).json({ error: 'external_path is required when source_mode is reference' });
     }
 
+    // Handle client access fields (#172)
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'client_access_enabled')) {
+      updates.client_access_enabled = formatBoolean(updates.client_access_enabled);
+      // Auto-generate client share token when first enabling
+      if (parseBooleanInput(updates.client_access_enabled, false) && !event.client_share_token) {
+        updates.client_share_token = crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex');
+      }
+    }
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'client_password') && updates.client_password) {
+      updates.client_password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(updates.client_password, getBcryptRounds());
+      delete updates.client_password;
+    } else {
+      delete updates.client_password;
+    }
+    if (updates.regenerate_client_token) {
+      updates.client_share_token = crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex');
+    }
+    delete updates.regenerate_client_token;
+
     // Log the update request for debugging
     logger.debug('Update event request', {
       id,
@@ -694,6 +1000,43 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
       updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
     }
 
+    // Enforce expires_at requirement based on app settings
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'expires_at')) {
+      if (!updates.expires_at) {
+        const fieldReqs = await getEventFieldRequirements();
+        if (fieldReqs.require_expiration) {
+          return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Expiration date is required.' });
+        }
+        updates.expires_at = null;
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Format hero logo settings if provided
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'hero_logo_visible')) {
+      updates.hero_logo_visible = formatBoolean(updates.hero_logo_visible);
+    }
+
+    // Sync header_style / hero_divider_style from color_theme JSON when not
+    // explicitly provided in the request body (#158).  This ensures the
+    // database columns stay in sync even if the frontend only sends the
+    // serialised theme object.
+    if (updates.color_theme && !Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'header_style')) {
+      try {
+        const themeStr = typeof updates.color_theme === 'string' ? updates.color_theme : '';
+        if (themeStr.startsWith('{')) {
+          const parsed = JSON.parse(themeStr);
+          if (parsed.headerStyle) {
+            updates.header_style = parsed.headerStyle;
+          }
+          if (parsed.heroDividerStyle && !Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'hero_divider_style')) {
+            updates.hero_divider_style = parsed.heroDividerStyle;
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (_) {
+        // color_theme is not JSON (e.g. preset name) – nothing to extract
+      }
+    }
+
     // Update event
     await db('events')
       .where('id', id)
@@ -714,7 +1057,7 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), [
 });
 
 // Delete event
-router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.delete'), async (req, res) => {
+router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.delete'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
 
@@ -759,7 +1102,7 @@ router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.delete'), async (req,
       if (event.archive_path) {
         const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
         const archivePath = path.join(storagePath, event.archive_path);
-        
+
         try {
           const fsPromises = require('fs').promises;
           await fsPromises.unlink(archivePath);
@@ -768,6 +1111,16 @@ router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.delete'), async (req,
           // Don't fail the transaction if file deletion fails
         }
       }
+
+      // Delete custom event logo if exists
+      if (event.hero_logo_path) {
+        try {
+          const fsPromises = require('fs').promises;
+          await fsPromises.unlink(event.hero_logo_path);
+        } catch (err) {
+          logger.warn('Failed to delete event logo file during event deletion', { path: event.hero_logo_path, error: err.message });
+        }
+      }
     });
 
     // Log activity (outside transaction)
@@ -795,7 +1148,7 @@ router.delete('/:id', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.delete'), async (req,
 });
 
 // Toggle event status
-router.post('/:id/toggle-status', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:id/toggle-status', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
 
@@ -835,7 +1188,7 @@ router.post('/:id/toggle-status', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), a
 });
 
 // Reset event password
-router.post('/:id/reset-password', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:id/reset-password', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
     const { sendEmail = true } = req.body;
@@ -902,7 +1255,7 @@ router.post('/:id/reset-password', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'),
 });
 
 // Resend creation email
-router.post('/:id/resend-email', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:id/resend-email', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
 
@@ -927,7 +1280,8 @@ router.post('/:id/resend-email', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), as
     
     // For resending creation email, we need the actual password
     // First, try to get it from the request body if provided
-    let galleryPassword = req.body.password;
+    // Use optional chaining to handle cases where req.body might be undefined
+    let galleryPassword = req.body?.password;
     
     // If no password provided, we can't decrypt the existing one
     // So we'll show a security message
@@ -985,7 +1339,7 @@ router.post('/:id/resend-email', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), as
 });
 
 // Archive event
-router.post('/:id/archive', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.archive'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:id/archive', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.archive'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
 
@@ -1094,4 +1448,103 @@ router.post('/bulk-archive', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.archive'), [
   }
 });
 
+// Upload event custom logo
+router.post('/:id/logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, eventLogoUpload.single('logo'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { id } = req.params;
+
+    // Check if event exists
+    let eventQuery = db('events').where('id', id);
+    if (req.admin.roleName === 'editor') {
+      eventQuery = eventQuery.where('created_by', req.admin.id);
+    }
+    const event = await eventQuery.first();
+    if (!event) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (!req.file) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'No logo file provided' });
+    }
+
+    // Delete old logo file if exists
+    if (event.hero_logo_path) {
+      try {
+        await fs.unlink(event.hero_logo_path);
+        logger.debug('Deleted old event logo file', { path: event.hero_logo_path });
+      } catch (err) {
+        logger.warn('Failed to delete old event logo file', { path: event.hero_logo_path, error: err.message });
+      }
+    }
+
+    const logoUrl = `/uploads/logos/events/${req.file.filename}`;
+    const logoPath = req.file.path;
+
+    await db('events')
+      .where('id', id)
+      .update({
+        hero_logo_url: logoUrl,
+        hero_logo_path: logoPath
+      });
+
+    await logActivity('event_logo_uploaded',
+      { eventName: event.event_name, filename: req.file.filename },
+      id,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json({
+      message: 'Event logo uploaded successfully',
+      hero_logo_url: logoUrl
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error uploading event logo:', { error: error.message, eventId: req.params.id });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to upload event logo' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Delete event custom logo
+router.delete('/:id/logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('events.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { id } = req.params;
+
+    let eventQuery = db('events').where('id', id);
+    if (req.admin.roleName === 'editor') {
+      eventQuery = eventQuery.where('created_by', req.admin.id);
+    }
+    const event = await eventQuery.first();
+    if (!event) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
+    }
+
+    // Delete logo file if exists
+    if (event.hero_logo_path) {
+      try {
+        await fs.unlink(event.hero_logo_path);
+        logger.debug('Deleted event logo file', { path: event.hero_logo_path });
+      } catch (err) {
+        logger.warn('Failed to delete event logo file', { path: event.hero_logo_path, error: err.message });
+      }
+    }
+
+    await db('events')
+      .where('id', id)
+      .update({
+        hero_logo_url: null,
+        hero_logo_path: null
+      });
+
+    await logActivity('event_logo_removed',
+      { eventName: event.event_name },
+      id,
+      { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+    );
+
+    res.json({ message: 'Event logo removed successfully' });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error deleting event logo:', { error: error.message, eventId: req.params.id });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to delete event logo' });
+  }
+});
+
 module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/adminExternalMedia.js

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
 const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
 const { list, resolveExternalPath, getExternalMediaRoot } = require('../services/externalMediaService');
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
+const sharp = require('sharp');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
 const router = express.Router();
@@ -108,6 +109,18 @@ router.post('/events/:id/import-external', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.
           .first();
         if (exists) { skipped++; continue; }
         const stats = await fs.stat(f.full);
+
+        // Extract dimensions via Sharp
+        let width = null;
+        let height = null;
+        try {
+          const metadata = await sharp(f.full).metadata();
+          width = metadata.width || null;
+          height = metadata.height || null;
+        } catch (dimErr) {
+          logger.warn(`Could not extract dimensions for ${f.rel}: ${dimErr.message}`);
+        }
+
         const inserted = await db('photos')
           .insert({
             event_id: eventId,
@@ -117,6 +130,8 @@ router.post('/events/:id/import-external', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.
             thumbnail_path: null,
             type,
             size_bytes: stats.size,
+            width,
+            height,
             source_origin: 'external',
             external_relpath: f.rel
           })

backend/src/routes/adminFeedback.js

@@ -12,11 +12,13 @@ const {
   validateWordFilter,
   checkValidation
 } = require('../utils/feedbackValidation');
+const { requireEventOwnership } = require('../middleware/ownership');
 
 // Get event feedback settings
 router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback-settings',
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
   validateEventId,
   checkValidation,
   async (req, res) => {
@@ -42,6 +44,7 @@ router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback-settings',
 router.put('/events/:eventId/feedback-settings',
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('events.edit'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
   validateEventId,
   validateFeedbackSettings,
   checkValidation,
@@ -79,6 +82,7 @@ router.put('/events/:eventId/feedback-settings',
 router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback',
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
   validateEventId,
   checkValidation,
   async (req, res) => {
@@ -204,6 +208,7 @@ router.delete('/feedback/:feedbackId',
 router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback-analytics',
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
   validateEventId,
   checkValidation,
   async (req, res) => {
@@ -304,6 +309,7 @@ router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback-analytics',
 router.get('/events/:eventId/feedback/export',
   adminAuth,
   requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
   validateEventId,
   checkValidation,
   async (req, res) => {

backend/src/routes/adminGuests.js

@@ -0,0 +1,609 @@
+const express = require('express');
+const crypto = require('crypto');
+const archiver = require('archiver');
+const router = express.Router();
+const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
+const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
+const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
+const { requireEventOwnership } = require('../middleware/ownership');
+const feedbackService = require('../services/feedbackService');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+const FRONTEND_URL = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || '';
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Helpers
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+async function loadGuestOr404(eventId, guestId, res) {
+  const guest = await db('gallery_guests')
+    .where({ id: guestId, event_id: eventId, is_deleted: false })
+    .first();
+  if (!guest) {
+    res.status(404).json({ error: 'Guest not found' });
+    return null;
+  }
+  return guest;
+}
+
+function serializeGuest(row) {
+  return {
+    id: row.id,
+    name: row.name,
+    email: row.email,
+    created_at: row.created_at,
+    last_seen_at: row.last_seen_at,
+    email_verified_at: row.email_verified_at,
+    is_deleted: row.is_deleted,
+  };
+}
+
+function escapeCsvCell(value) {
+  const str = value == null ? '' : String(value);
+  if (/[,"\n\r]/.test(str)) {
+    return `"${str.replace(/"/g, '""')}"`;
+  }
+  return str;
+}
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests — list guests with aggregated counts
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId } = req.params;
+
+      const rows = await db('gallery_guests')
+        .leftJoin('photo_feedback', function () {
+          this.on('photo_feedback.guest_id', '=', 'gallery_guests.id');
+        })
+        .where('gallery_guests.event_id', eventId)
+        .where('gallery_guests.is_deleted', false)
+        .groupBy('gallery_guests.id')
+        .select(
+          'gallery_guests.id',
+          'gallery_guests.name',
+          'gallery_guests.email',
+          'gallery_guests.created_at',
+          'gallery_guests.last_seen_at',
+          'gallery_guests.email_verified_at',
+          db.raw("COUNT(CASE WHEN photo_feedback.feedback_type = 'like' THEN 1 END) AS likes"),
+          db.raw("COUNT(CASE WHEN photo_feedback.feedback_type = 'favorite' THEN 1 END) AS favorites"),
+          db.raw("COUNT(CASE WHEN photo_feedback.feedback_type = 'comment' THEN 1 END) AS comments"),
+          db.raw("COUNT(CASE WHEN photo_feedback.feedback_type = 'rating' THEN 1 END) AS ratings"),
+          db.raw('COUNT(DISTINCT photo_feedback.photo_id) AS distinct_photos')
+        )
+        .orderBy('gallery_guests.created_at', 'desc');
+
+      const guests = rows.map((r) => ({
+        ...serializeGuest(r),
+        stats: {
+          likes: parseInt(r.likes, 10) || 0,
+          favorites: parseInt(r.favorites, 10) || 0,
+          comments: parseInt(r.comments, 10) || 0,
+          ratings: parseInt(r.ratings, 10) || 0,
+          distinct_photos: parseInt(r.distinct_photos, 10) || 0,
+        },
+      }));
+
+      res.json({ guests });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error listing guests:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to list guests' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests/aggregate — photos sorted by distinct
+// guest pick count (Phase 2 aggregate view)
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/aggregate',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId } = req.params;
+
+      const photos = await db('photos')
+        .leftJoin('photo_feedback', function () {
+          this.on('photo_feedback.photo_id', '=', 'photos.id')
+            .andOn(db.raw("photo_feedback.feedback_type IN ('like','favorite')"))
+            .andOnNotNull('photo_feedback.guest_id');
+        })
+        .where('photos.event_id', eventId)
+        .groupBy('photos.id')
+        .select(
+          'photos.id',
+          'photos.filename',
+          'photos.original_filename',
+          db.raw('COUNT(DISTINCT photo_feedback.guest_id) AS picker_count')
+        )
+        .orderBy('picker_count', 'desc')
+        .orderBy('photos.id', 'desc');
+
+      res.json({
+        photos: photos
+          .filter((p) => parseInt(p.picker_count, 10) > 0)
+          .map((p) => ({
+            id: p.id,
+            filename: p.filename,
+            original_filename: p.original_filename,
+            url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/photo/${p.id}`,
+            thumbnail_url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/thumbnail/${p.id}`,
+            picker_count: parseInt(p.picker_count, 10),
+          })),
+      });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error fetching aggregate view:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch aggregate view' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests/invites — list pre-minted invites
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/invites',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId } = req.params;
+      const event = await db('events').where({ id: eventId }).first();
+
+      const rows = await db('guest_invites')
+        .leftJoin('gallery_guests', 'gallery_guests.id', 'guest_invites.guest_id')
+        .where('guest_invites.event_id', eventId)
+        .select(
+          'guest_invites.id',
+          'guest_invites.token',
+          'guest_invites.created_at',
+          'guest_invites.redeemed_at',
+          'guest_invites.revoked_at',
+          'gallery_guests.id as guest_id',
+          'gallery_guests.name as guest_name',
+          'gallery_guests.email as guest_email'
+        )
+        .orderBy('guest_invites.created_at', 'desc');
+
+      const invites = rows.map((r) => ({
+        id: r.id,
+        token: r.token,
+        url: `${FRONTEND_URL}/gallery/${event.slug}?invite=${r.token}`,
+        created_at: r.created_at,
+        redeemed_at: r.redeemed_at,
+        revoked_at: r.revoked_at,
+        status: r.revoked_at ? 'revoked' : r.redeemed_at ? 'redeemed' : 'pending',
+        guest: {
+          id: r.guest_id,
+          name: r.guest_name,
+          email: r.guest_email,
+        },
+      }));
+
+      res.json({ invites });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error listing invites:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to list invites' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// POST /admin/events/:eventId/guests/invites — create guest + invite
+// Body: { name, email? }
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.post(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/invites',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.edit'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId } = req.params;
+      const name = String(req.body?.name || '').trim().slice(0, 100);
+      const email = String(req.body?.email || '').trim().slice(0, 255).toLowerCase();
+      if (!name) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Name is required' });
+      }
+
+      const identifier = crypto.randomUUID();
+      const inviteToken = crypto.randomBytes(24).toString('hex');
+
+      let guestId;
+      let inviteId;
+      await db.transaction(async (trx) => {
+        const [guestRow] = await trx('gallery_guests')
+          .insert({
+            event_id: eventId,
+            name,
+            email: email || null,
+            identifier,
+          })
+          .returning(['id']);
+        guestId = guestRow.id;
+
+        const [inviteRow] = await trx('guest_invites')
+          .insert({
+            event_id: eventId,
+            guest_id: guestId,
+            token: inviteToken,
+            created_by_admin_id: req.admin.id,
+          })
+          .returning(['id']);
+        inviteId = inviteRow.id;
+      });
+
+      await logActivity(
+        'guest_invite_created',
+        { event_id: eventId, guest_id: guestId, invite_id: inviteId },
+        eventId,
+        { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+      );
+
+      const event = await db('events').where({ id: eventId }).first();
+      res.json({
+        invite: {
+          id: inviteId,
+          token: inviteToken,
+          url: `${FRONTEND_URL}/gallery/${event.slug}?invite=${inviteToken}`,
+          status: 'pending',
+          guest: { id: guestId, name, email: email || null },
+        },
+      });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error creating invite:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to create invite' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// DELETE /admin/events/:eventId/guests/invites/:inviteId — revoke
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.delete(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/invites/:inviteId',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.edit'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId, inviteId } = req.params;
+      const updated = await db('guest_invites')
+        .where({ id: inviteId, event_id: eventId })
+        .whereNull('revoked_at')
+        .update({ revoked_at: db.fn.now() });
+
+      if (!updated) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Invite not found or already revoked' });
+      }
+
+      await logActivity(
+        'guest_invite_revoked',
+        { event_id: eventId, invite_id: inviteId },
+        eventId,
+        { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+      );
+
+      res.json({ success: true });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error revoking invite:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to revoke invite' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests/export-all — ZIP of per-guest exports
+// Query: format=txt|csv|json (default: csv)
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/export-all',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId } = req.params;
+      const format = ['txt', 'csv', 'json'].includes(req.query.format) ? req.query.format : 'csv';
+
+      const guests = await db('gallery_guests')
+        .where({ event_id: eventId, is_deleted: false })
+        .select('id', 'name', 'email');
+
+      if (guests.length === 0) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'No guests to export' });
+      }
+
+      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/zip');
+      res.setHeader(
+        'Content-Disposition',
+        `attachment; filename="event-${eventId}-guests.zip"`
+      );
+
+      const archive = archiver('zip', { zlib: { level: 9 } });
+      archive.on('error', (err) => {
+        logger.error('Archive error:', err);
+        res.status(500).end();
+      });
+      archive.pipe(res);
+
+      for (const g of guests) {
+        const selections = await db('photo_feedback')
+          .join('photos', 'photo_feedback.photo_id', 'photos.id')
+          .where('photo_feedback.guest_id', g.id)
+          .whereIn('photo_feedback.feedback_type', ['like', 'favorite'])
+          .select('photos.filename', 'photos.original_filename', 'photo_feedback.feedback_type');
+
+        const safeName = g.name.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9_-]/g, '_') || `guest_${g.id}`;
+        const filename = `${safeName}.${format}`;
+
+        let body;
+        if (format === 'json') {
+          body = JSON.stringify({ guest: g, selections }, null, 2);
+        } else if (format === 'csv') {
+          const header = 'filename,original_filename,feedback_type';
+          const rows = selections.map(
+            (s) =>
+              `${escapeCsvCell(s.filename)},${escapeCsvCell(s.original_filename)},${escapeCsvCell(s.feedback_type)}`
+          );
+          body = [header, ...rows].join('\n');
+        } else {
+          // txt — just filenames
+          body = selections.map((s) => s.original_filename || s.filename).join('\n');
+        }
+        archive.append(body, { name: filename });
+      }
+
+      await archive.finalize();
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error exporting all guests:', error);
+      if (!res.headersSent) {
+        res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to export guests' });
+      }
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId — guest detail with selections
+// (Phase 2)
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId, guestId } = req.params;
+      const guest = await loadGuestOr404(eventId, guestId, res);
+      if (!guest) return;
+
+      const feedback = await db('photo_feedback')
+        .join('photos', 'photo_feedback.photo_id', 'photos.id')
+        .where('photo_feedback.guest_id', guestId)
+        .select(
+          'photo_feedback.id as feedback_id',
+          'photo_feedback.feedback_type',
+          'photo_feedback.rating',
+          'photo_feedback.comment_text',
+          'photo_feedback.created_at',
+          'photos.id as photo_id',
+          'photos.filename',
+          'photos.original_filename',
+          'photos.type'
+        )
+        .orderBy('photo_feedback.created_at', 'desc');
+
+      const photoFor = (row) => ({
+        id: row.photo_id,
+        filename: row.filename,
+        original_filename: row.original_filename,
+        type: row.type,
+        url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/photo/${row.photo_id}`,
+        thumbnail_url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/thumbnail/${row.photo_id}`,
+      });
+
+      const selections = {
+        liked: [],
+        favorited: [],
+        rated: [],
+        commented: [],
+      };
+      for (const row of feedback) {
+        if (row.feedback_type === 'like') {
+          selections.liked.push(photoFor(row));
+        } else if (row.feedback_type === 'favorite') {
+          selections.favorited.push(photoFor(row));
+        } else if (row.feedback_type === 'rating') {
+          selections.rated.push({ photo: photoFor(row), rating: row.rating });
+        } else if (row.feedback_type === 'comment') {
+          selections.commented.push({
+            photo: photoFor(row),
+            comment: row.comment_text,
+            created_at: row.created_at,
+          });
+        }
+      }
+
+      res.json({
+        guest: {
+          ...serializeGuest(guest),
+          stats: {
+            likes: selections.liked.length,
+            favorites: selections.favorited.length,
+            comments: selections.commented.length,
+            ratings: selections.rated.length,
+          },
+        },
+        selections,
+      });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error fetching guest detail:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch guest detail' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GET /admin/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId/export — per-guest export
+// Query: format=txt|csv|json
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.get(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId/export',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.view'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId, guestId } = req.params;
+      const format = ['txt', 'csv', 'json'].includes(req.query.format) ? req.query.format : 'txt';
+      const guest = await loadGuestOr404(eventId, guestId, res);
+      if (!guest) return;
+
+      const selections = await db('photo_feedback')
+        .join('photos', 'photo_feedback.photo_id', 'photos.id')
+        .where('photo_feedback.guest_id', guestId)
+        .whereIn('photo_feedback.feedback_type', ['like', 'favorite'])
+        .select('photos.filename', 'photos.original_filename', 'photo_feedback.feedback_type');
+
+      const safeName = guest.name.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9_-]/g, '_') || `guest_${guest.id}`;
+      const filename = `${safeName}.${format}`;
+
+      if (format === 'json') {
+        res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/json');
+        res.setHeader('Content-Disposition', `attachment; filename="${filename}"`);
+        return res.send(JSON.stringify({ guest: serializeGuest(guest), selections }, null, 2));
+      }
+      if (format === 'csv') {
+        res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/csv');
+        res.setHeader('Content-Disposition', `attachment; filename="${filename}"`);
+        const header = 'filename,original_filename,feedback_type';
+        const rows = selections.map(
+          (s) =>
+            `${escapeCsvCell(s.filename)},${escapeCsvCell(s.original_filename)},${escapeCsvCell(s.feedback_type)}`
+        );
+        return res.send([header, ...rows].join('\n'));
+      }
+      // txt — one filename per line
+      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
+      res.setHeader('Content-Disposition', `attachment; filename="${filename}"`);
+      return res.send(selections.map((s) => s.original_filename || s.filename).join('\n'));
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error exporting guest:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to export guest' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// DELETE /admin/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId — anonymize (soft delete)
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.delete(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/:guestId',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.edit'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId, guestId } = req.params;
+      const guest = await loadGuestOr404(eventId, guestId, res);
+      if (!guest) return;
+
+      const result = await feedbackService.anonymizeGuestFeedback(guestId);
+
+      await db('gallery_guests').where({ id: guestId }).update({
+        is_deleted: true,
+        name: 'Removed',
+        email: null,
+        last_seen_at: db.fn.now(),
+      });
+
+      await logActivity(
+        'guest_deleted',
+        { event_id: eventId, guest_id: guestId, anonymized: result.anonymized },
+        eventId,
+        { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+      );
+
+      res.json({ success: true, ...result });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error deleting guest:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to delete guest' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// POST /admin/events/:eventId/guests/:keepId/merge — merge guests (Phase 3.4)
+// Body: { mergeIds: number[] }
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+router.post(
+  '/events/:eventId/guests/:keepId/merge',
+  adminAuth,
+  requirePermission('events.edit'),
+  requireEventOwnership,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { eventId, keepId } = req.params;
+      const mergeIds = Array.isArray(req.body?.mergeIds) ? req.body.mergeIds : [];
+
+      if (mergeIds.length === 0) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'mergeIds is required' });
+      }
+      if (mergeIds.includes(Number(keepId))) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Cannot merge a guest into itself' });
+      }
+
+      // Sanity check: all guests belong to this event.
+      const all = await db('gallery_guests')
+        .whereIn('id', [Number(keepId), ...mergeIds.map(Number)])
+        .where({ event_id: eventId });
+      if (all.length !== mergeIds.length + 1) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'All guests must belong to the same event' });
+      }
+
+      const result = await feedbackService.mergeGuestFeedback(Number(keepId), mergeIds.map(Number));
+
+      // Soft-delete the merged (source) guests.
+      await db('gallery_guests')
+        .whereIn('id', mergeIds.map(Number))
+        .update({ is_deleted: true, last_seen_at: db.fn.now() });
+
+      await logActivity(
+        'guest_merged',
+        { event_id: eventId, keep_id: keepId, merged_ids: mergeIds },
+        eventId,
+        { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
+      );
+
+      res.json({ success: true, ...result });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error merging guests:', error);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to merge guests' });
+    }
+  }
+);
+
+module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/adminPhotoDimensions.js

@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+const express = require('express');
+const router = express.Router();
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
+const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
+const fs = require('fs').promises;
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+const { resolvePhotoFilePath } = require('../services/photoResolver');
+
+// Module-level progress state
+let repairProgress = {
+  isRunning: false,
+  lastResult: null
+};
+
+// Repair photo dimensions (background job)
+router.post('/repair-dimensions', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    if (repairProgress.isRunning) {
+      return res.status(409).json({ error: 'Repair is already running' });
+    }
+
+    const photos = await db('photos')
+      .join('events', 'photos.event_id', 'events.id')
+      .where(function () {
+        this.whereNull('photos.width').orWhereNull('photos.height');
+      })
+      .where(function () {
+        this.where('photos.media_type', '!=', 'video').orWhereNull('photos.media_type');
+      })
+      .select(
+        'photos.id', 'photos.path', 'photos.filename',
+        'photos.source_origin', 'photos.external_relpath', 'photos.event_id',
+        'events.source_mode', 'events.external_path', 'events.slug'
+      );
+
+    if (photos.length === 0) {
+      return res.json({ message: 'No photos need dimension repair', count: 0 });
+    }
+
+    // Return immediately
+    res.json({
+      message: `Started repairing dimensions for ${photos.length} photos`,
+      count: photos.length
+    });
+
+    // Process in background
+    repairProgress.isRunning = true;
+    repairProgress.lastResult = null;
+
+    setImmediate(async () => {
+      let sharp;
+      try {
+        sharp = require('sharp');
+      } catch (err) {
+        logger.error('Sharp not available for dimension repair:', err.message);
+        repairProgress.isRunning = false;
+        repairProgress.lastResult = { success: 0, failed: 0, error: 'Sharp not available' };
+        return;
+      }
+
+      let successCount = 0;
+      let errorCount = 0;
+
+      for (const photo of photos) {
+        try {
+          const event = { source_mode: photo.source_mode, external_path: photo.external_path, slug: photo.slug };
+          let fullPath;
+          try {
+            fullPath = resolvePhotoFilePath(event, photo);
+          } catch (err) {
+            logger.warn(`Photo ${photo.id} has no resolvable path, skipping dimension repair: ${err.message}`);
+            errorCount++;
+            continue;
+          }
+
+          try {
+            await fs.access(fullPath);
+          } catch (err) {
+            logger.warn(`File not found for photo ${photo.id}: ${fullPath}`);
+            errorCount++;
+            continue;
+          }
+
+          const metadata = await sharp(fullPath).metadata();
+
+          if (metadata.width && metadata.height) {
+            await db('photos')
+              .where({ id: photo.id })
+              .update({
+                width: metadata.width,
+                height: metadata.height
+              });
+            successCount++;
+
+            if (successCount % 50 === 0) {
+              logger.info(`Dimension repair progress: ${successCount} updated...`);
+            }
+          } else {
+            logger.warn(`Could not extract dimensions for photo ${photo.id}`);
+            errorCount++;
+          }
+        } catch (error) {
+          logger.error(`Error repairing dimensions for photo ${photo.id}:`, error);
+          errorCount++;
+        }
+      }
+
+      repairProgress.isRunning = false;
+      repairProgress.lastResult = { success: successCount, failed: errorCount };
+      logger.info(`Dimension repair complete: ${successCount} success, ${errorCount} errors`);
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error starting dimension repair:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to start dimension repair' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Get dimension repair status
+router.get('/repair-dimensions/status', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const totalPhotos = await db('photos')
+      .where(function () {
+        this.where('media_type', '!=', 'video').orWhereNull('media_type');
+      })
+      .count('id as count')
+      .first();
+
+    const withDimensions = await db('photos')
+      .where(function () {
+        this.where('media_type', '!=', 'video').orWhereNull('media_type');
+      })
+      .whereNotNull('width')
+      .whereNotNull('height')
+      .count('id as count')
+      .first();
+
+    const total = Number(totalPhotos.count);
+    const withDims = Number(withDimensions.count);
+
+    res.json({
+      total,
+      withDimensions: withDims,
+      withoutDimensions: total - withDims,
+      isRunning: repairProgress.isRunning,
+      lastResult: repairProgress.lastResult
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error fetching dimension repair status:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch dimension repair status' });
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/adminPhotoExport.js

@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ router.get('/:eventId/filtered', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), [
     // Build filtered query
     const filterBuilder = new PhotoFilterBuilder(
       db('photos')
-        .leftJoin('categories', 'photos.category_id', 'categories.id')
+        .leftJoin('photo_categories', 'photos.category_id', 'photo_categories.id')
         .select(
           'photos.id',
           'photos.filename',
           'photos.original_filename',
-          'photos.file_path',
+          'photos.path',
           'photos.average_rating',
           'photos.feedback_count',
           'photos.like_count',
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ router.get('/:eventId/filtered', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), [
           'photos.comment_count',
           'photos.width',
           'photos.height',
-          'photos.created_at',
-          'categories.name as category_name'
+          'photos.uploaded_at',
+          'photo_categories.name as category_name'
         ),
       eventId
     );

backend/src/routes/adminPhotos.js

@@ -5,13 +5,16 @@ const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
 const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
 const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
-const { generateThumbnail, ensureThumbnail } = require('../services/imageProcessor');
+const { generateThumbnail, ensureThumbnail, extractCaptureDate } = require('../services/imageProcessor');
+const { processUploadedVideo, isVideoMimeType } = require('../services/videoProcessor');
 const { generatePhotoFilename } = require('../utils/filenameSanitizer');
 const { escapeLikePattern } = require('../utils/sqlSecurity');
 const { validateUploadedFiles } = require('../middleware/uploadValidation');
-const { getMaxFilesPerUpload } = require('../services/uploadSettings');
+const { getMaxFilesPerUpload, getAllowedMimeTypes } = require('../services/uploadSettings');
 const { processUploadedPhotos } = require('../services/photoProcessor');
 const chunkedUpload = require('../services/chunkedUploadService');
+const watermarkGeneratorService = require('../services/watermarkGeneratorService');
+const { requireEventOwnership } = require('../middleware/ownership');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get storage path from environment or default
@@ -46,47 +49,55 @@ const storage = multer.diskStorage({
   }
 });
 
-const { validateFileType } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+const { validateFileType, createFileUploadValidator } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
 
+// Create a multer instance that uses dynamically resolved allowed MIME types.
+// The allowed types are fetched from the database once per request (before multer
+// processes files) and attached to req.allowedMimeTypes so that the fileFilter
+// callback can read them synchronously.
 const upload = multer({
   storage: storage,
   limits: {
     fileSize: 10 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024, // 10GB limit per file to support large videos
     files: 2000, // Hard safety ceiling; actual limit enforced dynamically
-    // Set a reasonable field size limit to prevent memory issues
     fieldSize: 10 * 1024 * 1024, // 10MB for non-file fields
-    // Add part size limits to prevent incomplete uploads
-    parts: 10000, // Maximum number of parts (fields + files)
-    headerPairs: 2000 // Maximum number of header key-value pairs
+    parts: 10000,
+    headerPairs: 2000
   },
   fileFilter: (req, file, cb) => {
-    // Accept images and videos with proper validation
-    const allowedMimeTypes = [
-      'image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp',
-      'video/mp4', 'video/webm', 'video/quicktime', 'video/x-msvideo'
-    ];
+    // req.allowedMimeTypes is populated by the middleware that runs before multer
+    const allowedMimeTypes = req.allowedMimeTypes || ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp'];
 
     if (validateFileType(file.originalname, file.mimetype, allowedMimeTypes)) {
       return cb(null, true);
     } else {
-      cb(new Error('Only JPEG, PNG, WebP images and MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI videos are allowed'));
+      cb(new Error('Invalid file type. Check allowed file types in system settings.'));
     }
   },
-  // Add abort on limit to stop processing when limits are exceeded
   abortOnLimit: true
 });
 
-const { createFileUploadValidator } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+// Middleware to resolve allowed MIME types from settings before multer runs
+const resolveAllowedTypes = async (req, res, next) => {
+  try {
+    req.allowedMimeTypes = await getAllowedMimeTypes();
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('Failed to resolve allowed MIME types:', error);
+    req.allowedMimeTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp'];
+  }
+  next();
+};
 
-// Create content validator middleware
-const validateUploadContent = createFileUploadValidator({
-  allowedTypes: [
-    'image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp',
-    'video/mp4', 'video/webm', 'video/quicktime', 'video/x-msvideo'
-  ],
-  maxFileSize: 10 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024, // 10GB to support large videos
-  validateContent: true
-});
+// Dynamic content validator middleware that reads allowed types from req
+const validateUploadContent = async (req, res, next) => {
+  const allowedTypes = req.allowedMimeTypes || ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp'];
+  const validator = createFileUploadValidator({
+    allowedTypes,
+    maxFileSize: 10 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024, // 10GB to support large videos
+    validateContent: true
+  });
+  return validator(req, res, next);
+};
 
 // Request timeout middleware for uploads
 const uploadTimeout = (timeout = 300000) => { // 5 minutes default
@@ -110,7 +121,7 @@ const uploadTimeout = (timeout = 300000) => { // 5 minutes default
 
 // Upload photos for an event
 // Max file count is configurable via general settings
-router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), uploadTimeout(600000), async (req, res, next) => { // 10 minute timeout
+router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), requireEventOwnership, uploadTimeout(600000), resolveAllowedTypes, async (req, res, next) => { // 10 minute timeout
   let maxFilesPerUpload;
   try {
     maxFilesPerUpload = await getMaxFilesPerUpload();
@@ -160,7 +171,30 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), u
       }
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
     }
-    
+
+    // Enforce photo cap if set
+    if (event.photo_cap && event.photo_cap > 0) {
+      const existingPhotoCount = await db('photos')
+        .where({ event_id: eventId })
+        .count('id as count')
+        .first();
+      const currentCount = parseInt(existingPhotoCount.count) || 0;
+      const newFilesCount = (req.files && req.files.length) || 0;
+      if (currentCount + newFilesCount > event.photo_cap) {
+        // Clean up temp files
+        if (req.tempUploadPath) {
+          try {
+            await fs.rm(req.tempUploadPath, { recursive: true, force: true });
+          } catch (e) {
+            console.error('Failed to clean up temp path:', e);
+          }
+        }
+        return res.status(400).json({
+          error: `Photo cap exceeded. This event allows a maximum of ${event.photo_cap} photos. Currently ${currentCount} photos exist, and you are trying to upload ${newFilesCount} more.`
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
     if (!req.files || req.files.length === 0) {
       console.error('No files in request. req.files:', req.files);
       console.error('Request body keys:', Object.keys(req.body));
@@ -175,8 +209,9 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), u
       return res.status(400).json({ error: 'No files uploaded' });
     }
     
-    // Parse category_id to number if provided
-    const parsedCategoryId = category_id ? parseInt(category_id, 10) : null;
+    // Parse category_id to number if provided (handle string values like 'individual', 'collage')
+    const rawParsed = category_id ? parseInt(category_id, 10) : NaN;
+    const parsedCategoryId = !isNaN(rawParsed) ? rawParsed : null;
 
     // Determine photo type and category name
     let photoType = 'individual'; // default
@@ -251,16 +286,33 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), u
             const finalPath = path.join(finalDestPath, newFilename);
             const storagePath = getStoragePath();
             const relativePath = path.relative(path.join(storagePath, 'events/active'), finalPath);
-            
+
+            // Extract capture date from EXIF metadata
+            let capturedAt = null;
+            try {
+              capturedAt = await extractCaptureDate(tempPath);
+            } catch (exifError) {
+              // Non-fatal - just log and continue without capture date
+              console.log(`Could not extract EXIF date for ${file.originalname}`);
+            }
+
+            // Determine media type
+            const isVideo = isVideoMimeType(file.mimetype);
+            const mediaType = isVideo ? 'video' : 'image';
+
             // Prepare photo data for batch insert
             const photoData = {
               event_id: parseInt(eventId),
               filename: newFilename,
+              original_filename: file.originalname, // Preserve original filename for Lightroom export
               path: relativePath,
               thumbnail_path: null, // Will generate after successful commit
               type: photoType,
               category_id: parsedCategoryId, // Save the selected category
-              size_bytes: tempStats.size // Use actual file size from stat
+              size_bytes: tempStats.size, // Use actual file size from stat
+              captured_at: capturedAt, // EXIF capture date (if available)
+              media_type: mediaType,
+              mime_type: file.mimetype
             };
             
             batchPhotos.push(photoData);
@@ -304,20 +356,67 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), u
                 throw new Error(`File size mismatch after move: expected ${operation.photoData.size_bytes}, got ${finalStats.size}`);
               }
               
-              // Generate thumbnail with final path
+              // Generate thumbnail and extract metadata
+              const photoId = insertedIds[idx]?.id || insertedIds[idx];
+              const isVideoFile = isVideoMimeType(operation.photoData.mime_type);
               let thumbnailPath = null;
+
               try {
-                thumbnailPath = await generateThumbnail(operation.finalPath);
-                
-                // Update the database with thumbnail path
-                if (thumbnailPath && insertedIds[idx]) {
-                  const photoId = insertedIds[idx]?.id || insertedIds[idx];
-                  await db('photos')
-                    .where({ id: photoId })
-                    .update({ thumbnail_path: thumbnailPath });
+                if (isVideoFile) {
+                  // Process video: extract metadata and generate thumbnail
+                  const thumbnailDir = path.join(getStoragePath(), 'thumbnails');
+                  await fs.mkdir(thumbnailDir, { recursive: true });
+                  const videoThumbnailPath = path.join(thumbnailDir, `thumb_${operation.filename.replace(/\.[^.]+$/, '.jpg')}`);
+
+                  const result = await processUploadedVideo(operation.finalPath, videoThumbnailPath);
+                  thumbnailPath = path.relative(getStoragePath(), videoThumbnailPath);
+
+                  if (photoId && result.metadata) {
+                    await db('photos')
+                      .where({ id: photoId })
+                      .update({
+                        thumbnail_path: thumbnailPath,
+                        duration: result.metadata.duration,
+                        video_codec: result.metadata.videoCodec,
+                        audio_codec: result.metadata.audioCodec,
+                        width: result.metadata.width,
+                        height: result.metadata.height
+                      });
+                  }
+                } else {
+                  thumbnailPath = await generateThumbnail(operation.finalPath);
+
+                  // Update the database with thumbnail path and image dimensions
+                  if (photoId) {
+                    const updateData = {};
+                    if (thumbnailPath) updateData.thumbnail_path = thumbnailPath;
+
+                    try {
+                      const sharp = require('sharp');
+                      const metadata = await sharp(operation.finalPath).metadata();
+                      if (metadata.width && metadata.height) {
+                        updateData.width = metadata.width;
+                        updateData.height = metadata.height;
+                      }
+                    } catch (metadataError) {
+                      console.warn(`Could not extract image dimensions for ${operation.filename}:`, metadataError.message);
+                    }
+
+                    if (Object.keys(updateData).length > 0) {
+                      await db('photos')
+                        .where({ id: photoId })
+                        .update(updateData);
+                    }
+                  }
                 }
               } catch (thumbError) {
-                console.error(`Thumbnail generation failed for ${operation.filename}:`, thumbError.message);
+                console.error(`Thumbnail/metadata processing failed for ${operation.filename}:`, thumbError.message);
+              }
+
+              // Queue watermark generation in background (non-blocking, images only)
+              if (photoId && !isVideoFile) {
+                watermarkGeneratorService.generateForPhoto(photoId)
+                  .catch(err => console.warn(`Watermark generation queued failed for photo ${photoId}:`, err.message));
               }
               
               // Add to successful uploads
@@ -424,7 +523,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), u
 });
 
 // Delete a photo
-router.delete('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), async (req, res) => {
+router.delete('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, photoId } = req.params;
     
@@ -461,7 +560,12 @@ router.delete('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.
         }
       }
     }
-    
+
+    // Delete pre-generated watermark if exists
+    if (photo.watermark_path) {
+      await watermarkGeneratorService.deleteForPhoto(photo.id);
+    }
+
     // Remove from database
     await db('photos').where({ id: photoId }).delete();
     
@@ -481,10 +585,10 @@ router.delete('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.
 });
 
 // Update a photo (e.g., change category)
-router.patch('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+router.patch('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, photoId } = req.params;
-    const { category_id } = req.body;
+    const { category_id, visibility } = req.body;
 
     // Verify photo belongs to event
     const photo = await db('photos')
@@ -498,6 +602,13 @@ router.patch('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.e
     // Prepare update data
     const updateData = {};
 
+    // Handle visibility update (#172)
+    if (visibility !== undefined) {
+      if (['visible', 'hidden'].includes(visibility)) {
+        updateData.visibility = visibility;
+      }
+    }
+
     // Handle type-based categories ('individual' or 'collage')
     // These are string values that map to the photo.type field
     if (category_id === 'individual' || category_id === 'collage') {
@@ -537,7 +648,7 @@ router.patch('/:eventId/photos/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.e
 });
 
 // Bulk delete photos
-router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-delete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-delete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId } = req.params;
     const { photoIds } = req.body;
@@ -582,8 +693,13 @@ router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-delete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos
           }
         }
       }
+
+      // Delete pre-generated watermark
+      if (photo.watermark_path) {
+        await watermarkGeneratorService.deleteForPhoto(photo.id);
+      }
     }
-    
+
     // Delete from database
     await db('photos')
       .whereIn('id', photoIds)
@@ -605,7 +721,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-delete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos
 });
 
 // Bulk update photos
-router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-update', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-update', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId } = req.params;
     const { photoIds, updates } = req.body;
@@ -626,9 +742,14 @@ router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-update', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos
     }
     
     // Prepare update data
-    const updateData = {
-      updated_at: new Date()
-    };
+    const updateData = {};
+
+    // Handle visibility update (#172)
+    if (updates.visibility !== undefined) {
+      if (['visible', 'hidden'].includes(updates.visibility)) {
+        updateData.visibility = updates.visibility;
+      }
+    }
 
     if (updates.category_id !== undefined) {
       // Handle type-based categories ('individual' or 'collage')
@@ -663,7 +784,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/photos/bulk-update', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos
 });
 
 // Download a photo
-router.get('/:eventId/photos/:photoId/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.download'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/photos/:photoId/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.download'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, photoId } = req.params;
     
@@ -695,37 +816,81 @@ router.get('/:eventId/photos/:photoId/download', adminAuth, requirePermission('p
 });
 
 // Get all photos for an event
-router.get('/:eventId/photos', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/photos', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId } = req.params;
-    const { category_id, type, search, sort = 'date', order = 'desc' } = req.query;
-    
+    const { category_id, type, search, sort = 'date', has_likes, has_favorites, has_comments, min_rating } = req.query;
+    const order = ['asc', 'desc'].includes(req.query.order) ? req.query.order : 'desc';
+    const logic = req.query.logic === 'OR' ? 'OR' : 'AND';
+
     let query = db('photos')
       .where({ 'photos.event_id': eventId })
       .leftJoin('photo_categories', 'photos.category_id', 'photo_categories.id')
       .select('photos.*', 'photo_categories.name as pc_name', 'photo_categories.slug as pc_slug');
-    
-    // Filter by type (individual/collage) - category_id maps to type
-    if (category_id !== undefined) {
-      if (category_id === '' || category_id === '0') {
-        // For backwards compatibility, empty category means no filter
-        // Don't filter anything
-      } else if (category_id === 'individual' || category_id === 'collage') {
+
+    // Filter by category_id
+    if (category_id !== undefined && category_id !== '' && category_id !== '0') {
+      if (category_id === 'individual' || category_id === 'collage') {
+        // Legacy type-based filtering
         query = query.where({ 'photos.type': category_id });
+      } else if (category_id === 'uncategorized') {
+        // Filter for photos with no category assigned
+        query = query.whereNull('photos.category_id');
+      } else {
+        // Numeric category ID from photo_categories table
+        const numericCategoryId = parseInt(category_id, 10);
+        if (!isNaN(numericCategoryId)) {
+          query = query.where({ 'photos.category_id': numericCategoryId });
+        }
       }
     }
-    
+
     // Keep type filter for backwards compatibility
     if (type) {
       query = query.where({ 'photos.type': type });
     }
-    
+
     // Search by filename
     if (search) {
       const escapedSearch = escapeLikePattern(search);
       query = query.where('photos.filename', 'like', `%${escapedSearch}%`);
     }
-    
+
+    // Feedback filters (has likes / favorites / comments / min rating) with AND/OR logic
+    const feedbackConditions = [];
+    if (has_likes === 'true' || has_likes === true) {
+      feedbackConditions.push(qb => qb.where('photos.like_count', '>', 0));
+    }
+    if (has_favorites === 'true' || has_favorites === true) {
+      feedbackConditions.push(qb => qb.where('photos.favorite_count', '>', 0));
+    }
+    if (has_comments === 'true' || has_comments === true) {
+      feedbackConditions.push(qb => qb.where('photos.comment_count', '>', 0));
+    }
+    if (min_rating !== undefined && min_rating !== null && min_rating !== '') {
+      const minRatingNum = parseFloat(min_rating);
+      if (!isNaN(minRatingNum)) {
+        feedbackConditions.push(qb => qb.where('photos.average_rating', '>=', minRatingNum));
+      }
+    }
+    if (feedbackConditions.length > 0) {
+      if (logic === 'OR') {
+        query = query.where(builder => {
+          feedbackConditions.forEach((cond, idx) => {
+            if (idx === 0) {
+              cond(builder);
+            } else {
+              builder.orWhere(sub => cond(sub));
+            }
+          });
+        });
+      } else {
+        feedbackConditions.forEach(cond => {
+          query = query.where(builder => cond(builder));
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
     // Sorting
     let orderByColumn = 'photos.uploaded_at';
     if (sort === 'name') {
@@ -755,14 +920,20 @@ router.get('/:eventId/photos', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), asyn
       photos: photos.map(photo => ({
         id: photo.id,
         filename: photo.filename,
+        original_filename: photo.original_filename || null,
         // Use the correct admin photos router base for serving images
-        url: `/admin/photos/${eventId}/photo/${photo.id}`,
+        url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/photo/${photo.id}`,
         // Always expose a thumbnail URL; backend will generate on demand if missing
-        thumbnail_url: `/admin/photos/${eventId}/thumbnail/${photo.id}`,
+        thumbnail_url: `/api/admin/photos/${eventId}/thumbnail/${photo.id}`,
         type: photo.type,
         category_id: photo.category_id || photo.type,
         category_name: photo.pc_name || (photo.type === 'individual' ? 'Individual Photos' : 'Collages'),
         category_slug: photo.pc_slug || photo.type,
+        media_type: photo.media_type || 'image',
+        mime_type: photo.mime_type || null,
+        width: photo.width || null,
+        height: photo.height || null,
+        duration: photo.duration || null,
         size: photo.size_bytes,
         uploaded_at: photo.uploaded_at,
         // Feedback data
@@ -780,7 +951,7 @@ router.get('/:eventId/photos', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), asyn
 });
 
 // Serve photo with admin authentication
-router.get('/:eventId/photo/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/photo/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, photoId } = req.params;
     
@@ -817,7 +988,7 @@ router.get('/:eventId/photo/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view
 });
 
 // Serve thumbnail with admin authentication
-router.get('/:eventId/thumbnail/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/thumbnail/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, photoId } = req.params;
     
@@ -857,7 +1028,7 @@ router.get('/:eventId/thumbnail/:photoId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.
 });
 
 // Debug endpoint to check photo existence
-router.get('/:eventId/debug', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/debug', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId } = req.params;
     
@@ -883,7 +1054,7 @@ router.get('/:eventId/debug', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async
 // ============================================
 
 // Initialize a chunked upload
-router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/init', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/init', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId } = req.params;
     const { filename, fileSize, mimeType, totalChunks } = req.body;
@@ -921,7 +1092,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/init', adminAuth, requirePermission('photo
 });
 
 // Upload a chunk
-router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/chunk/:chunkIndex', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/chunk/:chunkIndex', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { uploadId, chunkIndex } = req.params;
 
@@ -942,7 +1113,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/chunk/:chunkIndex', adminAuth, r
 });
 
 // Complete chunked upload and process the file
-router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/complete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), async (req, res) => {
+router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/complete', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.upload'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { eventId, uploadId } = req.params;
     const { category_id } = req.body;
@@ -984,7 +1155,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/complete', adminAuth, requirePer
 });
 
 // Get upload status
-router.get('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/status', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
+router.get('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/status', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { uploadId } = req.params;
 
@@ -1002,7 +1173,7 @@ router.get('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId/status', adminAuth, requirePermis
 });
 
 // Abort chunked upload
-router.delete('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), async (req, res) => {
+router.delete('/:eventId/chunked-upload/:uploadId', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.delete'), requireEventOwnership, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { uploadId } = req.params;
 

backend/src/routes/adminSettings.js

@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ const { clearShareLinkSettingsCache } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
 const { resetSecurityConfigCache } = require('../utils/authSecurity');
 const router = express.Router();
 const { clearMaxFilesPerUploadCache, MAX_ALLOWED_FILES_PER_UPLOAD } = require('../services/uploadSettings');
+const watermarkService = require('../services/watermarkService');
+const watermarkGeneratorService = require('../services/watermarkGeneratorService');
 
 const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
 
@@ -100,19 +102,31 @@ router.get('/', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res)
     // Convert to object format
     const settingsObject = {};
     settings.forEach(setting => {
-      if (setting.setting_value) {
-        try {
-          // Try to parse as JSON first
-          settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
-        } catch (e) {
-          // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+      // Check for null/undefined explicitly to handle boolean false and 0 values
+      // PostgreSQL json column returns parsed values (false as boolean, not string)
+      if (setting.setting_value !== null && setting.setting_value !== undefined) {
+        // If the value is already parsed (from json column), use it directly
+        if (typeof setting.setting_value !== 'string') {
           settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = setting.setting_value;
+        } else {
+          try {
+            // Try to parse as JSON first
+            settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
+          } catch (e) {
+            // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+            settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = setting.setting_value;
+          }
         }
       } else {
         settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = null;
       }
     });
 
+    // Mask sensitive secrets before sending to client
+    if (settingsObject.security_recaptcha_secret_key) {
+      settingsObject.security_recaptcha_secret_key = '••••••••';
+    }
+
     res.json(settingsObject);
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Settings fetch error:', error);
@@ -127,23 +141,35 @@ router.get('/:type', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req,
     const settings = await db('app_settings')
       .where('setting_type', type)
       .select('*');
-    
+
     // Convert to object format
     const settingsObject = {};
     settings.forEach(setting => {
-      if (setting.setting_value) {
-        try {
-          // Try to parse as JSON first
-          settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
-        } catch (e) {
-          // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+      // Check for null/undefined explicitly to handle boolean false and 0 values
+      // PostgreSQL json column returns parsed values (false as boolean, not string)
+      if (setting.setting_value !== null && setting.setting_value !== undefined) {
+        // If the value is already parsed (from json column), use it directly
+        if (typeof setting.setting_value !== 'string') {
           settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = setting.setting_value;
+        } else {
+          try {
+            // Try to parse as JSON first
+            settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
+          } catch (e) {
+            // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+            settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = setting.setting_value;
+          }
         }
       } else {
         settingsObject[setting.setting_key] = null;
       }
     });
 
+    // Mask sensitive secrets before sending to client
+    if (settingsObject.security_recaptcha_secret_key) {
+      settingsObject.security_recaptcha_secret_key = '••••••••';
+    }
+
     res.json(settingsObject);
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Settings fetch error:', error);
@@ -196,6 +222,9 @@ router.put('/branding', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (re
       hide_powered_by
     } = req.body;
 
+    // Get current watermark settings hash for change detection
+    const oldSettingsHash = await watermarkService.getSettingsHash();
+
     const brandingSettings = {
       company_name,
       company_tagline,
@@ -306,7 +335,40 @@ router.put('/branding', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (re
 
     clearPublicSiteCache();
 
-    res.json({ message: 'Branding settings updated successfully' });
+    // Check if watermark settings changed and trigger regeneration
+    const newSettingsHash = await watermarkService.getSettingsHash();
+    let watermarkRegenerationStarted = false;
+
+    if (oldSettingsHash !== newSettingsHash) {
+      // Clear watermark cache
+      watermarkService.clearCache();
+
+      // Check if watermarking is now enabled or settings changed
+      const currentSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+
+      if (currentSettings && currentSettings.enabled) {
+        // Start background regeneration of all watermarks
+        console.log('Watermark settings changed, starting background regeneration');
+        watermarkGeneratorService.regenerateAll()
+          .then(result => {
+            console.log(`Watermark regeneration completed: ${result.success}/${result.total} successful`);
+          })
+          .catch(err => {
+            console.error('Watermark regeneration failed:', err);
+          });
+        watermarkRegenerationStarted = true;
+      } else {
+        // Watermarking was disabled, clear all pre-generated watermarks
+        console.log('Watermarking disabled, clearing pre-generated watermarks');
+        watermarkGeneratorService.clearAllWatermarks()
+          .catch(err => console.error('Failed to clear watermarks:', err));
+      }
+    }
+
+    res.json({
+      message: 'Branding settings updated successfully',
+      watermarkRegenerationStarted
+    });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Branding update error:', error);
     res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update branding settings' });
@@ -392,11 +454,21 @@ router.post('/branding/watermark-logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.e
       .first();
 
     if (oldWatermarkLogoSetting && oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value) {
-      const oldPath = JSON.parse(oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value);
+      let oldPath;
       try {
-        await fs.unlink(oldPath);
-      } catch (error) {
-        console.error('Failed to delete old watermark logo:', error);
+        // Try to parse as JSON first (for JSON-stringified paths)
+        oldPath = JSON.parse(oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value);
+      } catch (e) {
+        // If it's not valid JSON, use the raw value
+        oldPath = oldWatermarkLogoSetting.setting_value;
+      }
+
+      if (oldPath && typeof oldPath === 'string') {
+        try {
+          await fs.unlink(oldPath);
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.error('Failed to delete old watermark logo:', error);
+        }
       }
     }
 
@@ -421,19 +493,37 @@ router.post('/branding/watermark-logo', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.e
     await db('app_settings')
       .insert({
         setting_key: 'branding_watermark_logo_url',
-        setting_value: publicPath,
+        setting_value: JSON.stringify(publicPath),
         setting_type: 'branding',
         updated_at: new Date()
       })
       .onConflict('setting_key')
       .merge({
-        setting_value: publicPath,
+        setting_value: JSON.stringify(publicPath),
         updated_at: new Date()
       });
 
-    res.json({ 
+    // Trigger watermark regeneration since the logo changed
+    watermarkService.clearCache();
+    const currentSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+    let watermarkRegenerationStarted = false;
+
+    if (currentSettings && currentSettings.enabled) {
+      console.log('Watermark logo changed, starting background regeneration');
+      watermarkGeneratorService.regenerateAll()
+        .then(result => {
+          console.log(`Watermark regeneration completed: ${result.success}/${result.total} successful`);
+        })
+        .catch(err => {
+          console.error('Watermark regeneration failed:', err);
+        });
+      watermarkRegenerationStarted = true;
+    }
+
+    res.json({
       message: 'Watermark logo uploaded successfully',
-      watermarkLogoUrl: publicPath
+      watermarkLogoUrl: publicPath,
+      watermarkRegenerationStarted
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Watermark logo upload error:', error);
@@ -653,6 +743,70 @@ router.put('/analytics', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (r
   }
 });
 
+// Update SEO settings
+router.put('/seo', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const settings = req.body;
+
+    // Validate seo_blocked_ai_agents is an array of strings
+    if (settings.seo_blocked_ai_agents !== undefined) {
+      if (!Array.isArray(settings.seo_blocked_ai_agents) ||
+          !settings.seo_blocked_ai_agents.every(a => typeof a === 'string')) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'seo_blocked_ai_agents must be an array of strings' });
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Validate seo_custom_rules structure
+    if (settings.seo_custom_rules !== undefined) {
+      if (!Array.isArray(settings.seo_custom_rules)) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'seo_custom_rules must be an array' });
+      }
+      for (const rule of settings.seo_custom_rules) {
+        if (!rule.userAgent || typeof rule.userAgent !== 'string') {
+          return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Each custom rule must have a userAgent string' });
+        }
+        if (!Array.isArray(rule.disallow) || !rule.disallow.every(d => typeof d === 'string')) {
+          return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Each custom rule must have a disallow array of strings' });
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Update or insert each setting
+    for (const [key, value] of Object.entries(settings)) {
+      await db('app_settings')
+        .insert({
+          setting_key: key,
+          setting_value: JSON.stringify(value),
+          setting_type: 'seo',
+          updated_at: new Date()
+        })
+        .onConflict('setting_key')
+        .merge({
+          setting_value: JSON.stringify(value),
+          updated_at: new Date()
+        });
+    }
+
+    // Clear robots.txt cache
+    const { clearRobotsTxtCache } = require('../services/robotsTxtService');
+    clearRobotsTxtCache();
+
+    // Log activity
+    await db('activity_logs').insert({
+      activity_type: 'seo_settings_updated',
+      actor_type: 'admin',
+      actor_id: req.admin.id,
+      actor_name: req.admin.username,
+      metadata: JSON.stringify({ settings_count: Object.keys(settings).length })
+    });
+
+    res.json({ message: 'SEO settings updated successfully' });
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('SEO settings update error:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update SEO settings' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Get storage info
 router.get('/storage/info', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {

backend/src/routes/adminSystem.js

@@ -7,6 +7,13 @@ const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { checkForUpdates, getCurrentChannel } = require('../services/updateCheckService');
+const { detectEnvironment, generateUpdateInstructions } = require('../services/environmentService');
+const {
+  checkAndNotifyUpdates,
+  sendUpdateNotificationNow,
+  getUpdateNotificationSettings
+} = require('../services/updateNotificationService');
 const router = express.Router();
 
 // Get system version
@@ -22,12 +29,15 @@ router.get('/version', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Could not read package.json:', err);
     }
-    
+
+    const channel = getCurrentChannel(backendVersion);
+
     res.json({
       backend: backendVersion,
       frontend: '1.0.0', // This will be set by frontend
       node: process.version,
-      environment: process.env.NODE_ENV || 'production'
+      environment: process.env.NODE_ENV || 'production',
+      channel: channel
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Error fetching version:', error);
@@ -35,6 +45,73 @@ router.get('/version', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req
   }
 });
 
+// Check for updates
+router.get('/updates', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    // Check if update checking is enabled
+    const updateCheckEnabled = process.env.UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED !== 'false';
+
+    if (!updateCheckEnabled) {
+      return res.json({
+        enabled: false,
+        message: 'Update checking is disabled'
+      });
+    }
+
+    const forceRefresh = req.query.refresh === 'true';
+    const updateInfo = await checkForUpdates(forceRefresh);
+
+    res.json({
+      enabled: true,
+      ...updateInfo
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error checking for updates:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to check for updates' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Get update instructions for current environment
+router.get('/updates/instructions', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    // Check if update checking is enabled
+    const updateCheckEnabled = process.env.UPDATE_CHECK_ENABLED !== 'false';
+
+    if (!updateCheckEnabled) {
+      return res.json({
+        enabled: false,
+        message: 'Update checking is disabled'
+      });
+    }
+
+    const env = await detectEnvironment();
+    const updateInfo = await checkForUpdates();
+
+    if (!updateInfo.updateAvailable) {
+      return res.json({
+        updateAvailable: false,
+        currentVersion: updateInfo.current,
+        message: 'You are running the latest version'
+      });
+    }
+
+    const instructions = generateUpdateInstructions(env, updateInfo.latest.forChannel);
+
+    res.json({
+      updateAvailable: true,
+      currentVersion: updateInfo.current,
+      targetVersion: updateInfo.latest.forChannel,
+      channel: updateInfo.channel,
+      environment: env,
+      instructions,
+      releaseNotesUrl: `https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/releases/tag/v${updateInfo.latest.forChannel}`
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error generating update instructions:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to generate update instructions' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Get comprehensive system status
 router.get('/status', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {
@@ -232,4 +309,68 @@ router.get('/database', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (re
   }
 });
 
+// Get update notification settings
+router.get('/updates/notifications', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const settings = await getUpdateNotificationSettings();
+    res.json(settings);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error fetching update notification settings:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch update notification settings' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Update notification settings
+router.put('/updates/notifications', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { enabled, recipients } = req.body;
+
+    if (typeof enabled !== 'undefined') {
+      await db('app_settings')
+        .where('setting_key', 'update_email_notifications_enabled')
+        .update({
+          setting_value: JSON.stringify(enabled === true),
+          updated_at: db.fn.now()
+        });
+    }
+
+    if (typeof recipients !== 'undefined') {
+      await db('app_settings')
+        .where('setting_key', 'update_email_recipients')
+        .update({
+          setting_value: JSON.stringify(recipients || ''),
+          updated_at: db.fn.now()
+        });
+    }
+
+    const updatedSettings = await getUpdateNotificationSettings();
+    res.json({ success: true, settings: updatedSettings });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error updating notification settings:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update notification settings' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Manually trigger update notification email
+router.post('/updates/notifications/send', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.edit'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const result = await sendUpdateNotificationNow();
+    res.json(result);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error sending update notification:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to send update notification' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Check and send update notifications (called on admin login or periodically)
+router.post('/updates/notifications/check', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const result = await checkAndNotifyUpdates();
+    res.json(result);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error checking for update notifications:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to check for update notifications' });
+  }
+});
+
 module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/adminThumbnails.js

@@ -10,27 +10,33 @@ const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
 const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
 
+// Parse JSON-encoded setting values
+function parseSettingValue(value) {
+  if (value === null || value === undefined) return null;
+  try { return JSON.parse(value); } catch (e) { return value; }
+}
+
 // Get thumbnail settings
 router.get('/settings', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.view'), async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const settings = await db('app_settings')
-      .whereIn('key', [
+      .whereIn('setting_key', [
         'thumbnail_width',
         'thumbnail_height',
         'thumbnail_fit',
         'thumbnail_quality',
         'thumbnail_format'
       ])
-      .select('key', 'value', 'description');
-    
+      .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
+
     const settingsMap = {};
     settings.forEach(s => {
-      settingsMap[s.key] = {
-        value: s.value,
-        description: s.description
+      const parsed = parseSettingValue(s.setting_value);
+      settingsMap[s.setting_key] = {
+        value: String(parsed ?? '')
       };
     });
-    
+
     res.json({
       settings: settingsMap,
       fitOptions: ['cover', 'contain', 'fill', 'inside', 'outside'],
@@ -66,17 +72,17 @@ router.put('/settings', adminAuth, requirePermission('photos.edit'), async (req,
     
     // Update settings
     const updates = [];
-    if (width) updates.push({ key: 'thumbnail_width', value: width.toString() });
-    if (height) updates.push({ key: 'thumbnail_height', value: height.toString() });
-    if (fit) updates.push({ key: 'thumbnail_fit', value: fit });
-    if (quality) updates.push({ key: 'thumbnail_quality', value: quality.toString() });
-    if (format) updates.push({ key: 'thumbnail_format', value: format });
-    
+    if (width) updates.push({ setting_key: 'thumbnail_width', setting_value: width });
+    if (height) updates.push({ setting_key: 'thumbnail_height', setting_value: height });
+    if (fit) updates.push({ setting_key: 'thumbnail_fit', setting_value: JSON.stringify(fit) });
+    if (quality) updates.push({ setting_key: 'thumbnail_quality', setting_value: quality });
+    if (format) updates.push({ setting_key: 'thumbnail_format', setting_value: JSON.stringify(format) });
+
     for (const update of updates) {
       await db('app_settings')
-        .where('key', update.key)
+        .where('setting_key', update.setting_key)
         .update({
-          value: update.value,
+          setting_value: update.setting_value,
           updated_at: db.fn.now()
         });
     }

backend/src/routes/adminUsers.js

@@ -114,7 +114,8 @@ router.post('/invite', [
   const invitation = await userManagementService.createInvitation({
     email: req.body.email,
     roleId: req.body.role_id,
-    invitedById: req.admin.id
+    invitedById: req.admin.id,
+    inviterRoleName: req.admin.roleName
   });
 
   successResponse(res, { invitation }, 201);
@@ -146,7 +147,12 @@ router.get('/:id', [
   param('id').isInt({ min: 1 }).withMessage('Valid user ID is required')
 ], handleAsync(async (req, res) => {
   validateRequest(req);
-  const user = await userManagementService.getAdminUserById(parseInt(req.params.id));
+  const targetId = parseInt(req.params.id);
+  // Non-super_admin users can only view their own profile
+  if (req.admin.roleName !== 'super_admin' && targetId !== req.admin.id) {
+    return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Access denied' });
+  }
+  const user = await userManagementService.getAdminUserById(targetId);
   res.json({ user: transformUser(user) });
 }));
 
@@ -169,7 +175,8 @@ router.put('/:id', [
   const user = await userManagementService.updateAdminUser(
     parseInt(req.params.id),
     req.body,
-    req.admin.id
+    req.admin.id,
+    { roleName: req.admin.roleName }
   );
 
   successResponse(res, { user: transformUser(user), message: 'User updated successfully' });

backend/src/routes/auth.js

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ const {
   getGenericAuthError
 } = require('../utils/authSecurity');
 const { endSession } = require('../middleware/sessionTimeout');
+const { revokeToken } = require('../utils/tokenRevocation');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 const {
   setAdminAuthCookie,
@@ -117,9 +118,8 @@ router.post('/admin/login', [
 
     setAdminAuthCookie(res, token);
 
-    // Include role in response
+    // Token is delivered via HttpOnly cookie only (not in response body)
     res.json({
-      token,
       user: {
         id: admin.id,
         username: admin.username,
@@ -145,7 +145,8 @@ router.post('/logout', async (req, res) => {
     const token = adminToken || galleryToken;
 
     if (token) {
-      // End the session
+      // Revoke the token so it can't be reused, then end the session
+      await revokeToken(token, 'user_logout');
       endSession(token);
 
       try {
@@ -198,6 +199,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
       .first();
 
     if (!event) {
+      // Perform a dummy bcrypt compare to prevent timing-based slug enumeration
+      await bcrypt.compare(password || '', '$2b$10$abcdefghijklmnopqrstuuABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ01234');
       await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
     }
@@ -280,7 +283,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
         expires_at: event.expires_at,
         allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
         upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
-        require_password: requiresPassword
+        require_password: requiresPassword,
+        photo_cap: event.photo_cap
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -289,6 +293,82 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
   }
 });
 
+// Client access login (PIN-based)
+router.post('/gallery/:slug/client-login', [
+  body('password').notEmpty().isString()
+], async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const errors = validationResult(req);
+    if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
+    }
+
+    const { slug } = req.params;
+    const { password } = req.body;
+    const ipAddress = getClientIp(req);
+    const userAgent = req.headers['user-agent'] || '';
+
+    const event = await db('events')
+      .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
+      .first();
+
+    if (!event || !event.client_access_enabled || !event.client_password_hash) {
+      await trackFailedAttempt(`client:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid credentials' });
+    }
+
+    const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(`client:${slug}`, ipAddress);
+    if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
+      return res.status(423).json({
+        error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
+        retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
+      });
+    }
+
+    const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.client_password_hash);
+    if (!validPassword) {
+      await trackFailedAttempt(`client:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid credentials' });
+    }
+
+    await trackSuccessfulLogin(`client:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+
+    const token = jwt.sign({
+      eventId: event.id,
+      eventSlug: event.slug,
+      type: 'gallery',
+      accessLevel: 'client',
+      ip: ipAddress,
+      loginTime: Date.now()
+    }, process.env.JWT_SECRET, {
+      expiresIn: '24h',
+      issuer: 'picpeak-auth'
+    });
+
+    setGalleryAuthCookies(res, token, event.slug);
+
+    res.json({
+      token,
+      event: {
+        id: event.id,
+        event_name: event.event_name,
+        event_type: event.event_type,
+        event_date: event.event_date,
+        welcome_message: event.welcome_message,
+        color_theme: event.color_theme,
+        expires_at: event.expires_at,
+        allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
+        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
+        require_password: true
+      },
+      accessLevel: 'client'
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Client login error:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Authentication failed' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Share link authentication (token-based)
 router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
   body('slug').notEmpty().trim(),
@@ -304,6 +384,17 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
     const ipAddress = getClientIp(req);
     const userAgent = req.headers['user-agent'] || '';
 
+    // Rate limit share-link login attempts
+    const shareIdentifier = `gallery:${slug}:share`;
+    const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(shareIdentifier, ipAddress);
+    if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
+      logger.warn('Share link login attempt on locked gallery', { slug, ipAddress });
+      return res.status(423).json({
+        error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
+        retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
+      });
+    }
+
     let event = await db('events')
       .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
       .first();
@@ -316,12 +407,14 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
     }
 
     if (!event) {
+      await trackFailedAttempt(shareIdentifier, ipAddress, userAgent);
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found' });
     }
 
     const expectedToken = getEventShareToken(event);
 
     if (!expectedToken || token !== expectedToken) {
+      await trackFailedAttempt(shareIdentifier, ipAddress, userAgent);
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid or expired share link' });
     }
 
@@ -353,7 +446,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
         expires_at: event.expires_at,
         allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
         upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
-        require_password: requiresPassword
+        require_password: requiresPassword,
+        photo_cap: event.photo_cap
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -362,10 +456,14 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
   }
 });
 
-// Gallery logout to clear cookies
+// Gallery logout to clear cookies and revoke token
 router.post('/gallery/logout', async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { slug } = req.body || {};
+    const token = getGalleryTokenFromRequest(req, slug);
+    if (token) {
+      await revokeToken(token, 'gallery_logout');
+    }
     clearGalleryAuthCookies(res, slug);
     res.json({ message: 'Logged out successfully' });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -386,11 +484,17 @@ router.get('/session', async (req, res) => {
 
     try {
       const decoded = jwt.verify(token, process.env.JWT_SECRET);
-      
+
+      // Check if token has been revoked (e.g. after logout)
+      const { isTokenRevoked } = require('../utils/tokenRevocation');
+      if (await isTokenRevoked(decoded)) {
+        return res.status(401).json({ valid: false, error: 'Session has been invalidated' });
+      }
+
       // Calculate remaining time
       const now = Date.now() / 1000;
       const remainingTime = Math.max(0, decoded.exp - now);
-      
+
       res.json({
         valid: true,
         type: decoded.type,

backend/src/routes/events.js

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ const path = require('path');
 const router = express.Router();
 const { buildShareLinkVariants } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
 const { parseBooleanInput, parseStringInput } = require('../utils/parsers');
+const eventTypeService = require('../services/eventTypeService');
 
 // Use parseStringInput from shared parsers for customer data extraction
 const getCustomerNameFromPayload = (payload = {}) => parseStringInput(payload.customer_name);
@@ -55,7 +56,13 @@ const hasCustomerContactColumns = async () => {
 
 // Create new event
 router.post('/', adminAuth, [
-  body('event_type').isIn(['wedding', 'birthday', 'corporate', 'other']),
+  body('event_type').notEmpty().trim().custom(async (value) => {
+    const isValid = await eventTypeService.isValidEventType(value);
+    if (!isValid) {
+      throw new Error('Invalid event type');
+    }
+    return true;
+  }),
   body('event_name').notEmpty(),
   body('event_date').isDate(),
   body('customer_name').notEmpty().trim(),

backend/src/routes/gallery.js

@@ -5,16 +5,18 @@ const archiver = require('archiver');
 const path = require('path');
 const router = express.Router();
 const watermarkService = require('../services/watermarkService');
-const { verifyGalleryAccess } = require('../middleware/gallery');
+const watermarkGeneratorService = require('../services/watermarkGeneratorService');
+const { verifyGalleryAccess, isAdminPreview } = require('../middleware/gallery');
 const secureImageService = require('../services/secureImageService');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 const { resolvePhotoFilePath } = require('../services/photoResolver');
 const { getEventShareToken, resolveShareIdentifier, buildShareLinkVariants } = require('../services/shareLinkService');
 const { handleAsync } = require('../utils/routeHelpers');
 const { NotFoundError } = require('../utils/errors');
+const { ensureThumbnail, ensureHeroImage } = require('../services/imageProcessor');
 
 // Get storage path from environment or default
-const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../storage');
+const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
 
 // Check for slug redirect (for renamed events)
 async function checkSlugRedirect(slug) {
@@ -72,7 +74,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/verify-token/:token', handleAsync(async (req, res) => {
   const { slug, token } = req.params;
 
   const event = await db('events')
-    .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
+    .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false), is_draft: formatBoolean(false) })
     .select('id', 'share_link', 'share_token')
     .first();
 
@@ -106,13 +108,23 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
         'share_link',
         'share_token',
         'allow_downloads',
+        'allow_user_uploads',
         'disable_right_click',
         'watermark_downloads',
         'watermark_text',
         'require_password',
         'color_theme',
         'enable_devtools_protection',
-        'use_canvas_rendering'
+        'use_canvas_rendering',
+        'hero_logo_visible',
+        'hero_logo_size',
+        'hero_logo_position',
+        'hero_logo_url',
+        'header_style',
+        'hero_divider_style',
+        'hero_image_anchor',
+        'is_draft',
+        'default_photo_sort'
       )
       .first();
 
@@ -128,11 +140,16 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
       }
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found' });
     }
-    
+
     // Check if event is archived
     if (event.is_archived) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery has been archived and is no longer available' });
     }
+
+    // Check if event is a draft (allow admin preview)
+    if (event.is_draft && !isAdminPreview(req)) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery is not yet published' });
+    }
     
     // If token provided, verify it matches the share link
     if (token) {
@@ -150,15 +167,24 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
       event_date: event.event_date,
       expires_at: event.expires_at,
       is_active: event.is_active,
-      is_expired: !event.is_active || new Date(event.expires_at) < new Date(),
+      is_expired: !event.is_active || (event.expires_at && new Date(event.expires_at) < new Date()),
       requires_password: requiresPassword,
       color_theme: event.color_theme,
       allow_downloads: !(event.allow_downloads === false || event.allow_downloads === 0 || event.allow_downloads === '0'),
+      allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads === true || event.allow_user_uploads === 1 || event.allow_user_uploads === '1',
       disable_right_click: event.disable_right_click === true || event.disable_right_click === 1 || event.disable_right_click === '1',
       watermark_downloads: event.watermark_downloads === true || event.watermark_downloads === 1 || event.watermark_downloads === '1',
       watermark_text: event.watermark_text,
       enable_devtools_protection: event.enable_devtools_protection === true || event.enable_devtools_protection === 1 || event.enable_devtools_protection === '1',
-      use_canvas_rendering: event.use_canvas_rendering === true || event.use_canvas_rendering === 1 || event.use_canvas_rendering === '1'
+      use_canvas_rendering: event.use_canvas_rendering === true || event.use_canvas_rendering === 1 || event.use_canvas_rendering === '1',
+      hero_logo_visible: event.hero_logo_visible !== false && event.hero_logo_visible !== 0 && event.hero_logo_visible !== '0',
+      hero_logo_size: event.hero_logo_size || 'medium',
+      hero_logo_position: event.hero_logo_position || 'top',
+      hero_logo_url: event.hero_logo_url || null,
+      header_style: event.header_style || 'standard',
+      hero_divider_style: event.hero_divider_style || 'wave',
+      hero_image_anchor: event.hero_image_anchor || 'center',
+      default_photo_sort: event.default_photo_sort || 'upload_date_desc'
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Error fetching gallery info:', error);
@@ -169,14 +195,42 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
 // Get all photos
 router.get('/:slug/photos', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    // Get filter parameters from query
-    const { filter, guest_id } = req.query;
-    
-    // First get all photos
-    let photos = await db('photos')
+    // Get filter and sort parameters from query
+    const { filter, guest_id, sort = 'upload_date', order = 'desc' } = req.query;
+
+    // Get watermark settings to generate cache-busting version for URLs
+    const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+    const wmVersion = watermarkSettings?.enabled
+      ? `wm=${watermarkSettings.opacity}${watermarkSettings.position}${watermarkSettings.size}`
+      : '';
+
+    // Build the query with sorting
+    const sortOrder = order === 'asc' ? 'asc' : 'desc';
+    const isClient = req.accessLevel === 'client';
+    let photosQuery = db('photos')
       .where('photos.event_id', req.event.id)
-      .select('photos.*')
-      .orderBy('photos.uploaded_at', 'desc');
+      .select('photos.*');
+
+    // Guests only see visible photos; clients see all
+    if (!isClient) {
+      photosQuery = photosQuery.where(function() {
+        this.where('photos.visibility', 'visible').orWhereNull('photos.visibility');
+      });
+    }
+
+    // Apply sort option
+    if (sort === 'capture_date') {
+      // Sort by capture date, falling back to uploaded_at if capture date is null
+      photosQuery = photosQuery.orderByRaw('COALESCE(photos.captured_at, photos.uploaded_at) ' + sortOrder);
+    } else if (sort === 'filename') {
+      photosQuery = photosQuery.orderBy('photos.filename', sortOrder);
+    } else {
+      // Default: sort by upload date
+      photosQuery = photosQuery.orderBy('photos.uploaded_at', sortOrder);
+    }
+
+    // Execute the query
+    let photos = await photosQuery;
     
     // Apply filtering if requested (supports global stats + per-guest interactions)
     if (filter) {
@@ -257,6 +311,11 @@ router.get('/:slug/photos', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
       }
     }
     
+    // Check if feedback should be visible to guests
+    const feedbackService = require('../services/feedbackService');
+    const feedbackSettings = await feedbackService.getEventFeedbackSettings(req.event.id);
+    const showFeedbackToGuests = isClient || feedbackSettings.show_feedback_to_guests !== false;
+
     // Then get comment counts separately
     const commentCounts = await db('photo_feedback')
       .whereIn('photo_id', photos.map(p => p.id))
@@ -272,20 +331,36 @@ router.get('/:slug/photos', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
       commentMap[c.photo_id] = parseInt(c.comment_count);
     });
     
-    // Get distinct photo types for this event
-    const categoryResults = await db('photos')
+    // Get actual categories used by photos in this event
+    // This includes both global categories and event-specific ones
+    const usedCategoryIds = await db('photos')
       .where('event_id', req.event.id)
-      .select('type')
-      .distinct('type')
-      .orderBy('type', 'asc');
-    
-    // Convert types to category-like objects
-    const categories = categoryResults.map(result => ({
-      id: result.type,
-      name: result.type === 'individual' ? 'Individual Photos' : 'Collages',
-      slug: result.type,
-      is_global: false
-    }));
+      .whereNotNull('category_id')
+      .distinct('category_id')
+      .pluck('category_id');
+
+    // Fetch category details from photo_categories table
+    let categories = [];
+    if (usedCategoryIds.length > 0) {
+      const categoryDetails = await db('photo_categories')
+        .whereIn('id', usedCategoryIds)
+        .select('id', 'name', 'slug', 'is_global', 'hero_photo_id')
+        .orderBy('name', 'asc');
+
+      categories = categoryDetails.map(cat => ({
+        id: cat.id,
+        name: cat.name,
+        slug: cat.slug,
+        is_global: cat.is_global,
+        hero_photo_id: cat.hero_photo_id || null
+      }));
+    }
+
+    // Build a map for quick category lookup
+    const categoryMap = {};
+    categories.forEach(cat => {
+      categoryMap[cat.id] = cat;
+    });
     
     // Log view
     await db('access_logs').insert({
@@ -316,41 +391,65 @@ router.get('/:slug/photos', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
         expires_at: req.event.expires_at,
         hero_photo_id: req.event.hero_photo_id,
         allow_downloads: req.event.allow_downloads !== false,
+        allow_user_uploads: req.event.allow_user_uploads === true,
         disable_right_click: req.event.disable_right_click === true,
         watermark_downloads: req.event.watermark_downloads === true,
         watermark_text: req.event.watermark_text,
         enable_devtools_protection: req.event.enable_devtools_protection === true,
         use_canvas_rendering: req.event.use_canvas_rendering === true,
+        hero_logo_visible: req.event.hero_logo_visible !== false && req.event.hero_logo_visible !== 0 && req.event.hero_logo_visible !== '0',
+        hero_logo_size: req.event.hero_logo_size || 'medium',
+        hero_logo_position: req.event.hero_logo_position || 'top',
+        hero_logo_url: req.event.hero_logo_url || null,
+        header_style: req.event.header_style || 'standard',
+        hero_divider_style: req.event.hero_divider_style || 'wave',
+        hero_image_anchor: req.event.hero_image_anchor || 'center',
+        default_photo_sort: req.event.default_photo_sort || 'upload_date_desc',
         ...protectionSettings
       },
       categories: categories,
       photos: photos.map(photo => {
         const useJwtUrl = (protectionSettings.protection_level === 'basic' || protectionSettings.protection_level === 'standard');
-        const photoUrl = useJwtUrl ? 
-          `/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${photo.id}` : 
+        // Add watermark version to URLs for cache busting when settings change
+        const wmQuery = wmVersion ? `?${wmVersion}` : '';
+        const photoUrl = useJwtUrl ?
+          `/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${photo.id}${wmQuery}` :
           `/api/secure-images/${req.params.slug}/secure/${photo.id}/{{token}}`;
-        
+
         return {
           id: photo.id,
           filename: photo.filename,
           url: photoUrl,
-          thumbnail_url: photo.thumbnail_path ? `/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/thumbnail/${photo.id}` : null,
+          thumbnail_url: photo.thumbnail_path ? `/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/thumbnail/${photo.id}${wmQuery}` : null,
+          // Hero-optimized image URL (1920x1080) for full-width hero sections
+          hero_url: `/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/hero/${photo.id}${wmQuery}`,
           secure_url_template: `/api/secure-images/${req.params.slug}/secure/${photo.id}/{{token}}`,
           download_url_template: `/api/secure-images/${req.params.slug}/secure-download/${photo.id}/{{token}}`,
           type: photo.type,
-          category_id: photo.type,
-          category_name: photo.type === 'individual' ? 'Individual Photos' : 'Collages',
-          category_slug: photo.type,
+          category_id: photo.category_id || null,
+          category_name: photo.category_id && categoryMap[photo.category_id] ? categoryMap[photo.category_id].name : null,
+          category_slug: photo.category_id && categoryMap[photo.category_id] ? categoryMap[photo.category_id].slug : null,
           size: photo.size_bytes,
           uploaded_at: photo.uploaded_at,
+          // Image dimensions for layout calculations
+          width: photo.width || null,
+          height: photo.height || null,
           // Fixed: Use the calculated useJwtUrl variable instead of recalculating
           requires_token: !useJwtUrl,
-          // Feedback data
-          has_feedback: (commentMap[photo.id] > 0 || photo.average_rating > 0 || photo.like_count > 0),
-          average_rating: photo.average_rating || 0,
-          comment_count: commentMap[photo.id] || 0,
-          like_count: photo.like_count || 0,
-          favorite_count: photo.favorite_count || 0
+          // EXIF capture date
+          captured_at: photo.captured_at || null,
+          // Media type
+          media_type: photo.media_type || null,
+          mime_type: photo.mime_type || null,
+          duration: photo.duration || null,
+          // Feedback data (hidden when show_feedback_to_guests is disabled)
+          has_feedback: showFeedbackToGuests ? (commentMap[photo.id] > 0 || photo.average_rating > 0 || photo.like_count > 0) : false,
+          average_rating: showFeedbackToGuests ? (photo.average_rating || 0) : 0,
+          comment_count: showFeedbackToGuests ? (commentMap[photo.id] || 0) : 0,
+          like_count: showFeedbackToGuests ? (photo.like_count || 0) : 0,
+          favorite_count: showFeedbackToGuests ? (photo.favorite_count || 0) : 0,
+          // Visibility (only included for clients)
+          ...(isClient ? { visibility: photo.visibility || 'visible' } : {})
         };
       })
     });
@@ -360,24 +459,91 @@ router.get('/:slug/photos', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
   }
 });
 
+// Toggle photo visibility (client-only)
+router.patch('/:slug/photos/:photoId/visibility', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    if (req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Client access required' });
+    }
+
+    const { photoId } = req.params;
+    const { visibility } = req.body;
+
+    if (!['visible', 'hidden'].includes(visibility)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid visibility value' });
+    }
+
+    const photo = await db('photos')
+      .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
+      .first();
+
+    if (!photo) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
+    }
+
+    await db('photos')
+      .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
+      .update({ visibility });
+
+    res.json({ message: 'Photo visibility updated', visibility });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error updating photo visibility:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update photo visibility' });
+  }
+});
+
+// Bulk toggle photo visibility (client-only)
+router.patch('/:slug/photos/visibility/bulk', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    if (req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Client access required' });
+    }
+
+    const { photoIds, visibility } = req.body;
+
+    if (!Array.isArray(photoIds) || photoIds.length === 0) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid photo IDs' });
+    }
+
+    if (!['visible', 'hidden'].includes(visibility)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid visibility value' });
+    }
+
+    const count = await db('photos')
+      .whereIn('id', photoIds)
+      .where('event_id', req.event.id)
+      .update({ visibility });
+
+    res.json({ message: `${count} photos updated`, visibility });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Error bulk updating photo visibility:', error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to update photo visibility' });
+  }
+});
+
 // Download single photo
 router.get('/:slug/download/:photoId', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { photoId } = req.params;
-    
+
     // Check if downloads are allowed for this event
     if (req.event.allow_downloads === false) {
       return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Downloads are disabled for this gallery' });
     }
-    
+
     const photo = await db('photos')
       .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
       .first();
-    
+
     if (!photo) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
     }
-    
+
+    // Block guest access to hidden photos
+    if (photo.visibility === 'hidden' && req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Photo not available' });
+    }
+
     // Update download count
     await db('photos').where('id', photoId).increment('download_count', 1);
     
@@ -676,11 +842,15 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
         .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
         .first();
 
-
       if (!photo) {
         return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
       }
 
+      // Block guest access to hidden photos
+      if (photo.visibility === 'hidden' && req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+        return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Photo not available' });
+      }
+
       // Check if this is a video
       const isVideo = photo.media_type === 'video' || (photo.mime_type && photo.mime_type.startsWith('video/'));
 
@@ -698,8 +868,34 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
 
       // Resolve the absolute file path for this photo, supporting both managed and external reference modes
       const { resolvePhotoFilePath } = require('../services/photoResolver');
-      const filePath = resolvePhotoFilePath(req.event, photo);
+      const fs = require('fs');
 
+      let filePath;
+      try {
+        filePath = resolvePhotoFilePath(req.event, photo);
+      } catch (resolveError) {
+        logger.error('Failed to resolve photo path', {
+          slug: req.params.slug,
+          photoId,
+          eventId: req.event.id,
+          error: resolveError.message,
+          photoPath: photo.path,
+          photoFilename: photo.filename
+        });
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo file not found' });
+      }
+
+      // Verify file exists before attempting to serve
+      if (!fs.existsSync(filePath)) {
+        logger.error('Photo file does not exist at resolved path', {
+          slug: req.params.slug,
+          photoId,
+          eventId: req.event.id,
+          resolvedPath: filePath,
+          photoPath: photo.path
+        });
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo file not found' });
+      }
 
       // Log access - temporarily disabled for debugging
       // await secureImageService.logImageAccess(
@@ -711,14 +907,13 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
 
       // Handle video streaming with range requests
       if (isVideo) {
-        const fs = require('fs');
         const stat = fs.statSync(filePath);
         const fileSize = stat.size;
         const range = req.headers.range;
 
         if (range) {
           // Parse range header
-          const parts = range.replace(/bytes=/, "").split("-");
+          const parts = range.replace(/bytes=/, '').split('-');
           const start = parseInt(parts[0], 10);
           const end = parts[1] ? parseInt(parts[1], 10) : fileSize - 1;
           const chunksize = (end - start) + 1;
@@ -753,13 +948,52 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
       // Get watermark settings
       const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
 
+      // Generate ETag based on photo id, modification time, and watermark settings
+      // This ensures cache invalidation when watermark settings change
+      const stat = fs.statSync(filePath);
+      const watermarkHash = watermarkSettings?.enabled
+        ? `-wm${watermarkSettings.opacity}${watermarkSettings.position}${watermarkSettings.size}`
+        : '-nowm';
+      const etag = `"${photoId}-${stat.mtime.getTime()}${watermarkHash}"`;
+
+      // Check if client has valid cached version
+      if (req.headers['if-none-match'] === etag) {
+        return res.status(304).end();
+      }
+
       if (watermarkSettings && watermarkSettings.enabled) {
-        // Apply watermark and send
+        // Try to serve pre-generated watermarked file for instant loading
+        if (photo.watermark_path) {
+          const watermarkFilePath = path.join(getStoragePath(), photo.watermark_path);
+          try {
+            // Check if pre-generated watermark file exists
+            if (fs.existsSync(watermarkFilePath)) {
+              res.set({
+                'Content-Type': photo.mime_type || 'image/jpeg',
+                'Cache-Control': 'private, max-age=1800',
+                'ETag': etag,
+                'X-Protection-Level': 'basic'
+              });
+              return res.sendFile(watermarkFilePath);
+            }
+          } catch (err) {
+            // File doesn't exist or error, fall through to on-the-fly generation
+            logger.warn(`Pre-generated watermark not found for photo ${photoId}, falling back to on-the-fly`);
+          }
+        }
+
+        // Fallback: Apply watermark on-the-fly (slower, but ensures image is served)
+        // Also queue regeneration for next time
         const watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkService.applyWatermark(filePath, watermarkSettings);
 
+        // Queue watermark generation in background for next request
+        watermarkGeneratorService.generateForPhoto(photo.id)
+          .catch(err => logger.warn(`Background watermark generation failed for photo ${photo.id}:`, err.message));
+
         res.set({
           'Content-Type': photo.mime_type || 'image/jpeg',
           'Cache-Control': 'private, max-age=1800', // Cache for 30 minutes
+          'ETag': etag,
           'X-Protection-Level': 'basic'
         });
 
@@ -768,6 +1002,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
         // Send original file with basic protection headers
         res.set({
           'Cache-Control': 'private, max-age=1800',
+          'ETag': etag,
           'X-Protection-Level': 'basic'
         });
         // Ensure absolute path for res.sendFile
@@ -787,30 +1022,35 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId',
 );
 
 // Serve thumbnail
-router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId', 
-  verifyGalleryAccess, 
+router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
+  verifyGalleryAccess,
   async (req, res) => {
     try {
       const { photoId } = req.params;
-      
+
       const photo = await db('photos')
         .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
         .first();
-      
-      if (!photo || !photo.thumbnail_path) {
-        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail not found' });
+
+      if (!photo) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
       }
-      
-      const thumbPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), photo.thumbnail_path);
-      
-      // Check if file exists
-      const fs = require('fs').promises;
-      try {
-        await fs.access(thumbPath);
-      } catch (error) {
-        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail file not found' });
+
+      // Block guest access to hidden photos
+      if (photo.visibility === 'hidden' && req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+        return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Photo not available' });
       }
 
+      // Ensure thumbnail exists and is valid, regenerate if needed
+      const thumbnailPath = await ensureThumbnail(photo);
+
+      if (!thumbnailPath) {
+        logger.error(`Failed to generate thumbnail for photo ${photoId}`);
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Thumbnail generation failed' });
+      }
+
+      const thumbPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), thumbnailPath);
+
       // Log thumbnail access
       await secureImageService.logImageAccess(
         photoId,
@@ -818,18 +1058,41 @@ router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
         req.clientInfo,
         'thumbnail'
       );
-      
+
+      // Check if watermarks are enabled and apply to thumbnail
+      const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+
+      // Generate ETag based on photo id, thumbnail modification time, and watermark settings
+      const fs = require('fs');
+      const stat = fs.statSync(thumbPath);
+      const watermarkHash = watermarkSettings?.enabled
+        ? `-wm${watermarkSettings.opacity}${watermarkSettings.position}${watermarkSettings.size}`
+        : '-nowm';
+      const etag = `"thumb-${photoId}-${stat.mtime.getTime()}${watermarkHash}"`;
+
+      // Check if client has valid cached version
+      if (req.headers['if-none-match'] === etag) {
+        return res.status(304).end();
+      }
+
       // Set appropriate headers with enhanced security
       res.set({
         'Content-Type': 'image/jpeg',
         'Cache-Control': 'private, max-age=1800', // Reduced cache time
         'Cross-Origin-Resource-Policy': 'cross-origin',
         'X-Content-Type-Options': 'nosniff',
-        'X-Protected-Thumbnail': 'true'
+        'X-Protected-Thumbnail': 'true',
+        'ETag': etag
       });
-      
-      // Send file
-      res.sendFile(path.resolve(thumbPath));
+
+      if (watermarkSettings && watermarkSettings.enabled) {
+        // Apply watermark to thumbnail
+        const watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkService.applyWatermark(thumbPath, watermarkSettings);
+        res.send(watermarkedBuffer);
+      } else {
+        // Send file without watermark
+        res.sendFile(path.resolve(thumbPath));
+      }
     } catch (error) {
       logger.error('Error serving thumbnail:', {
         error: error.message,
@@ -841,6 +1104,97 @@ router.get('/:slug/thumbnail/:photoId',
   }
 );
 
+// Serve hero-optimized image (1920x1080 for full-width hero sections)
+router.get('/:slug/hero/:photoId',
+  verifyGalleryAccess,
+  async (req, res) => {
+    try {
+      const { photoId } = req.params;
+
+      const photo = await db('photos')
+        .where({ id: photoId, event_id: req.event.id })
+        .first();
+
+      if (!photo) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
+      }
+
+      // Block guest access to hidden photos
+      if (photo.visibility === 'hidden' && req.accessLevel !== 'client') {
+        return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Photo not available' });
+      }
+
+      // Check if this is a video - videos don't get hero images
+      const isVideo = photo.media_type === 'video' || (photo.mime_type && photo.mime_type.startsWith('video/'));
+      if (isVideo) {
+        // For videos, redirect to the regular photo endpoint
+        return res.redirect(`/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${photoId}`);
+      }
+
+      // Ensure hero image exists and is valid, regenerate if needed
+      const heroPath = await ensureHeroImage(photo);
+
+      if (!heroPath) {
+        // If hero generation fails, fall back to original photo
+        logger.warn(`Failed to generate hero image for photo ${photoId}, falling back to original`);
+        return res.redirect(`/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${photoId}`);
+      }
+
+      const heroFullPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), heroPath);
+      const fs = require('fs');
+
+      // Verify file exists before attempting to serve
+      if (!fs.existsSync(heroFullPath)) {
+        logger.error('Hero image file does not exist at resolved path', {
+          slug: req.params.slug,
+          photoId,
+          eventId: req.event.id,
+          resolvedPath: heroFullPath
+        });
+        return res.redirect(`/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${photoId}`);
+      }
+
+      // Get file stats for ETag
+      const stat = fs.statSync(heroFullPath);
+      const etag = `"hero-${photoId}-${stat.mtime.getTime()}"`;
+
+      // Check if client has valid cached version
+      if (req.headers['if-none-match'] === etag) {
+        return res.status(304).end();
+      }
+
+      // Check if watermarks should be applied
+      const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
+
+      res.set({
+        'Content-Type': 'image/jpeg',
+        'Cache-Control': 'private, max-age=3600', // Cache for 1 hour
+        'Cross-Origin-Resource-Policy': 'cross-origin',
+        'X-Content-Type-Options': 'nosniff',
+        'X-Hero-Image': 'true',
+        'ETag': etag
+      });
+
+      if (watermarkSettings && watermarkSettings.enabled) {
+        // Apply watermark to hero image
+        const watermarkedBuffer = await watermarkService.applyWatermark(heroFullPath, watermarkSettings);
+        res.send(watermarkedBuffer);
+      } else {
+        // Send hero image without watermark
+        res.sendFile(path.resolve(heroFullPath));
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error serving hero image:', {
+        error: error.message,
+        photoId: req.params.photoId,
+        eventId: req.event?.id
+      });
+      // Fall back to original photo on any error
+      res.redirect(`/api/gallery/${req.params.slug}/photo/${req.params.photoId}`);
+    }
+  }
+);
+
 // Get feedback settings for gallery
 router.get('/:slug/feedback-settings', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
   try {
@@ -850,10 +1204,12 @@ router.get('/:slug/feedback-settings', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) =>
     res.json({
       feedback_enabled: settings.feedback_enabled || false,
       allow_ratings: settings.allow_ratings,
-      allow_likes: settings.allow_likes, 
+      allow_likes: settings.allow_likes,
       allow_comments: settings.allow_comments,
       allow_favorites: settings.allow_favorites,
-      show_feedback_to_guests: settings.show_feedback_to_guests
+      show_feedback_to_guests: settings.show_feedback_to_guests,
+      require_name_email: settings.require_name_email || false,
+      identity_mode: settings.identity_mode || 'simple'
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('Error fetching feedback settings:', error);
@@ -926,6 +1282,17 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
 
     // Import multer and photo processing
     const multer = require('multer');
+    const { getAllowedMimeTypes } = require('../services/uploadSettings');
+    const { validateFileType } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+
+    // Resolve allowed MIME types from settings
+    let allowedMimeTypes;
+    try {
+      allowedMimeTypes = await getAllowedMimeTypes();
+    } catch {
+      allowedMimeTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp'];
+    }
+
     const upload = multer({
       dest: tempUploadDir,
       limits: {
@@ -933,8 +1300,7 @@ router.post('/:eventId/upload', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
         files: 10 // Max 10 files at once
       },
       fileFilter: (req, file, cb) => {
-        const allowedTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/webp'];
-        if (allowedTypes.includes(file.mimetype)) {
+        if (validateFileType(file.originalname, file.mimetype, allowedMimeTypes)) {
           cb(null, true);
         } else {
           cb(new Error('Invalid file type'));

backend/src/routes/galleryFeedback.js

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ const router = express.Router();
 const { photoAuth } = require('../middleware/photoAuth');
 const { verifyGalleryAccess } = require('../middleware/gallery');
 const { feedbackRateLimit, generateGuestIdentifier } = require('../middleware/feedbackRateLimit');
+const { resolveGuest } = require('../middleware/guestAuth');
 const feedbackService = require('../services/feedbackService');
 const feedbackModeration = require('../services/feedbackModeration');
 const { db, logActivity } = require('../database/db');
@@ -22,7 +23,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/feedback-settings',
     try {
       const event = req.event;
       const settings = await feedbackService.getEventFeedbackSettings(event.id);
-      
+
       // Only send relevant settings to guests
       // Convert SQLite boolean values (0/1) to proper booleans
       const guestSettings = {
@@ -32,9 +33,10 @@ router.get('/:slug/feedback-settings',
         allow_comments: Boolean(settings.allow_comments),
         allow_favorites: Boolean(settings.allow_favorites),
         require_name_email: Boolean(settings.require_name_email),
-        show_feedback_to_guests: Boolean(settings.show_feedback_to_guests)
+        show_feedback_to_guests: Boolean(settings.show_feedback_to_guests),
+        identity_mode: settings.identity_mode || 'simple'
       };
-      
+
       res.json(guestSettings);
     } catch (error) {
       logger.error('Error getting feedback settings:', error);
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/feedback-settings',
 // Get feedback for a specific photo
 router.get('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
   verifyGalleryAccess,
+  resolveGuest,
   validatePhotoId,
   checkValidation,
   async (req, res) => {
@@ -137,6 +140,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
 // Submit feedback for a photo
 router.post('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
   verifyGalleryAccess,
+  resolveGuest,
   validatePhotoId,
   validateFeedbackSubmission,
   checkValidation,
@@ -144,15 +148,28 @@ router.post('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
     try {
       const { photoId } = req.params;
       const event = req.event;
-      const guestIdentifier = generateGuestIdentifier(req);
-      
-      // Get feedback settings
+
+      // Get feedback settings first so we can enforce identity_mode.
       const settings = await feedbackService.getEventFeedbackSettings(event.id);
-      
+
       if (!settings.feedback_enabled) {
         return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Feedback is not enabled for this event' });
       }
-      
+
+      // In guest identity mode, a valid guest token is required. The server
+      // never trusts guest_name/guest_email from the body in this mode — it
+      // reads them from the verified token via req.guest.
+      if (settings.identity_mode === 'guest') {
+        if (!req.guest || req.guest.eventId !== event.id) {
+          return res.status(401).json({
+            error: 'Guest identity required',
+            code: 'GUEST_IDENTITY_REQUIRED'
+          });
+        }
+      }
+
+      const guestIdentifier = generateGuestIdentifier(req);
+
       // Check if specific feedback type is allowed
       const feedbackType = req.body.feedback_type;
       const typeAllowed = {
@@ -161,29 +178,32 @@ router.post('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
         comment: settings.allow_comments,
         favorite: settings.allow_favorites
       };
-      
+
       if (!typeAllowed[feedbackType]) {
         return res.status(403).json({ error: `${feedbackType} feedback is not enabled` });
       }
-      
+
       // Verify photo belongs to event
       const photo = await db('photos')
         .where({ id: photoId, event_id: event.id })
         .first();
-      
+
       if (!photo) {
         return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Photo not found' });
       }
-      
-      // Validate guest requirements
-      const guestValidation = await validateGuestRequirements(settings, req.body);
-      if (!guestValidation.valid) {
-        return res.status(400).json({ 
-          error: 'Guest information required',
-          errors: guestValidation.errors 
-        });
+
+      // Validate guest requirements only in simple mode. In guest mode, the
+      // identity is already provided via the token and verified above.
+      if (settings.identity_mode !== 'guest') {
+        const guestValidation = await validateGuestRequirements(settings, req.body);
+        if (!guestValidation.valid) {
+          return res.status(400).json({
+            error: 'Guest information required',
+            errors: guestValidation.errors
+          });
+        }
       }
-      
+
       // Apply rate limiting based on feedback type
       const rateLimitMiddleware = feedbackRateLimit(feedbackType);
       await new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
@@ -192,19 +212,21 @@ router.post('/:slug/photos/:photoId/feedback',
           else resolve();
         });
       });
-      
+
       // If we got here and response was sent (rate limited), return
       if (res.headersSent) return;
-      
-      // Prepare feedback data
+
+      // Prepare feedback data. In guest mode, use the verified token as the
+      // source of truth for name/email — never the body.
       const feedbackData = {
         feedback_type: feedbackType,
         rating: req.body.rating,
         comment_text: req.body.comment_text,
-        guest_name: req.body.guest_name,
-        guest_email: req.body.guest_email,
+        guest_name: req.guest?.name ?? req.body.guest_name,
+        guest_email: req.guest?.email ?? req.body.guest_email,
+        guest_id: req.guest?.id ?? null,
         ip_address: req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress,
-        user_agent: req.headers['user-agent'],
+        user_agent: (req.headers['user-agent'] || '').replace(/[<>&"']/g, '').substring(0, 255),
         moderate_comments: settings.moderate_comments
       };
       
@@ -316,22 +338,32 @@ router.get('/:slug/feedback-summary',
 // Get user's own feedback for all photos
 router.get('/:slug/my-feedback',
   verifyGalleryAccess,
+  resolveGuest,
   async (req, res) => {
     try {
       const event = req.event;
-      const guestIdentifier = generateGuestIdentifier(req);
-      
-      const myFeedback = await db('photo_feedback')
+
+      const query = db('photo_feedback')
         .join('photos', 'photo_feedback.photo_id', 'photos.id')
-        .where('photo_feedback.event_id', event.id)
-        .where('photo_feedback.guest_identifier', guestIdentifier)
+        .where('photo_feedback.event_id', event.id);
+
+      // Prefer guest_id lookup when a verified guest token is present
+      // (per-person identity). Fall back to the device hash otherwise.
+      if (req.guest?.id) {
+        query.where('photo_feedback.guest_id', req.guest.id);
+      } else {
+        const guestIdentifier = generateGuestIdentifier(req);
+        query.where('photo_feedback.guest_identifier', guestIdentifier);
+      }
+
+      const myFeedback = await query
         .select(
           'photo_feedback.*',
           'photos.filename',
           'photos.path'
         )
         .orderBy('photo_feedback.created_at', 'desc');
-      
+
       res.json(myFeedback);
     } catch (error) {
       logger.error('Error getting user feedback:', error);

backend/src/routes/galleryGuests.js

@@ -0,0 +1,409 @@
+const express = require('express');
+const crypto = require('crypto');
+const router = express.Router();
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { verifyGalleryAccess } = require('../middleware/gallery');
+const { resolveGuest, requireGuest, signGuestToken } = require('../middleware/guestAuth');
+const feedbackService = require('../services/feedbackService');
+const guestRecovery = require('../services/guestRecoveryService');
+
+const MAX_NAME_LEN = 100;
+const MAX_EMAIL_LEN = 255;
+const EMAIL_REGEX = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/;
+
+// In-memory rate limit for guest registration (20 per hour per IP). Simple
+// sliding window; on process restart the counters reset which is acceptable.
+const registrationAttempts = new Map();
+const REGISTRATION_WINDOW_MS = 60 * 60 * 1000;
+const REGISTRATION_MAX = 20;
+
+function checkRegistrationRate(ip) {
+  const now = Date.now();
+  const entry = registrationAttempts.get(ip) || { count: 0, windowStart: now };
+  if (now - entry.windowStart > REGISTRATION_WINDOW_MS) {
+    entry.count = 0;
+    entry.windowStart = now;
+  }
+  entry.count += 1;
+  registrationAttempts.set(ip, entry);
+  return entry.count <= REGISTRATION_MAX;
+}
+
+function sanitizeName(value) {
+  if (typeof value !== 'string') return '';
+  // Strip HTML/control chars, collapse whitespace.
+  const cleaned = value
+    .replace(/[<>&"']/g, '')
+    .replace(/[\u0000-\u001F\u007F]/g, '')
+    .replace(/\s+/g, ' ')
+    .trim();
+  return cleaned.slice(0, MAX_NAME_LEN);
+}
+
+function sanitizeEmail(value) {
+  if (typeof value !== 'string') return '';
+  return value.trim().slice(0, MAX_EMAIL_LEN).toLowerCase();
+}
+
+/**
+ * POST /gallery/:slug/guest
+ * Body: { name, email? }
+ *
+ * Registers a new per-person guest identity for this gallery. Returns a JWT
+ * that the frontend must send as the x-guest-token header on subsequent
+ * feedback requests.
+ */
+router.post('/:slug/guest', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const ip = req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress || 'unknown';
+    if (!checkRegistrationRate(ip)) {
+      return res.status(429).json({ error: 'Too many registration attempts' });
+    }
+
+    const event = req.event;
+    const settings = await feedbackService.getEventFeedbackSettings(event.id);
+
+    // Guest registration is only meaningful when feedback is enabled.
+    if (!settings.feedback_enabled) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Feedback is not enabled for this gallery' });
+    }
+
+    const name = sanitizeName(req.body?.name);
+    if (!name || name.length < 1) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Name is required', field: 'name' });
+    }
+
+    let email = sanitizeEmail(req.body?.email);
+    if (email && !EMAIL_REGEX.test(email)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid email format', field: 'email' });
+    }
+    if (settings.require_name_email && !email) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Email is required', field: 'email' });
+    }
+
+    const identifier = crypto.randomUUID();
+    const userAgent = (req.headers['user-agent'] || '').substring(0, 500);
+
+    const [row] = await db('gallery_guests')
+      .insert({
+        event_id: event.id,
+        name,
+        email: email || null,
+        identifier,
+        ip_address_last: ip.substring(0, 45),
+        user_agent_last: userAgent,
+      })
+      .returning(['id', 'name', 'email', 'identifier', 'created_at']);
+
+    const token = signGuestToken({
+      guestId: row.id,
+      eventId: event.id,
+      identifier: row.identifier,
+      name: row.name,
+    });
+
+    logger.info('Guest registered', {
+      eventId: event.id,
+      guestId: row.id,
+      name: row.name,
+    });
+
+    return res.json({
+      guest: {
+        id: row.id,
+        name: row.name,
+        email: row.email,
+        identifier: row.identifier,
+      },
+      token,
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Guest registration failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to register guest' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * GET /gallery/:slug/guest/me
+ * Returns the current guest profile from a valid guest token. 401 otherwise.
+ */
+router.get('/:slug/guest/me', verifyGalleryAccess, resolveGuest, requireGuest, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    if (req.guest.eventId !== req.event.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Guest token does not match gallery' });
+    }
+
+    // Update last_seen_at on each profile fetch (cheap and useful for admin).
+    await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ id: req.guest.id })
+      .update({
+        last_seen_at: db.fn.now(),
+        ip_address_last: (req.ip || '').substring(0, 45),
+        user_agent_last: (req.headers['user-agent'] || '').substring(0, 500),
+      });
+
+    return res.json({
+      guest: {
+        id: req.guest.id,
+        name: req.guest.name,
+        email: req.guest.email,
+        identifier: req.guest.identifier,
+      },
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Guest profile fetch failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to fetch guest profile' });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * DELETE /gallery/:slug/guest/me
+ *
+ * "Forget me" — soft-deletes the guest row and anonymizes their feedback so
+ * aggregate counts remain stable but personal data is removed.
+ */
+router.delete('/:slug/guest/me', verifyGalleryAccess, resolveGuest, requireGuest, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    if (req.guest.eventId !== req.event.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Guest token does not match gallery' });
+    }
+
+    await feedbackService.anonymizeGuestFeedback(req.guest.id);
+
+    await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ id: req.guest.id })
+      .update({
+        is_deleted: true,
+        name: 'Removed',
+        email: null,
+        last_seen_at: db.fn.now(),
+      });
+
+    logger.info('Guest self-forgot', {
+      eventId: req.event.id,
+      guestId: req.guest.id,
+    });
+
+    return res.json({ success: true });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Guest forget-me failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to forget guest' });
+  }
+});
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Phase 3.2 — Email-based identity recovery
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// Simple in-memory rate limit for recover/verify (5 per hour per IP).
+const recoveryAttempts = new Map();
+const VERIFY_WINDOW_MS = 60 * 60 * 1000;
+const VERIFY_MAX = 20;
+function checkRecoveryRate(ip) {
+  const now = Date.now();
+  const entry = recoveryAttempts.get(ip) || { count: 0, windowStart: now };
+  if (now - entry.windowStart > VERIFY_WINDOW_MS) {
+    entry.count = 0;
+    entry.windowStart = now;
+  }
+  entry.count += 1;
+  recoveryAttempts.set(ip, entry);
+  return entry.count <= VERIFY_MAX;
+}
+
+/**
+ * POST /gallery/:slug/guest/recover
+ * Body: { email }
+ *
+ * Sends a 6-digit code to the email if it matches an existing guest. Returns
+ * 200 regardless of whether a matching guest exists (prevents enumeration).
+ */
+router.post('/:slug/guest/recover', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const ip = req.ip || 'unknown';
+    if (!checkRecoveryRate(ip)) {
+      return res.status(429).json({ error: 'Too many recovery attempts' });
+    }
+
+    const email = sanitizeEmail(req.body?.email);
+    if (!email || !EMAIL_REGEX.test(email)) {
+      // Still return 200 to avoid leaking validity of the email field.
+      return res.json({ success: true });
+    }
+
+    const event = req.event;
+    const settings = await feedbackService.getEventFeedbackSettings(event.id);
+    if (!settings.feedback_enabled || settings.identity_mode !== 'guest') {
+      return res.json({ success: true });
+    }
+
+    const guest = await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ event_id: event.id, email, is_deleted: false })
+      .first();
+
+    if (guest) {
+      try {
+        const code = await guestRecovery.createCode(event.id, email);
+        await guestRecovery.sendRecoveryEmail(email, code, event.event_name || 'your gallery');
+      } catch (sendError) {
+        logger.error('Failed to send recovery email', { error: sendError.message });
+        // Still return 200 so clients can't distinguish failures.
+      }
+    }
+
+    return res.json({ success: true });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Guest recovery request failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.json({ success: true });
+  }
+});
+
+/**
+ * POST /gallery/:slug/guest/verify
+ * Body: { email, code }
+ *
+ * Exchanges a valid verification code for a guest token. Reuses the existing
+ * guest row associated with the email (the guest continues where they left
+ * off, cross-device).
+ */
+router.post('/:slug/guest/verify', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const ip = req.ip || 'unknown';
+    if (!checkRecoveryRate(ip)) {
+      return res.status(429).json({ error: 'Too many verification attempts' });
+    }
+
+    const email = sanitizeEmail(req.body?.email);
+    const code = String(req.body?.code || '').trim();
+    if (!email || !code) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Email and code are required' });
+    }
+
+    const event = req.event;
+    const verifyResult = await guestRecovery.verifyCode(event.id, email, code);
+    if (!verifyResult.ok) {
+      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid or expired code', reason: verifyResult.reason });
+    }
+
+    const guest = await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ event_id: event.id, email, is_deleted: false })
+      .first();
+    if (!guest) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Guest not found' });
+    }
+
+    await db('gallery_guests')
+      .where({ id: guest.id })
+      .update({
+        email_verified_at: guest.email_verified_at || db.fn.now(),
+        last_seen_at: db.fn.now(),
+        ip_address_last: (req.ip || '').substring(0, 45),
+      });
+
+    const token = signGuestToken({
+      guestId: guest.id,
+      eventId: event.id,
+      identifier: guest.identifier,
+      name: guest.name,
+    });
+
+    logger.info('Guest recovered via email', { eventId: event.id, guestId: guest.id });
+
+    return res.json({
+      guest: {
+        id: guest.id,
+        name: guest.name,
+        email: guest.email,
+        identifier: guest.identifier,
+      },
+      token,
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Guest verify failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to verify code' });
+  }
+});
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Phase 3.3 — Invite token redemption
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+/**
+ * POST /gallery/:slug/guest/redeem
+ * Body: { inviteToken }
+ *
+ * Redeems a pre-minted invite token (created by admin). Single use.
+ */
+router.post('/:slug/guest/redeem', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const inviteToken = String(req.body?.inviteToken || '').trim();
+    if (!inviteToken) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invite token required' });
+    }
+
+    const event = req.event;
+
+    const result = await db.transaction(async (trx) => {
+      const invite = await trx('guest_invites')
+        .where({ token: inviteToken, event_id: event.id })
+        .first();
+      if (!invite) return { error: 'not_found' };
+      if (invite.revoked_at) return { error: 'revoked' };
+      if (invite.redeemed_at) return { error: 'already_redeemed' };
+
+      const guest = await trx('gallery_guests')
+        .where({ id: invite.guest_id, is_deleted: false })
+        .first();
+      if (!guest) return { error: 'guest_missing' };
+
+      await trx('guest_invites')
+        .where({ id: invite.id })
+        .update({ redeemed_at: trx.fn.now() });
+
+      await trx('gallery_guests')
+        .where({ id: guest.id })
+        .update({
+          last_seen_at: trx.fn.now(),
+          ip_address_last: (req.ip || '').substring(0, 45),
+          user_agent_last: (req.headers['user-agent'] || '').substring(0, 500),
+        });
+
+      return { guest };
+    });
+
+    if (result.error) {
+      const statusMap = {
+        not_found: 404,
+        revoked: 410,
+        already_redeemed: 409,
+        guest_missing: 404,
+      };
+      return res.status(statusMap[result.error] || 400).json({ error: result.error });
+    }
+
+    const token = signGuestToken({
+      guestId: result.guest.id,
+      eventId: event.id,
+      identifier: result.guest.identifier,
+      name: result.guest.name,
+    });
+
+    logger.info('Invite redeemed', { eventId: event.id, guestId: result.guest.id });
+
+    return res.json({
+      guest: {
+        id: result.guest.id,
+        name: result.guest.name,
+        email: result.guest.email,
+        identifier: result.guest.identifier,
+      },
+      token,
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.error('Invite redemption failed', { error: error.message });
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to redeem invite' });
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/protectedImages.js

@@ -90,38 +90,50 @@ router.get('/:slug/photo/:photoId/view', verifyGalleryAccess, async (req, res) =
     }, 'view');
     
     // Get protection settings from event
+    const eventProtectionLevel = req.event.protection_level || protectionLevel;
     const protectionSettings = {
-      protectionLevel: req.event.protection_level || protectionLevel,
+      protectionLevel: eventProtectionLevel,
       quality: req.event.image_quality || 85,
       addFingerprint: req.event.add_fingerprint !== false,
-      fragmentImage: protectionLevel === 'maximum'
+      fragmentImage: eventProtectionLevel === 'maximum'
     };
-    
+
     // Build full path to photo
     const photoPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), 'events/active', req.event.slug, photo.path);
-    
-    // Process image with protection
-    const processedImage = await secureImageService.processProtectedImage(photoPath, protectionSettings);
-    
-    // Apply watermark if enabled
+
+    // For basic/standard protection without special features, serve original file
+    // This avoids unnecessary recompression
+    const needsProcessing = eventProtectionLevel === 'enhanced' ||
+                            eventProtectionLevel === 'maximum' ||
+                            protectionSettings.addFingerprint;
+
     let finalImage;
-    if (processedImage.type === 'fragmented') {
-      // Return fragmented image data for canvas reconstruction
-      return res.json({
-        type: 'fragmented',
-        fragments: processedImage.fragments.map(f => ({
-          index: f.index,
-          row: f.row,
-          col: f.col,
-          data: f.buffer.toString('base64'),
-          position: f.position
-        })),
-        dimensions: processedImage.originalDimensions,
-        fragmentDimensions: processedImage.fragmentDimensions
-      });
+
+    if (!needsProcessing) {
+      // Serve original file without processing
+      const fs = require('fs').promises;
+      finalImage = await fs.readFile(photoPath);
     } else {
-      const watermarkSettings = await watermarkService.getWatermarkSettings();
-      finalImage = await watermarkService.applyWatermark(photoPath, watermarkSettings);
+      // Process image with protection measures
+      const processedImage = await secureImageService.processProtectedImage(photoPath, protectionSettings);
+
+      if (processedImage.type === 'fragmented') {
+        // Return fragmented image data for canvas reconstruction
+        return res.json({
+          type: 'fragmented',
+          fragments: processedImage.fragments.map(f => ({
+            index: f.index,
+            row: f.row,
+            col: f.col,
+            data: f.buffer.toString('base64'),
+            position: f.position
+          })),
+          dimensions: processedImage.originalDimensions,
+          fragmentDimensions: processedImage.fragmentDimensions
+        });
+      }
+
+      finalImage = processedImage;
     }
     
     // Set security headers

backend/src/routes/publicSettings.js

@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ router.get('/', async (req, res) => {
         .where(function() {
           this.whereIn('setting_type', ['branding', 'theme', 'general', 'security', 'analytics', 'boolean'])
             .orWhere('setting_key', 'like', 'analytics_%')
-            .orWhere('setting_key', 'like', 'event_require_%');
+            .orWhere('setting_key', 'like', 'event_require_%')
+            .orWhereIn('setting_key', ['seo_meta_noindex', 'seo_meta_nofollow', 'seo_meta_noai']);
         })
         .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
     });
@@ -74,7 +75,15 @@ router.get('/', async (req, res) => {
       // Event field requirements
       event_require_customer_name: settingsObject.event_require_customer_name !== false,
       event_require_customer_email: settingsObject.event_require_customer_email !== false,
-      event_require_admin_email: settingsObject.event_require_admin_email !== false
+      event_require_admin_email: settingsObject.event_require_admin_email !== false,
+      event_require_event_date: settingsObject.event_require_event_date !== false,
+      event_require_expiration: settingsObject.event_require_expiration !== false,
+      // Upload settings (safe to expose - needed for client-side validation)
+      allowed_file_types: settingsObject.general_allowed_file_types || 'jpg,jpeg,png,webp',
+      // SEO meta tag flags (safe to expose - these are intended for crawlers)
+      seo_meta_noindex: settingsObject.seo_meta_noindex === true,
+      seo_meta_nofollow: settingsObject.seo_meta_nofollow === true,
+      seo_meta_noai: settingsObject.seo_meta_noai === true
     };
 
     res.json(publicSettings);

backend/src/routes/secureImages.js

@@ -350,34 +350,11 @@ router.get('/:slug/secure-download/:photoId/:token',
 /**
  * Get security statistics for monitoring
  */
-router.get('/security/stats', async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    // Only allow admin access
-    const token = req.headers.authorization?.split(' ')[1];
-    if (!token) {
-      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'No token provided' });
-    }
+const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth');
+const { requirePermission } = require('../middleware/permissions');
 
-    const jwt = require('jsonwebtoken');
-    // Try to verify with issuer first, fallback to no issuer for backward compatibility
-    let decoded;
-    try {
-      decoded = jwt.verify(token, process.env.JWT_SECRET, {
-        issuer: 'picpeak-auth'
-      });
-    } catch (issuerError) {
-      // If verification fails with issuer, try without issuer (backward compatibility)
-      if (issuerError.name === 'JsonWebTokenError' && issuerError.message.includes('jwt issuer invalid')) {
-        decoded = jwt.verify(token, process.env.JWT_SECRET);
-      } else {
-        throw issuerError;
-      }
-    }
-    const admin = await db('admin_users').where({ id: decoded.id }).first();
-    
-    if (!admin) {
-      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid token' });
-    }
+router.get('/security/stats', adminAuth, requirePermission('settings.view'), async (req, res) => {
+  try {
 
     // Get security statistics
     const stats = {

backend/src/services/backupService.js

@@ -437,29 +437,63 @@ async function performLocalBackup(config, files) {
   };
 }
 
-function buildRsyncCommand(config) {
+function validateRsyncParam(value, label) {
+  if (!value || typeof value !== 'string') return null;
+  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9._\/@:-]+$/.test(value)) {
+    throw new Error(`Invalid ${label}: contains disallowed characters`);
+  }
+  if (value.length > 1024) {
+    throw new Error(`Invalid ${label}: too long`);
+  }
+  return value;
+}
+
+function buildRsyncArgs(config) {
   const storagePath = getStoragePath();
-  const host = config.backup_rsync_host;
-  const remotePath = config.backup_rsync_path;
+  const host = validateRsyncParam(config.backup_rsync_host, 'host');
+  const remotePath = validateRsyncParam(config.backup_rsync_path, 'remote path');
 
   if (!host || !remotePath) {
     throw new Error('Rsync configuration incomplete');
   }
 
-  const options = ['-avz', '--delete', '--stats'];
+  // Validate host format (hostname or IP only)
+  const hostRegex = /^[a-zA-Z0-9]([a-zA-Z0-9-]*[a-zA-Z0-9])?(\.[a-zA-Z0-9]([a-zA-Z0-9-]*[a-zA-Z0-9])?)*$/;
+  const ipRegex = /^(\d{1,3}\.){3}\d{1,3}$/;
+  if (!hostRegex.test(host) && !ipRegex.test(host)) {
+    throw new Error('Invalid rsync host format');
+  }
+
+  const args = ['-avz', '--delete', '--stats'];
   if (config.backup_rsync_ssh_key) {
-    options.push(`-e "ssh -i ${config.backup_rsync_ssh_key} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no"`);
+    const sshKey = validateRsyncParam(config.backup_rsync_ssh_key, 'SSH key path');
+    const fs = require('fs');
+    if (!fs.existsSync(sshKey) || !fs.statSync(sshKey).isFile()) {
+      throw new Error('SSH key file not found or is not a file');
+    }
+    // Pass SSH options as separate array elements to avoid shell interpretation
+    args.push('-e', `ssh -i ${sshKey} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no`);
   }
 
   const excludePatterns = config.backup_exclude_patterns || [];
-  excludePatterns.forEach(pattern => options.push(`--exclude="${pattern}"`));
+  excludePatterns.forEach(pattern => args.push('--exclude', pattern));
 
   const source = `${storagePath}/`;
-  const destination = config.backup_rsync_user
-    ? `${config.backup_rsync_user}@${host}:${remotePath}`
+
+  const user = config.backup_rsync_user;
+  if (user) {
+    validateRsyncParam(user, 'user');
+    if (!/^[a-zA-Z_][a-zA-Z0-9_-]*$/.test(user)) {
+      throw new Error('Invalid rsync username format');
+    }
+  }
+
+  const destination = user
+    ? `${user}@${host}:${remotePath}`
     : `${host}:${remotePath}`;
 
-  return `rsync ${options.join(' ')} "${source}" "${destination}"`;
+  args.push(source, destination);
+  return args;
 }
 
 function parseRsyncStats(output) {
@@ -479,9 +513,9 @@ function parseRsyncStats(output) {
 }
 
 async function performRsyncBackup(config, files) {
-  const command = buildRsyncCommand(config);
-  const execAsync = getExecAsync();
-  const { stdout } = await execAsync(command);
+  const { spawnAsync } = require('../utils/safeExec');
+  const rsyncArgs = buildRsyncArgs(config);
+  const { stdout } = await spawnAsync('rsync', rsyncArgs);
   const stats = parseRsyncStats(stdout);
 
   const backedUpFiles = files.map(file => file.relativePath);
@@ -503,8 +537,7 @@ async function performRsyncBackup(config, files) {
     backedUpCount: typeof stats.filesTransferred === 'number' ? stats.filesTransferred : backedUpFiles.length,
     backedUpSize: totalSize,
     backedUpFiles,
-    backupPath: `${config.backup_rsync_host}:${config.backup_rsync_path}`,
-    rsyncCommand: command
+    backupPath: `${config.backup_rsync_host}:${config.backup_rsync_path}`
   };
 }
 

backend/src/services/databaseBackup.js

@@ -1,9 +1,7 @@
 const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const path = require('path');
-const { exec } = require('child_process');
-const { promisify } = require('util');
-const execAsync = promisify(exec);
 const crypto = require('crypto');
+const { spawnAsync, spawnToFile } = require('../utils/safeExec');
 const zlib = require('zlib');
 const { pipeline } = require('stream/promises');
 const { createReadStream, createWriteStream } = require('fs');
@@ -163,10 +161,10 @@ class DatabaseBackupService {
     
     try {
       // Use SQLite's backup API for consistency
-      await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${dbPath}" ".backup '${tempPath}'"`);
-      
+      await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [dbPath, `.backup '${tempPath}'`]);
+
       // Verify the backup
-      const verifyResult = await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${tempPath}" "PRAGMA integrity_check"`);
+      const verifyResult = await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [tempPath, 'PRAGMA integrity_check']);
       if (!verifyResult.stdout.includes('ok')) {
         throw new Error('Backup integrity check failed');
       }
@@ -192,14 +190,6 @@ class DatabaseBackupService {
   async createPostgreSQLBackup(outputPath, options = {}) {
     const { host, port, user, password, database } = knexConfig.connection;
     
-    // Build connection string with proper escaping
-    const connectionParts = [
-      `host=${host}`,
-      `port=${port}`,
-      `dbname=${database}`,
-      `user=${user}`
-    ];
-    
     // Set PGPASSWORD environment variable for security
     const env = { ...process.env };
     if (password) {
@@ -227,14 +217,17 @@ class DatabaseBackupService {
       pgDumpOptions.push('--compress=6');
     }
     
-    const command = `pg_dump "${connectionParts.join(' ')}" ${pgDumpOptions.join(' ')} > "${outputPath}"`;
-    
+    const pgDumpArgs = [
+      ...pgDumpOptions,
+      '-h', host,
+      '-p', String(port),
+      '-U', user,
+      '-d', database
+    ];
+
     try {
-      const { stderr } = await execAsync(command, { 
-        env, 
-        maxBuffer: 1024 * 1024 * 100 // 100MB buffer
-      });
-      
+      const { stderr } = await spawnToFile('pg_dump', pgDumpArgs, outputPath, { env });
+
       // pg_dump writes progress to stderr, not an error
       if (stderr && !stderr.includes('dump complete')) {
         logger.warn('pg_dump warnings:', stderr);
@@ -261,7 +254,7 @@ class DatabaseBackupService {
     try {
       if (this.dbType === 'sqlite') {
         // For SQLite, we can directly check integrity
-        const result = await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${backupPath}" "PRAGMA integrity_check"`);
+        const result = await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [backupPath, 'PRAGMA integrity_check']);
         if (!result.stdout.includes('ok')) {
           throw new Error('Backup integrity check failed');
         }

backend/src/services/emailProcessor.js

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ const nodemailer = require('nodemailer');
 const Handlebars = require('handlebars');
 const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { getFrontendBaseUrl } = require('../utils/frontendUrl');
 
 let transporter = null;
 let lastConfigHash = null;
@@ -99,113 +100,74 @@ async function getRecipientLanguage(email, eventId = null) {
     logger.error('Error fetching email config language:', error);
   }
   
-  // Fourth priority: Check if the email domain suggests German
+  // Fourth priority: Check if the email domain suggests a language
   if (email) {
-    const germanDomains = ['.de', '.at', '.ch', '.li'];
     const domain = email.toLowerCase();
-    if (germanDomains.some(d => domain.endsWith(d))) {
-      return 'de';
+    const domainLanguageMap = [
+      { domains: ['.de', '.at', '.ch', '.li'], language: 'de' },
+      { domains: ['.nl', '.be'], language: 'nl' },
+      { domains: ['.br', '.pt'], language: 'pt' },
+      { domains: ['.ru', '.su'], language: 'ru' },
+    ];
+    for (const { domains, language: lang } of domainLanguageMap) {
+      if (domains.some(d => domain.endsWith(d))) {
+        return lang;
+      }
     }
   }
-  
+
   return 'en'; // Default to English
 }
 
-// Process email template with variables
-async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
-  // Import date formatter and text formatters
-  const { formatDate } = require('../utils/dateFormatter');
-  const { formatWelcomeMessage } = require('../utils/formatters');
-  
-  // Get the appropriate language fields
-  const subjectField = language === 'de' ? 'subject_de' : 'subject_en';
-  const htmlField = language === 'de' ? 'body_html_de' : 'body_html_en';
-  const textField = language === 'de' ? 'body_text_de' : 'body_text_en';
-  
-  // Fall back to non-language-specific fields for backward compatibility
-  let subject = template[subjectField] || template.subject || '';
-  let htmlBody = template[htmlField] || template.body_html || '';
-  let textBody = template[textField] || template.body_text || '';
-  
-  // Process variables before template compilation
-  const processedVariables = { ...variables };
-  
-  // Handle password security message
-  if (processedVariables.gallery_password === '{{password_security_message}}') {
-    processedVariables.gallery_password = language === 'de' 
-      ? '(Aus Sicherheitsgründen nicht angezeigt)' 
-      : '(Not shown for security reasons)';
-  }
+// Darken a hex color by a percentage (0-1)
+function darkenColor(hex, amount = 0.15) {
+  const num = parseInt(hex.replace('#', ''), 16);
+  const r = Math.max(0, Math.min(255, ((num >> 16) & 0xFF) * (1 - amount)));
+  const g = Math.max(0, Math.min(255, ((num >> 8) & 0xFF) * (1 - amount)));
+  const b = Math.max(0, Math.min(255, (num & 0xFF) * (1 - amount)));
+  return `#${(1 << 24 | Math.round(r) << 16 | Math.round(g) << 8 | Math.round(b)).toString(16).slice(1)}`;
+}
 
-  if (processedVariables.gallery_password === 'No password required') {
-    processedVariables.gallery_password = language === 'de'
-      ? 'Kein Passwort erforderlich'
-      : 'No password required';
-  }
-  
-  // Format dates if they exist
-  if (processedVariables.event_date) {
-    processedVariables.event_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.event_date, language);
-  }
-  if (processedVariables.expiry_date) {
-    processedVariables.expiry_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.expiry_date, language);
-  }
-  if (processedVariables.archive_date) {
-    processedVariables.archive_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.archive_date, language);
-  }
-  if (processedVariables.expires_at) {
-    processedVariables.expires_at = await formatDate(processedVariables.expires_at, language);
-  }
-  
-  // Format welcome message for HTML display (preserve line breaks)
-  if (processedVariables.welcome_message) {
-    processedVariables.welcome_message = formatWelcomeMessage(processedVariables.welcome_message);
-  }
-
-  // Get branding settings for logo
+// Wrap HTML body in the styled email template with header, footer, and logo
+async function wrapEmailHtml(htmlBody, subject, language = 'en') {
+  // Get branding settings for logo and email colors
   let logoUrl = '';
   let companyName = 'PicPeak';
+  let primaryColor = '#5C8762';
+  let secondaryColor = '#f9f9f9';
   try {
     const brandingSettings = await db('app_settings')
-      .whereIn('setting_key', ['branding_logo_url', 'branding_company_name'])
+      .whereIn('setting_key', [
+        'branding_logo_url', 'branding_company_name',
+        'email_primary_color', 'email_secondary_color'
+      ])
       .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
-    
+
     brandingSettings.forEach(setting => {
-      if (setting.setting_key === 'branding_logo_url' && setting.setting_value) {
-        try {
-          logoUrl = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
-        } catch (e) {
-          logoUrl = setting.setting_value;
-        }
-      } else if (setting.setting_key === 'branding_company_name' && setting.setting_value) {
-        try {
-          companyName = JSON.parse(setting.setting_value);
-        } catch (e) {
-          companyName = setting.setting_value;
-        }
+      const val = setting.setting_value;
+      if (setting.setting_key === 'branding_logo_url' && val) {
+        try { logoUrl = JSON.parse(val); } catch (e) { logoUrl = val; }
+      } else if (setting.setting_key === 'branding_company_name' && val) {
+        try { companyName = JSON.parse(val); } catch (e) { companyName = val; }
+      } else if (setting.setting_key === 'email_primary_color' && val) {
+        try { primaryColor = JSON.parse(val); } catch (e) { primaryColor = val; }
+      } else if (setting.setting_key === 'email_secondary_color' && val) {
+        try { secondaryColor = JSON.parse(val); } catch (e) { secondaryColor = val; }
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {
     logger.error('Error fetching branding settings:', error);
   }
 
-  // If no custom logo, use default PicPeak logo
-  const apiUrl = process.env.API_URL || 'http://localhost:3001';
-  const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || 'http://localhost:3005';
-  const logoFullUrl = logoUrl ? `${apiUrl}${logoUrl}` : `${frontendUrl}/picpeak-logo-transparent.png`;
+  const hoverColor = darkenColor(primaryColor, 0.15);
 
-  // Compile templates with Handlebars
-  const subjectTemplate = Handlebars.compile(subject);
-  const htmlTemplate = Handlebars.compile(htmlBody);
-  const textTemplate = Handlebars.compile(textBody);
-  
-  // Process templates with processedVariables (includes formatted dates and security messages)
-  subject = subjectTemplate(processedVariables);
-  htmlBody = htmlTemplate(processedVariables);
-  textBody = textTemplate(processedVariables);
+  // Build full logo URL - ensure logoUrl is a valid non-empty string
+  const frontendUrl = (await getFrontendBaseUrl()) || 'http://localhost:3000';
+  const logoPath = (typeof logoUrl === 'string' && logoUrl.trim()) ? logoUrl : '/picpeak-logo-transparent.png';
+  const logoFullUrl = `${frontendUrl}${logoPath.startsWith('/') ? '' : '/'}${logoPath}`;
+  logger.debug('Email logo URL:', { frontendUrl, logoPath, logoFullUrl });
 
-  // Wrap HTML body in styled template
-  const styledHtmlBody = `
+  return `
 <!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="${language}">
 <head>
@@ -233,7 +195,7 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
       overflow: hidden;
     }
     .email-header {
-      background-color: #5C8762;
+      background-color: ${primaryColor};
       padding: 30px;
       text-align: center;
     }
@@ -246,7 +208,7 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
       padding: 40px 30px;
     }
     .email-content h2 {
-      color: #5C8762;
+      color: ${primaryColor};
       margin-top: 0;
       margin-bottom: 20px;
       font-size: 24px;
@@ -267,7 +229,7 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
     .button {
       display: inline-block;
       padding: 12px 30px;
-      background-color: #5C8762;
+      background-color: ${primaryColor};
       color: white !important;
       text-decoration: none;
       border-radius: 5px;
@@ -275,10 +237,10 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
       margin: 20px 0;
     }
     .button:hover {
-      background-color: #4a6f4f;
+      background-color: ${hoverColor};
     }
     .email-footer {
-      background-color: #f9f9f9;
+      background-color: ${secondaryColor};
       padding: 30px;
       text-align: center;
       border-top: 1px solid #eee;
@@ -295,11 +257,11 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
       margin: 5px 0;
     }
     a {
-      color: #5C8762;
+      color: ${primaryColor};
       text-decoration: underline;
     }
     a:hover {
-      color: #4a6f4f;
+      color: ${hoverColor};
     }
     strong {
       color: #333;
@@ -338,6 +300,168 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
   </div>
 </body>
 </html>`;
+}
+
+// Process email template with variables
+async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
+  // Import date formatter and text formatters
+  const { formatDate } = require('../utils/dateFormatter');
+  const { formatWelcomeMessage } = require('../utils/formatters');
+
+  // Get translation from email_template_translations table with fallback chain
+  let subject = '';
+  let htmlBody = '';
+  let textBody = '';
+
+  try {
+    // Try requested language first, then English, then any available
+    let translation = await db('email_template_translations')
+      .where({ template_id: template.id, language })
+      .first();
+
+    if (!translation && language !== 'en') {
+      translation = await db('email_template_translations')
+        .where({ template_id: template.id, language: 'en' })
+        .first();
+    }
+
+    if (!translation) {
+      translation = await db('email_template_translations')
+        .where({ template_id: template.id })
+        .first();
+    }
+
+    if (translation) {
+      subject = translation.subject || '';
+      htmlBody = translation.body_html || '';
+      textBody = translation.body_text || '';
+    }
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.warn('email_template_translations table not available, falling back to columns:', error.message);
+  }
+
+  // Fallback to legacy column-based fields if no translation found
+  if (!subject && !htmlBody) {
+    const subjectField = language === 'de' ? 'subject_de' : 'subject_en';
+    const htmlField = language === 'de' ? 'body_html_de' : 'body_html_en';
+    const textField = language === 'de' ? 'body_text_de' : 'body_text_en';
+    subject = template[subjectField] || template.subject_en || template.subject || '';
+    htmlBody = template[htmlField] || template.body_html_en || template.body_html || '';
+    textBody = template[textField] || template.body_text_en || template.body_text || '';
+  }
+
+  // Process variables before template compilation
+  const processedVariables = { ...variables };
+
+  // Handle password security message
+  const passwordSecurityI18n = {
+    en: '(Not shown for security reasons)',
+    de: '(Aus Sicherheitsgründen nicht angezeigt)',
+    nl: '(Om veiligheidsredenen niet weergegeven)',
+    pt: '(Não exibido por motivos de segurança)',
+    ru: '(Не показано в целях безопасности)',
+  };
+  const noPasswordI18n = {
+    en: 'No password required',
+    de: 'Kein Passwort erforderlich',
+    nl: 'Geen wachtwoord vereist',
+    pt: 'Nenhuma senha necessária',
+    ru: 'Пароль не требуется',
+  };
+
+  if (processedVariables.gallery_password === '{{password_security_message}}') {
+    processedVariables.gallery_password = passwordSecurityI18n[language] || passwordSecurityI18n.en;
+  }
+
+  if (processedVariables.gallery_password === 'No password required') {
+    processedVariables.gallery_password = noPasswordI18n[language] || noPasswordI18n.en;
+  }
+
+  // Format dates if they exist
+  if (processedVariables.event_date) {
+    processedVariables.event_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.event_date, language);
+  }
+  if (processedVariables.expiry_date) {
+    processedVariables.expiry_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.expiry_date, language);
+  }
+  if (processedVariables.archive_date) {
+    processedVariables.archive_date = await formatDate(processedVariables.archive_date, language);
+  }
+  if (processedVariables.expires_at) {
+    processedVariables.expires_at = await formatDate(processedVariables.expires_at, language);
+  }
+
+  // Format welcome message for HTML display (preserve line breaks)
+  if (processedVariables.welcome_message) {
+    processedVariables.welcome_message = formatWelcomeMessage(processedVariables.welcome_message);
+  }
+
+  // Safe template replacement (no code execution, only simple variable substitution)
+  function safeTemplateReplace(template, variables) {
+    return template.replace(/\{\{(\w+)\}\}/g, (match, key) =>
+      variables.hasOwnProperty(key) ? String(variables[key]) : match
+    );
+  }
+
+  subject = safeTemplateReplace(subject, processedVariables);
+  htmlBody = safeTemplateReplace(htmlBody, processedVariables);
+  textBody = safeTemplateReplace(textBody, processedVariables);
+
+  // Inject client access section if client_link is provided (#172)
+  if (processedVariables.client_link) {
+    const clientAccessI18n = {
+      de: {
+        label: 'Kundenzugang (Privat)',
+        desc: 'Fotos überprüfen und deren Sichtbarkeit festlegen, bevor die Galerie geteilt wird:',
+        link: 'Kundenzugang öffnen',
+        warning: 'Diesen Link nicht teilen — er ermöglicht das Ausblenden von Fotos in der Gästegalerie.',
+      },
+      ru: {
+        label: 'Доступ клиента (Личный)',
+        desc: 'Просмотрите и управляйте видимостью фотографий перед тем, как поделиться галереей с гостями:',
+        link: 'Открыть доступ клиента',
+        warning: 'Не делитесь этой ссылкой — она позволяет скрывать фотографии из гостевой галереи.',
+      },
+      nl: {
+        label: 'Klanttoegang (Privé)',
+        desc: 'Bekijk en beheer de zichtbaarheid van foto\'s voordat u deelt met gasten:',
+        link: 'Klanttoegang openen',
+        warning: 'Deel deze link niet — hiermee kunnen foto\'s worden verborgen in de gastengalerij.',
+      },
+      pt: {
+        label: 'Acesso do Cliente (Privado)',
+        desc: 'Revise e gerencie a visibilidade das fotos antes de compartilhar com os convidados:',
+        link: 'Abrir Acesso do Cliente',
+        warning: 'Não compartilhe este link — ele permite ocultar fotos da galeria de convidados.',
+      },
+      en: {
+        label: 'Client Access (Private)',
+        desc: 'Review and manage photo visibility before sharing with guests:',
+        link: 'Open Client Access',
+        warning: 'Do not share this link — it allows hiding photos from the guest gallery.',
+      },
+    };
+    const ci18n = clientAccessI18n[language] || clientAccessI18n.en;
+    const clientAccessLabel = ci18n.label;
+    const clientAccessDesc = ci18n.desc;
+    const clientAccessLink = ci18n.link;
+    const clientAccessWarning = ci18n.warning;
+    const pinLabel = 'PIN';
+
+    htmlBody += `
+      <div style="margin-top: 24px; padding: 20px; background: #fff3cd; border-left: 4px solid #ffc107; border-radius: 4px;">
+        <strong style="font-size: 15px;">&#128274; ${clientAccessLabel}</strong>
+        <p style="margin: 10px 0 8px;">${clientAccessDesc}</p>
+        <p style="margin: 8px 0;">
+          <a href="${processedVariables.client_link}" style="display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; background-color: #5C8762; color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 6px; font-weight: 600;">${clientAccessLink}</a>
+        </p>
+        <p style="margin: 8px 0;">${pinLabel}: <strong>${processedVariables.client_password}</strong></p>
+        <p style="color: #856404; font-size: 12px; margin: 8px 0 0;">&#9888;&#65039; ${clientAccessWarning}</p>
+      </div>`;
+  }
+
+  // Wrap HTML body in styled template
+  const styledHtmlBody = await wrapEmailHtml(htmlBody, subject, language);
 
   return { subject, htmlBody: styledHtmlBody, textBody };
 }
@@ -558,5 +682,6 @@ module.exports = {
   processEmailQueue,
   queueEmail,
   stopEmailQueueProcessor,
-  testEmailConnection
+  testEmailConnection,
+  wrapEmailHtml
 };

backend/src/services/environmentService.js

@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+/**
+ * Environment Detection Service
+ * Detects the deployment environment and generates update instructions accordingly.
+ */
+
+const fs = require('fs');
+const path = require('path');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+/**
+ * Detect the current deployment environment
+ * @returns {Object} Environment information
+ */
+async function detectEnvironment() {
+  // Check for Docker environment
+  const isDocker = fs.existsSync('/.dockerenv') ||
+                   process.env.DOCKER_CONTAINER === 'true';
+
+  // Determine project root (services -> src -> backend)
+  const projectRoot = path.join(__dirname, '../../..');
+
+  // Check for git repository
+  const isGit = fs.existsSync(path.join(projectRoot, '.git'));
+
+  // Check for docker-compose files
+  const hasDockerCompose = fs.existsSync(path.join(projectRoot, 'docker-compose.yml')) ||
+                           fs.existsSync(path.join(projectRoot, 'docker-compose.yaml'));
+
+  // Get app version
+  let appVersion = '0.0.0';
+  try {
+    const packagePath = path.join(__dirname, '../../package.json');
+    const packageContent = fs.readFileSync(packagePath, 'utf8');
+    const packageJson = JSON.parse(packageContent);
+    appVersion = packageJson.version || '0.0.0';
+  } catch (err) {
+    logger.warn('Could not read package.json for version:', err.message);
+  }
+
+  // Determine environment type
+  let type;
+  if (isDocker) {
+    type = 'docker';
+  } else if (isGit) {
+    type = 'git';
+  } else {
+    type = 'standalone';
+  }
+
+  return {
+    type,
+    isDocker,
+    isGit,
+    hasDockerCompose,
+    platform: process.platform,
+    nodeVersion: process.version,
+    appVersion
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generate environment-specific update instructions
+ * @param {Object} env - Environment info from detectEnvironment()
+ * @param {string} targetVersion - Target version to update to
+ * @returns {Object} Update instructions with pre-checks, steps, and post-checks
+ */
+function generateUpdateInstructions(env, targetVersion) {
+  const instructions = {
+    preChecks: [
+      {
+        id: 'backup',
+        text: 'I have backed up my database',
+        required: true
+      },
+      {
+        id: 'no-uploads',
+        text: 'No uploads are currently in progress',
+        required: true
+      },
+      {
+        id: 'downtime-aware',
+        text: 'I understand the application will restart during update',
+        required: false
+      }
+    ],
+    steps: [],
+    postChecks: [
+      'Verify the application starts correctly',
+      'Check the version in Admin -> System',
+      'Review release notes for any breaking changes or required actions'
+    ],
+    warnings: []
+  };
+
+  if (env.isDocker) {
+    instructions.environmentName = 'Docker';
+    instructions.steps = [
+      {
+        description: 'Pull latest images',
+        command: 'docker compose pull',
+        note: 'Downloads the new version images'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Recreate containers with new images',
+        command: 'docker compose up -d',
+        note: 'Restarts containers with new version'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Watch logs for startup (optional)',
+        command: 'docker compose logs -f backend',
+        note: 'Press Ctrl+C to exit logs',
+        optional: true
+      }
+    ];
+    instructions.warnings.push('Make sure you are in the directory containing your docker-compose.yml file');
+  } else if (env.isGit) {
+    instructions.environmentName = 'Git (Development)';
+    instructions.steps = [
+      {
+        description: 'Fetch latest changes',
+        command: 'git fetch origin',
+        note: 'Downloads references from remote'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Switch to new version tag',
+        command: `git checkout v${targetVersion}`,
+        note: 'Switches to the release version'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Install backend dependencies',
+        command: 'cd backend && npm install',
+        note: 'Updates npm packages'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Build frontend',
+        command: 'cd frontend && npm install && npm run build',
+        note: 'Compiles the frontend application'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Run database migrations',
+        command: 'cd backend && npm run migrate',
+        note: 'Updates database schema'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Restart application',
+        command: '# Restart your application (pm2, systemd, etc.)',
+        note: 'Method depends on your setup - e.g., pm2 restart picpeak'
+      }
+    ];
+    instructions.warnings.push('Adjust the restart command based on your process manager (pm2, systemd, etc.)');
+  } else {
+    instructions.environmentName = 'Standalone';
+    instructions.steps = [
+      {
+        description: 'Download release archive',
+        command: `# Download v${targetVersion} from GitHub Releases`,
+        note: `https://github.com/the-luap/picpeak/releases/tag/v${targetVersion}`
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Backup current installation',
+        command: '# Create backup of current files',
+        note: 'Keep a copy of your current installation'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Extract and replace application files',
+        command: '# Extract release archive to installation directory',
+        note: 'Preserve your .env file and storage directory'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Install dependencies',
+        command: 'cd backend && npm install --production',
+        note: 'Updates npm packages'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Run database migrations',
+        command: 'cd backend && npm run migrate',
+        note: 'Updates database schema'
+      },
+      {
+        description: 'Restart application',
+        command: '# Restart your application service',
+        note: 'Method depends on your setup'
+      }
+    ];
+    instructions.warnings.push('Make sure to preserve your .env file and storage directory when updating');
+    instructions.warnings.push('Consider creating a full backup before updating');
+  }
+
+  return instructions;
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  detectEnvironment,
+  generateUpdateInstructions
+};

backend/src/services/eventService.js

@@ -14,8 +14,9 @@ const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { validatePasswordInContext, getBcryptRounds } = require('../utils/passwordValidation');
 const { buildShareLinkVariants } = require('./shareLinkService');
 const { parseBooleanInput, parseStringInput } = require('../utils/parsers');
+const eventTypeService = require('./eventTypeService');
 
-const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../storage');
+const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
 
 // Cache for schema detection
 let customerColumnCache = null;
@@ -67,13 +68,23 @@ const mapEventForApi = (event) => {
 
 /**
  * Generate a unique slug for an event
- * @param {string} eventType
+ * @param {string} eventType - Event type identifier (slug_prefix or legacy type)
  * @param {string} eventName
  * @param {string} eventDate
  * @returns {Promise<string>}
  */
 const generateUniqueSlug = async (eventType, eventName, eventDate) => {
-  const baseSlug = `${eventType}-${eventName.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9]/g, '-')}-${eventDate}`;
+  // Get the slug_prefix from event type (supports both new dynamic types and legacy)
+  const eventTypeInfo = await eventTypeService.getEventTypeForSlug(eventType);
+  const slugPrefix = eventTypeInfo.slug_prefix || eventType;
+
+  const processedName = eventName
+    .toLowerCase()
+    .replace(/[^a-z0-9]/g, '-')
+    .replace(/-+/g, '-')
+    .replace(/^-|-$/g, '');
+
+  const baseSlug = `${slugPrefix}-${processedName}-${eventDate}`;
   let slug = baseSlug;
   let counter = 1;
 
@@ -127,7 +138,9 @@ const createEvent = async (eventData) => {
     show_feedback_to_guests,
     // Upload settings
     allow_user_uploads,
-    upload_category_id
+    upload_category_id,
+    // Photo cap
+    photo_cap
   } = eventData;
 
   const requirePassword = parseBooleanInput(require_password, true);
@@ -196,7 +209,9 @@ const createEvent = async (eventData) => {
     show_feedback_to_guests: show_feedback_to_guests !== undefined ? formatBoolean(show_feedback_to_guests) : undefined,
     // Upload settings
     allow_user_uploads: allow_user_uploads !== undefined ? formatBoolean(allow_user_uploads) : undefined,
-    upload_category_id: upload_category_id || null
+    upload_category_id: upload_category_id || null,
+    // Photo cap
+    photo_cap: photo_cap || null
   };
 
   // Remove undefined values

backend/src/services/eventTypeService.js

@@ -0,0 +1,314 @@
+/**
+ * Event Type Service Layer
+ * Handles all event type-related business logic
+ *
+ * @module services/eventTypeService
+ */
+
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
+
+/**
+ * Get all event types
+ * @param {Object} options - Filter options
+ * @param {boolean} options.activeOnly - Only return active types
+ * @returns {Promise<Array>} - Array of event types
+ */
+const getAllEventTypes = async (options = {}) => {
+  const { activeOnly = false } = options;
+
+  let query = db('event_types').select('*');
+
+  if (activeOnly) {
+    query = query.where('is_active', formatBoolean(true));
+  }
+
+  const types = await query.orderBy('display_order', 'asc');
+  return types;
+};
+
+/**
+ * Get active event types for dropdown/selection
+ * @returns {Promise<Array>} - Array of active event types
+ */
+const getActiveEventTypes = async () => {
+  return getAllEventTypes({ activeOnly: true });
+};
+
+/**
+ * Get an event type by ID
+ * @param {number} id - Event type ID
+ * @returns {Promise<Object|null>}
+ */
+const getEventTypeById = async (id) => {
+  const eventType = await db('event_types').where('id', id).first();
+  return eventType || null;
+};
+
+/**
+ * Get an event type by slug prefix
+ * @param {string} slugPrefix - The slug prefix
+ * @returns {Promise<Object|null>}
+ */
+const getEventTypeBySlugPrefix = async (slugPrefix) => {
+  const eventType = await db('event_types')
+    .where('slug_prefix', slugPrefix.toLowerCase())
+    .first();
+  return eventType || null;
+};
+
+/**
+ * Check if a slug prefix is valid (exists in event_types or is a legacy type)
+ * @param {string} slugPrefix - The slug prefix to validate
+ * @returns {Promise<boolean>}
+ */
+const isValidEventType = async (slugPrefix) => {
+  const normalized = slugPrefix.toLowerCase();
+
+  // Check in database
+  const eventType = await getEventTypeBySlugPrefix(normalized);
+  if (eventType && eventType.is_active) {
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  // Legacy fallback: Accept old hardcoded values for backward compatibility
+  const legacyTypes = ['wedding', 'birthday', 'corporate', 'other'];
+  return legacyTypes.includes(normalized);
+};
+
+/**
+ * Get all valid slug prefixes (for validation)
+ * @returns {Promise<string[]>}
+ */
+const getValidSlugPrefixes = async () => {
+  const types = await db('event_types')
+    .where('is_active', formatBoolean(true))
+    .select('slug_prefix');
+
+  return types.map(t => t.slug_prefix);
+};
+
+/**
+ * Create a new event type
+ * @param {Object} eventTypeData - Event type data
+ * @returns {Promise<Object>} - Created event type
+ */
+const createEventType = async (eventTypeData) => {
+  const {
+    name,
+    slug_prefix,
+    emoji,
+    theme_preset,
+    theme_config,
+    display_order
+  } = eventTypeData;
+
+  // Normalize slug_prefix
+  const normalizedSlugPrefix = slug_prefix.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9-]/g, '-');
+
+  // Check for duplicate slug_prefix
+  const existing = await getEventTypeBySlugPrefix(normalizedSlugPrefix);
+  if (existing) {
+    const error = new Error('An event type with this slug prefix already exists');
+    error.code = 'DUPLICATE_SLUG_PREFIX';
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  // Get max display order if not provided
+  let finalDisplayOrder = display_order;
+  if (finalDisplayOrder === undefined || finalDisplayOrder === null) {
+    const maxOrder = await db('event_types').max('display_order as max').first();
+    finalDisplayOrder = (maxOrder?.max || 0) + 1;
+  }
+
+  const insertData = {
+    name,
+    slug_prefix: normalizedSlugPrefix,
+    emoji: emoji || '📷',
+    theme_preset: theme_preset || 'default',
+    theme_config: theme_config ? JSON.stringify(theme_config) : null,
+    display_order: finalDisplayOrder,
+    is_system: false,
+    is_active: true,
+    created_at: new Date(),
+    updated_at: new Date()
+  };
+
+  const insertResult = await db('event_types').insert(insertData).returning('id');
+  const eventTypeId = insertResult[0]?.id || insertResult[0];
+
+  return getEventTypeById(eventTypeId);
+};
+
+/**
+ * Update an event type
+ * @param {number} id - Event type ID
+ * @param {Object} updates - Fields to update
+ * @returns {Promise<Object>} - Updated event type
+ */
+const updateEventType = async (id, updates) => {
+  const eventType = await getEventTypeById(id);
+  if (!eventType) {
+    const error = new Error('Event type not found');
+    error.code = 'NOT_FOUND';
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  // Build update object
+  const updateData = {};
+
+  if (updates.name !== undefined) {
+    updateData.name = updates.name;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.slug_prefix !== undefined) {
+    const normalizedSlugPrefix = updates.slug_prefix.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9-]/g, '-');
+
+    // Check for duplicate (excluding current)
+    const existing = await db('event_types')
+      .where('slug_prefix', normalizedSlugPrefix)
+      .whereNot('id', id)
+      .first();
+
+    if (existing) {
+      const error = new Error('An event type with this slug prefix already exists');
+      error.code = 'DUPLICATE_SLUG_PREFIX';
+      throw error;
+    }
+
+    updateData.slug_prefix = normalizedSlugPrefix;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.emoji !== undefined) {
+    updateData.emoji = updates.emoji;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.theme_preset !== undefined) {
+    updateData.theme_preset = updates.theme_preset;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.theme_config !== undefined) {
+    updateData.theme_config = updates.theme_config ? JSON.stringify(updates.theme_config) : null;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.display_order !== undefined) {
+    updateData.display_order = updates.display_order;
+  }
+
+  if (updates.is_active !== undefined) {
+    updateData.is_active = formatBoolean(updates.is_active);
+  }
+
+  updateData.updated_at = new Date();
+
+  await db('event_types').where('id', id).update(updateData);
+
+  return getEventTypeById(id);
+};
+
+/**
+ * Delete an event type
+ * @param {number} id - Event type ID
+ * @returns {Promise<Object>}
+ */
+const deleteEventType = async (id) => {
+  const eventType = await getEventTypeById(id);
+  if (!eventType) {
+    const error = new Error('Event type not found');
+    error.code = 'NOT_FOUND';
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  // Prevent deletion of system types
+  if (eventType.is_system) {
+    const error = new Error('Cannot delete system event types. You can deactivate them instead.');
+    error.code = 'SYSTEM_TYPE';
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  // Check if any events use this type
+  const eventsUsingType = await db('events')
+    .where('event_type', eventType.slug_prefix)
+    .count('id as count')
+    .first();
+
+  if (eventsUsingType && parseInt(eventsUsingType.count) > 0) {
+    const error = new Error(`Cannot delete: ${eventsUsingType.count} events are using this type. Deactivate it instead or reassign those events.`);
+    error.code = 'IN_USE';
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  await db('event_types').where('id', id).del();
+
+  return { success: true, deleted: eventType };
+};
+
+/**
+ * Reorder event types
+ * @param {Array} orderedIds - Array of IDs in new order
+ * @returns {Promise<Array>}
+ */
+const reorderEventTypes = async (orderedIds) => {
+  await db.transaction(async (trx) => {
+    for (let i = 0; i < orderedIds.length; i++) {
+      await trx('event_types')
+        .where('id', orderedIds[i])
+        .update({ display_order: i + 1, updated_at: new Date() });
+    }
+  });
+
+  return getAllEventTypes();
+};
+
+/**
+ * Get event type info for slug generation
+ * Returns the slug_prefix to use for a given event type identifier
+ * @param {string} eventTypeIdentifier - Either an ID or slug_prefix
+ * @returns {Promise<Object>} - Event type with slug_prefix and theme_preset
+ */
+const getEventTypeForSlug = async (eventTypeIdentifier) => {
+  // Try to find by slug_prefix first
+  let eventType = await getEventTypeBySlugPrefix(eventTypeIdentifier);
+
+  if (eventType) {
+    return eventType;
+  }
+
+  // Try by ID if numeric
+  if (!isNaN(eventTypeIdentifier)) {
+    eventType = await getEventTypeById(parseInt(eventTypeIdentifier));
+    if (eventType) {
+      return eventType;
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Fallback for legacy types - return a compatible object
+  const legacyDefaults = {
+    wedding: { slug_prefix: 'wedding', theme_preset: 'elegantWedding', emoji: '💒' },
+    birthday: { slug_prefix: 'birthday', theme_preset: 'birthdayFun', emoji: '🎂' },
+    corporate: { slug_prefix: 'corporate', theme_preset: 'corporateTimeline', emoji: '🏢' },
+    other: { slug_prefix: 'other', theme_preset: 'default', emoji: '📸' }
+  };
+
+  const normalized = eventTypeIdentifier.toLowerCase();
+  if (legacyDefaults[normalized]) {
+    return legacyDefaults[normalized];
+  }
+
+  // Default fallback
+  return { slug_prefix: 'event', theme_preset: 'default', emoji: '📷' };
+};
+
+module.exports = {
+  getAllEventTypes,
+  getActiveEventTypes,
+  getEventTypeById,
+  getEventTypeBySlugPrefix,
+  isValidEventType,
+  getValidSlugPrefixes,
+  createEventType,
+  updateEventType,
+  deleteEventType,
+  reorderEventTypes,
+  getEventTypeForSlug
+};

backend/src/services/expirationChecker.js

@@ -21,9 +21,11 @@ async function checkExpirations() {
     const warningDate = new Date(now.getTime() + 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000); // 7 days from now
     
     // Check for events needing warning emails
+    // Skip events with null expires_at (they never expire)
     const eventsNeedingWarning = await db('events')
       .where('is_active', formatBoolean(true))
       .where('is_archived', formatBoolean(false))
+      .whereNotNull('expires_at')
       .where('expires_at', '<=', warningDate)
       .where('expires_at', '>', now);
     
@@ -40,9 +42,11 @@ async function checkExpirations() {
     }
     
     // Check for expired events
+    // Skip events with null expires_at (they never expire)
     const expiredEvents = await db('events')
       .where('is_active', formatBoolean(true))
       .where('is_archived', formatBoolean(false))
+      .whereNotNull('expires_at')
       .where('expires_at', '<=', now);
     
     for (const event of expiredEvents) {

backend/src/services/feedbackService.js

@@ -23,10 +23,15 @@ class FeedbackService {
           allow_favorites: true,
           require_name_email: false,
           moderate_comments: true,
-          show_feedback_to_guests: true
+          show_feedback_to_guests: true,
+          identity_mode: 'simple'
         };
       }
-      
+
+      // Back-compat: rows created before migration 078 have NULL identity_mode.
+      if (!settings.identity_mode) {
+        settings.identity_mode = 'simple';
+      }
       return settings;
     } catch (error) {
       logger.error('Error getting feedback settings:', error);
@@ -73,23 +78,29 @@ class FeedbackService {
    */
   async submitFeedback(photoId, eventId, feedbackData, guestIdentifier) {
     try {
-      const { feedback_type, rating, comment_text, guest_name, guest_email, ip_address, user_agent } = feedbackData;
+      const { feedback_type, rating, comment_text, guest_name, guest_email, ip_address, user_agent, guest_id } = feedbackData;
       
       // Validate feedback type
       if (!['rating', 'like', 'comment', 'favorite'].includes(feedback_type)) {
         throw new Error('Invalid feedback type');
       }
       
-      // Check if similar feedback already exists (prevent duplicates)
+      // Check if similar feedback already exists (prevent duplicates).
+      // When a per-person guest_id is present, scope the check to that guest
+      // so two guests on the same device can independently like a photo.
       if (feedback_type !== 'comment') {
-        const existing = await db('photo_feedback')
+        const duplicateQuery = db('photo_feedback')
           .where({
             photo_id: photoId,
             event_id: eventId,
             feedback_type,
-            guest_identifier: guestIdentifier
-          })
-          .first();
+          });
+        if (guest_id) {
+          duplicateQuery.where('guest_id', guest_id);
+        } else {
+          duplicateQuery.where('guest_identifier', guestIdentifier);
+        }
+        const existing = await duplicateQuery.first();
         
         if (existing) {
           if (feedback_type === 'rating' && rating !== existing.rating) {
@@ -129,6 +140,7 @@ class FeedbackService {
         guest_name,
         guest_email,
         guest_identifier: guestIdentifier,
+        guest_id: guest_id || null,
         ip_address,
         user_agent,
         is_approved: feedback_type !== 'comment' || !feedbackData.moderate_comments,
@@ -232,7 +244,7 @@ class FeedbackService {
           db.raw('COUNT(CASE WHEN feedback_type = ? THEN 1 END) as like_count', ['like']),
           db.raw('COUNT(CASE WHEN feedback_type = ? THEN 1 END) as favorite_count', ['favorite']),
           db.raw('AVG(CASE WHEN feedback_type = ? THEN rating END) as average_rating', ['rating']),
-          db.raw('COUNT(DISTINCT guest_identifier) as feedback_count')
+          db.raw('COUNT(DISTINCT COALESCE(CAST(guest_id AS VARCHAR), guest_identifier)) as feedback_count')
         )
         .first();
       
@@ -460,6 +472,75 @@ class FeedbackService {
       throw error;
     }
   }
+
+  /**
+   * Anonymize feedback belonging to a guest — sets guest_id to NULL on all
+   * their feedback rows and clears guest_name/guest_email for privacy, then
+   * recomputes denormalized photo counts on affected photos.
+   *
+   * Used by self-service "forget me" and admin guest deletion.
+   */
+  async anonymizeGuestFeedback(guestId) {
+    try {
+      const affected = await db('photo_feedback')
+        .where('guest_id', guestId)
+        .select('photo_id');
+      const photoIds = [...new Set(affected.map((r) => r.photo_id))];
+
+      await db('photo_feedback')
+        .where('guest_id', guestId)
+        .update({
+          guest_id: null,
+          guest_name: null,
+          guest_email: null,
+          updated_at: new Date(),
+        });
+
+      for (const pid of photoIds) {
+        await this.updatePhotoFeedbackStats(pid);
+      }
+
+      return { anonymized: affected.length, photos: photoIds.length };
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error anonymizing guest feedback:', error);
+      throw error;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Merge feedback rows from sourceGuestIds into keepGuestId. Used by admin
+   * guest merge and email-based identity recovery when a user re-registers.
+   * Recomputes denormalized counts on affected photos.
+   */
+  async mergeGuestFeedback(keepGuestId, sourceGuestIds) {
+    try {
+      const sources = (sourceGuestIds || []).filter((id) => id && id !== keepGuestId);
+      if (sources.length === 0) {
+        return { merged: 0, photos: 0 };
+      }
+
+      const affected = await db('photo_feedback')
+        .whereIn('guest_id', sources)
+        .select('photo_id');
+      const photoIds = [...new Set(affected.map((r) => r.photo_id))];
+
+      await db('photo_feedback')
+        .whereIn('guest_id', sources)
+        .update({
+          guest_id: keepGuestId,
+          updated_at: new Date(),
+        });
+
+      for (const pid of photoIds) {
+        await this.updatePhotoFeedbackStats(pid);
+      }
+
+      return { merged: affected.length, photos: photoIds.length };
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Error merging guest feedback:', error);
+      throw error;
+    }
+  }
 }
 
 module.exports = new FeedbackService();

backend/src/services/fileWatcher.js

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { generateThumbnail, generateVideoPlaceholder } = require('./imageProcessor');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
-const { isVideoMimeType } = require('../utils/fileSecurityUtils');
+const { isVideoMimeType } = require('./videoProcessor');
 const mime = require('mime-types');
 
 const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');

backend/src/services/guestRecoveryService.js

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+/**
+ * Guest identity recovery service (Phase 3.2).
+ *
+ * Sends a short-lived 6-digit verification code to a guest's email address
+ * so they can re-link their identity across devices. The code is stored as
+ * a bcrypt hash in `guest_verification_codes` with a 15-minute expiry.
+ *
+ * Uses the email transporter from emailProcessor — no new template row is
+ * needed; the email body is built inline so this works out of the box.
+ */
+
+const crypto = require('crypto');
+const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const { initializeTransporter, wrapEmailHtml } = require('./emailProcessor');
+
+const CODE_TTL_MS = 15 * 60 * 1000;
+const MAX_ATTEMPTS = 5;
+
+function generateCode() {
+  // 6 digits, zero-padded.
+  return String(crypto.randomInt(0, 1_000_000)).padStart(6, '0');
+}
+
+async function createCode(eventId, email) {
+  const code = generateCode();
+  const codeHash = await bcrypt.hash(code, 10);
+  const expiresAt = new Date(Date.now() + CODE_TTL_MS);
+
+  // Invalidate any previous unconsumed codes for this email+event.
+  await db('guest_verification_codes')
+    .where({ event_id: eventId, email: email.toLowerCase() })
+    .whereNull('consumed_at')
+    .update({ consumed_at: db.fn.now() });
+
+  await db('guest_verification_codes').insert({
+    event_id: eventId,
+    email: email.toLowerCase(),
+    code_hash: codeHash,
+    expires_at: expiresAt,
+  });
+
+  return code;
+}
+
+async function sendRecoveryEmail(toEmail, code, eventName = 'your gallery') {
+  const transporter = await initializeTransporter();
+  if (!transporter) {
+    throw new Error('Email service not configured');
+  }
+
+  const config = await db('email_configs').first();
+  if (!config) {
+    throw new Error('Email configuration not found');
+  }
+
+  const subject = `Your verification code: ${code}`;
+  const htmlBody = `
+    <div style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif; max-width: 600px;">
+      <h2>Welcome back to ${eventName}</h2>
+      <p>Enter this code to recover your picks in the gallery:</p>
+      <div style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 8px; background: #f5f5f5; padding: 20px; text-align: center; border-radius: 8px; margin: 20px 0;">
+        ${code}
+      </div>
+      <p style="color: #666; font-size: 14px;">
+        This code expires in 15 minutes. If you did not request it, you can safely ignore this email.
+      </p>
+    </div>
+  `;
+  const styledHtml = await wrapEmailHtml(htmlBody, subject, 'en');
+
+  await transporter.sendMail({
+    from: `${config.from_name} <${config.from_email}>`,
+    to: toEmail,
+    subject,
+    html: styledHtml,
+    text: `Your verification code is ${code}. It expires in 15 minutes.`,
+  });
+
+  logger.info('Guest recovery code sent', { email: toEmail });
+}
+
+/**
+ * Verify a code. Returns true if valid + marks it consumed.
+ * Increments attempts on failure. Rejects after MAX_ATTEMPTS.
+ */
+async function verifyCode(eventId, email, submittedCode) {
+  const normalized = String(submittedCode || '').trim();
+  if (!/^\d{6}$/.test(normalized)) {
+    return { ok: false, reason: 'invalid_format' };
+  }
+
+  const row = await db('guest_verification_codes')
+    .where({ event_id: eventId, email: email.toLowerCase() })
+    .whereNull('consumed_at')
+    .andWhere('expires_at', '>', new Date())
+    .orderBy('created_at', 'desc')
+    .first();
+
+  if (!row) {
+    return { ok: false, reason: 'expired_or_missing' };
+  }
+
+  if (row.attempts >= MAX_ATTEMPTS) {
+    await db('guest_verification_codes').where('id', row.id).update({ consumed_at: db.fn.now() });
+    return { ok: false, reason: 'too_many_attempts' };
+  }
+
+  const matches = await bcrypt.compare(normalized, row.code_hash);
+  if (!matches) {
+    await db('guest_verification_codes')
+      .where('id', row.id)
+      .update({ attempts: row.attempts + 1 });
+    return { ok: false, reason: 'wrong_code' };
+  }
+
+  await db('guest_verification_codes')
+    .where('id', row.id)
+    .update({ consumed_at: db.fn.now() });
+
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  createCode,
+  sendRecoveryEmail,
+  verifyCode,
+  CODE_TTL_MS,
+  MAX_ATTEMPTS,
+};

backend/src/services/imageProcessor.js

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 const sharp = require('sharp');
+const exifr = require('exifr');
 const path = require('path');
 const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
@@ -119,6 +120,9 @@ async function generateThumbnail(imagePath, options = {}) {
       failOnError: false // Don't fail on minor issues
     });
     
+    // Strip EXIF/metadata from thumbnails (privacy: prevent GPS leak etc.)
+    sharpInstance = sharpInstance.withMetadata(false);
+
     // Apply resize with configured settings
     // For square thumbnails with 'cover' fit, we crop to center
     sharpInstance = sharpInstance.resize(settings.width, settings.height, {
@@ -287,4 +291,220 @@ async function generateVideoPlaceholder(originalFilename, options = {}) {
   }
 }
 
-module.exports = { generateThumbnail, isThumbnailValid, ensureThumbnail, generateVideoPlaceholder };
+// Hero image settings - optimized for large displays
+const DEFAULT_HERO_WIDTH = 1920;
+const DEFAULT_HERO_HEIGHT = 1080;
+const DEFAULT_HERO_QUALITY = 85;
+const DEFAULT_HERO_FORMAT = 'jpeg';
+
+const getHeroPath = () => path.join(getStoragePath(), 'heroes');
+
+/**
+ * Generate a hero-optimized image for gallery headers
+ * Outputs a 1920x1080 image suitable for full-width hero sections
+ */
+async function generateHeroImage(imagePath, options = {}) {
+  const filename = path.basename(imagePath);
+  const heroFilename = `hero_${filename}`;
+  const heroDir = getHeroPath();
+  const heroPath = path.join(heroDir, heroFilename);
+
+  // Ensure hero directory exists
+  await fs.mkdir(heroDir, { recursive: true });
+
+  // Check if we need to regenerate
+  if (options.regenerate) {
+    try {
+      await fs.unlink(heroPath);
+      logger.info(`Deleted existing hero image: ${heroPath}`);
+    } catch (err) {
+      // File might not exist, that's okay
+    }
+  }
+
+  try {
+    // First, verify the source image is complete and valid
+    const metadata = await sharp(imagePath).metadata();
+
+    if (!metadata.width || !metadata.height) {
+      throw new Error('Invalid image metadata - file may be incomplete');
+    }
+
+    // Calculate dimensions to maintain aspect ratio while fitting within hero bounds
+    const heroWidth = options.width || DEFAULT_HERO_WIDTH;
+    const heroHeight = options.height || DEFAULT_HERO_HEIGHT;
+    const quality = options.quality || DEFAULT_HERO_QUALITY;
+
+    // Create sharp instance with memory-efficient settings
+    let sharpInstance = sharp(imagePath, {
+      limitInputPixels: 268402689,
+      sequentialRead: true,
+      failOnError: false
+    });
+
+    // Strip EXIF/metadata from hero images (privacy: prevent GPS leak etc.)
+    sharpInstance = sharpInstance.withMetadata(false);
+
+    // Resize to fit hero dimensions while maintaining aspect ratio
+    // Use 'cover' to fill the hero area (crops if needed)
+    sharpInstance = sharpInstance.resize(heroWidth, heroHeight, {
+      withoutEnlargement: false, // Allow upscaling for small images
+      fit: 'cover',
+      position: 'center'
+    });
+
+    // Apply JPEG format with high quality
+    sharpInstance = sharpInstance.jpeg({
+      quality: quality,
+      progressive: true,
+      mozjpeg: true
+    });
+
+    // Save the hero image
+    await sharpInstance.toFile(heroPath);
+
+    // Verify the hero image was created successfully
+    const stats = await fs.stat(heroPath);
+    if (stats.size === 0) {
+      throw new Error('Generated hero image is empty');
+    }
+
+    logger.info(`Generated hero image for ${filename}: ${heroPath}`);
+    return path.relative(getStoragePath(), heroPath);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const msg = (error && error.message) ? error.message : String(error);
+    logger.error(`Failed to generate hero image for ${filename}: ${msg}`);
+
+    // Clean up any partially created file
+    try {
+      await fs.unlink(heroPath);
+    } catch (unlinkErr) {
+      // Ignore unlink errors
+    }
+
+    return null;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Check if a hero image exists and is valid
+ */
+async function isHeroValid(heroPath) {
+  try {
+    const fullPath = path.join(getStoragePath(), heroPath);
+    const stats = await fs.stat(fullPath);
+
+    if (stats.size === 0) {
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    // Try to read metadata to ensure it's a valid image
+    await sharp(fullPath).metadata();
+    return true;
+  } catch (error) {
+    return false;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Ensure a hero image exists for a photo, regenerate if needed
+ */
+async function ensureHeroImage(photo) {
+  const { db } = require('../database/db');
+  const { resolvePhotoFilePath } = require('./photoResolver');
+
+  let originalPath;
+  try {
+    const event = await db('events').where('id', photo.event_id).first();
+    originalPath = resolvePhotoFilePath(event, photo);
+    logger.info(`Ensuring hero image for photo ${photo.id} from source: ${originalPath}`);
+  } catch (e) {
+    const msg = (e && e.message) ? e.message : String(e);
+    logger.error(`Failed to resolve original path for hero image (photo ${photo.id}): ${msg}`);
+    return null;
+  }
+
+  // Check if hero image exists and is valid
+  if (photo.hero_path) {
+    const isValid = await isHeroValid(photo.hero_path);
+    if (isValid) {
+      return photo.hero_path;
+    }
+    logger.warn(`Invalid hero image detected for photo ${photo.id}, regenerating...`);
+  }
+
+  // Generate new hero image
+  const newHeroPath = await generateHeroImage(originalPath, { regenerate: true });
+
+  if (newHeroPath) {
+    // Update database with new hero path
+    await db('photos')
+      .where({ id: photo.id })
+      .update({ hero_path: newHeroPath });
+
+    logger.info(`Regenerated hero image for photo ${photo.id}`);
+    return newHeroPath;
+  }
+
+  return null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Extract capture date from EXIF metadata
+ * @param {string} imagePath - Path to the image file
+ * @returns {Date|null} - The capture date or null if not available
+ */
+async function extractCaptureDate(imagePath) {
+  try {
+    // Parse EXIF data, looking for common date fields
+    const exif = await exifr.parse(imagePath, {
+      pick: ['DateTimeOriginal', 'CreateDate', 'DateTimeDigitized', 'ModifyDate']
+    });
+
+    if (!exif) {
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    // Priority order: DateTimeOriginal > CreateDate > DateTimeDigitized > ModifyDate
+    const captureDate = exif.DateTimeOriginal ||
+                        exif.CreateDate ||
+                        exif.DateTimeDigitized ||
+                        exif.ModifyDate;
+
+    if (captureDate) {
+      // exifr returns Date objects directly when parsing dates
+      if (captureDate instanceof Date) {
+        // Validate the date is reasonable (not in the future, not before 1990)
+        const now = new Date();
+        const minDate = new Date('1990-01-01');
+        if (captureDate > minDate && captureDate <= now) {
+          return captureDate;
+        }
+      }
+      // Handle string dates if necessary
+      if (typeof captureDate === 'string') {
+        const parsed = new Date(captureDate);
+        if (!isNaN(parsed.getTime())) {
+          return parsed;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    return null;
+  } catch (error) {
+    // Log only as debug - many images don't have EXIF data
+    logger.debug(`Could not extract EXIF date from ${path.basename(imagePath)}:`, error.message);
+    return null;
+  }
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  generateThumbnail,
+  isThumbnailValid,
+  ensureThumbnail,
+  generateVideoPlaceholder,
+  generateHeroImage,
+  isHeroValid,
+  ensureHeroImage,
+  extractCaptureDate
+};

backend/src/services/photoExportService.js

@@ -23,13 +23,13 @@ class PhotoExportService {
    */
   async getPhotosWithFeedback(eventId, photoIds = null) {
     let query = db('photos')
-      .leftJoin('categories', 'photos.category_id', 'categories.id')
+      .leftJoin('photo_categories', 'photos.category_id', 'photo_categories.id')
       .where('photos.event_id', eventId)
       .select(
         'photos.id',
         'photos.filename',
         'photos.original_filename',
-        'photos.file_path',
+        'photos.path',
         'photos.average_rating',
         'photos.feedback_count',
         'photos.like_count',
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ class PhotoExportService {
         'photos.comment_count',
         'photos.width',
         'photos.height',
-        'photos.file_size',
-        'photos.created_at',
-        'categories.name as category_name'
+        'photos.size_bytes',
+        'photos.uploaded_at',
+        'photo_categories.name as category_name'
       )
       .orderBy('photos.filename', 'asc');
 
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ class PhotoExportService {
     const { filename_format = 'original', separator = 'newline' } = options;
 
     const filenames = photos.map(photo =>
-      filename_format === 'original' ? photo.original_filename : photo.filename
+      filename_format === 'original' ? (photo.original_filename || photo.filename) : photo.filename
     );
 
     let content;
@@ -126,14 +126,14 @@ class PhotoExportService {
       'category',
       'width',
       'height',
-      'file_size',
-      'created_at'
+      'size_bytes',
+      'uploaded_at'
     ];
 
     const rows = photos.map(photo => [
-      filename_format === 'original' ? photo.original_filename : photo.filename,
+      filename_format === 'original' ? (photo.original_filename || photo.filename) : photo.filename,
       photo.original_filename || '',
-      photo.average_rating ? photo.average_rating.toFixed(2) : '0.00',
+      photo.average_rating ? parseFloat(photo.average_rating).toFixed(2) : '0.00',
       photo.feedback_count || 0,
       photo.like_count || 0,
       photo.favorite_count || 0,
@@ -141,8 +141,8 @@ class PhotoExportService {
       photo.category_name || '',
       photo.width || '',
       photo.height || '',
-      photo.file_size || '',
-      photo.created_at ? new Date(photo.created_at).toISOString() : ''
+      photo.size_bytes || '',
+      photo.uploaded_at ? new Date(photo.uploaded_at).toISOString() : ''
     ]);
 
     const csvContent = [
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ class PhotoExportService {
 
     for (const photo of photos) {
       const baseFilename = filename_format === 'original'
-        ? photo.original_filename
+        ? (photo.original_filename || photo.filename)
         : photo.filename;
       const xmpFilename = this.xmpGenerator.getXmpFilename(baseFilename);
       const xmpContent = this.xmpGenerator.generateXmp(photo, options);
@@ -209,21 +209,21 @@ class PhotoExportService {
       photos: photos.map(photo => ({
         id: photo.id,
         filename: photo.filename,
-        original_filename: photo.original_filename,
+        original_filename: photo.original_filename || null,
         category: photo.category_name || null,
         rating: {
-          average: photo.average_rating ? parseFloat(photo.average_rating.toFixed(2)) : 0,
+          average: photo.average_rating ? parseFloat(parseFloat(photo.average_rating).toFixed(2)) : 0,
           count: photo.feedback_count || 0
         },
         likes: photo.like_count || 0,
         favorites: photo.favorite_count || 0,
         comments: photo.comment_count || 0,
         dimensions: {
-          width: photo.width,
-          height: photo.height
+          width: photo.width || null,
+          height: photo.height || null
         },
-        file_size: photo.file_size,
-        created_at: photo.created_at
+        size_bytes: photo.size_bytes || null,
+        uploaded_at: photo.uploaded_at || null
       }))
     };
 

backend/src/services/photoProcessor.js

@@ -158,6 +158,7 @@ async function processUploadedPhotos(files, eventId, uploadedBy = 'admin', categ
       // Generate thumbnail and extract metadata
       let thumbnailPath;
       let videoMetadata = null;
+      let imageMetadata = null;
 
       if (isVideo) {
         // Process video: extract metadata and generate thumbnail
@@ -169,8 +170,22 @@ async function processUploadedPhotos(files, eventId, uploadedBy = 'admin', categ
         videoMetadata = result.metadata;
         thumbnailPath = path.relative(getStoragePath(), videoThumbnailPath);
       } else {
-        // Process image: generate thumbnail
+        // Process image: generate thumbnail and extract dimensions
         thumbnailPath = await generateThumbnail(newPath);
+
+        // Extract image dimensions using sharp
+        try {
+          const sharp = require('sharp');
+          const metadata = await sharp(newPath).metadata();
+          if (metadata.width && metadata.height) {
+            imageMetadata = {
+              width: metadata.width,
+              height: metadata.height
+            };
+          }
+        } catch (metadataError) {
+          console.warn(`Could not extract image dimensions for ${file.originalname}:`, metadataError.message);
+        }
       }
 
       // Calculate relative paths
@@ -186,6 +201,7 @@ async function processUploadedPhotos(files, eventId, uploadedBy = 'admin', categ
       const photoData = {
         event_id: eventId,
         filename: newFilename,
+        original_filename: file.originalname,
         path: relativePath,
         thumbnail_path: relativeThumbPath,
         type: photoType,
@@ -205,6 +221,12 @@ async function processUploadedPhotos(files, eventId, uploadedBy = 'admin', categ
         photoData.height = videoMetadata.height;
       }
 
+      // Add image dimensions if available
+      if (!isVideo && imageMetadata) {
+        photoData.width = imageMetadata.width;
+        photoData.height = imageMetadata.height;
+      }
+
       if (supportsReturning) {
         insertResult = await trx('photos')
           .insert(photoData)

backend/src/services/photoService.js

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 
-const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../storage');
+const getStoragePath = () => process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
 
 /**
  * Get photos for an event with optional filtering

backend/src/services/rateLimitService.js

@@ -163,22 +163,13 @@ async function createRateLimiter() {
       const isAuthEndpoint = req.path.match(/\/(auth|login|gallery\/[^/]+\/verify)$/);
       return isAuthEndpoint ? currentConfig.authMaxRequests : currentConfig.maxRequests;
     },
-    keyGenerator: (req) => {
-      // Use correct client IP when behind proxy
-      return req.headers['x-forwarded-for']?.split(',')[0]?.trim() || 
-             req.headers['x-real-ip'] || 
-             req.connection.remoteAddress || 
-             req.ip;
-    },
+    keyGenerator: (req) => req.ip,
     skip: async (req) => {
       const currentConfig = await getRateLimitSettings();
       return shouldSkipRateLimit(req, currentConfig);
     },
     handler: (req, res) => {
-      const clientIp = req.headers['x-forwarded-for']?.split(',')[0]?.trim() || 
-                     req.headers['x-real-ip'] || 
-                     req.connection.remoteAddress || 
-                     req.ip;
+      const clientIp = req.ip;
       
       // Enhanced logging for production analysis
       logger.warn('Rate limit exceeded', {
@@ -223,22 +214,13 @@ async function createAuthRateLimiter() {
   return rateLimit({
     windowMs: config.windowMinutes * 60 * 1000,
     max: config.authMaxRequests,
-    keyGenerator: (req) => {
-      // Use correct client IP when behind proxy
-      return req.headers['x-forwarded-for']?.split(',')[0]?.trim() || 
-             req.headers['x-real-ip'] || 
-             req.connection.remoteAddress || 
-             req.ip;
-    },
+    keyGenerator: (req) => req.ip,
     skip: async () => {
       const currentConfig = await getRateLimitSettings();
       return !currentConfig.enabled;
     },
     handler: (req, res) => {
-      const clientIp = req.headers['x-forwarded-for']?.split(',')[0]?.trim() || 
-                     req.headers['x-real-ip'] || 
-                     req.connection.remoteAddress || 
-                     req.ip;
+      const clientIp = req.ip;
       
       // Enhanced logging for auth failures
       logger.warn('Auth rate limit exceeded', {

backend/src/services/recaptcha.js

@@ -30,10 +30,10 @@ async function verifyRecaptcha(token) {
     return false;
   }
   
-  // If no secret key configured, log warning but pass
+  // If no secret key configured, fail closed
   if (!secretKey) {
-    console.warn('reCAPTCHA enabled but no secret key configured');
-    return true;
+    console.warn('reCAPTCHA enabled but no secret key configured — blocking request');
+    return false;
   }
   
   try {

backend/src/services/restoreService.js

@@ -4,9 +4,7 @@ const crypto = require('crypto');
 const zlib = require('zlib');
 const { pipeline } = require('stream/promises');
 const { createReadStream, createWriteStream } = require('fs');
-const { exec } = require('child_process');
-const { promisify } = require('util');
-const execAsync = promisify(exec);
+const { spawnAsync, spawnToFile, spawnFromFile } = require('../utils/safeExec');
 const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const knexConfig = require('../../knexfile');
 const logger = require('../utils/logger');
@@ -418,12 +416,14 @@ class RestoreService {
       let availableBytes = 0;
       let diskCheckSucceeded = false;
       try {
-        const { exec } = require('child_process');
-        const execAsync = promisify(exec);
         // Use root path as fallback if storage path doesn't exist yet
         const checkPath = await fs.access(storagePath).then(() => storagePath).catch(() => '/');
-        const { stdout } = await execAsync(`df -k "${checkPath}" | tail -1 | awk '{print $4}'`);
-        const parsed = parseInt(stdout.trim());
+        const { stdout } = await spawnAsync('df', ['-k', checkPath]);
+        // Parse df output: last line, 4th column is available KB
+        const lines = stdout.trim().split('\n');
+        const lastLine = lines[lines.length - 1];
+        const columns = lastLine.trim().split(/\s+/);
+        const parsed = parseInt(columns[3]);
         if (!isNaN(parsed) && parsed > 0) {
           availableBytes = parsed * 1024; // Convert from KB to bytes
           diskCheckSucceeded = true;
@@ -492,15 +492,12 @@ class RestoreService {
         
         if (this.dbType === 'sqlite') {
           const dbPath = knexConfig.connection.filename;
-          await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${dbPath}" ".backup '${dbBackupPath}'"`);
+          await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [dbPath, `.backup '${dbBackupPath}'`]);
         } else {
           // PostgreSQL backup
           const { host, port, user, password, database } = knexConfig.connection;
           const env = { ...process.env, PGPASSWORD: password };
-          await execAsync(
-            `pg_dump -h ${host} -p ${port} -U ${user} -d ${database} > "${dbBackupPath}"`,
-            { env }
-          );
+          await spawnToFile('pg_dump', ['-h', host, '-p', String(port), '-U', user, '-d', database], dbBackupPath, { env });
         }
 
         // Compress database backup
@@ -513,8 +510,8 @@ class RestoreService {
         this.log('info', 'Backing up current files...');
         const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
         const filesBackupPath = path.join(backupPath, 'files.tar.gz');
-        
-        await execAsync(`tar -czf "${filesBackupPath}" -C "${path.dirname(storagePath)}" "${path.basename(storagePath)}"`);
+
+        await spawnAsync('tar', ['-czf', filesBackupPath, '-C', path.dirname(storagePath), path.basename(storagePath)]);
       }
 
       // Create backup manifest
@@ -696,10 +693,10 @@ class RestoreService {
         
         try {
           // Restore from backup
-          await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${dbPath}" ".restore '${restoreFile}'"`);
-          
+          await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [dbPath, `.restore '${restoreFile}'`]);
+
           // Verify integrity
-          const integrityCheck = await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${dbPath}" "PRAGMA integrity_check"`);
+          const integrityCheck = await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [dbPath, 'PRAGMA integrity_check']);
           if (!integrityCheck.stdout.includes('ok')) {
             throw new Error('Database integrity check failed after restore');
           }
@@ -722,21 +719,12 @@ class RestoreService {
         // Drop and recreate database (extremely dangerous!)
         this.log('warn', 'Dropping and recreating PostgreSQL database...');
         
-        await execAsync(
-          `psql -h ${host} -p ${port} -U ${user} -c "DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ${database}"`,
-          { env }
-        );
-        
-        await execAsync(
-          `psql -h ${host} -p ${port} -U ${user} -c "CREATE DATABASE ${database}"`,
-          { env }
-        );
-        
+        await spawnAsync('psql', ['-h', host, '-p', String(port), '-U', user, '-c', `DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ${database}`], { env });
+
+        await spawnAsync('psql', ['-h', host, '-p', String(port), '-U', user, '-c', `CREATE DATABASE ${database}`], { env });
+
         // Restore from backup
-        await execAsync(
-          `psql -h ${host} -p ${port} -U ${user} -d ${database} < "${restoreFile}"`,
-          { env, maxBuffer: 1024 * 1024 * 100 } // 100MB buffer
-        );
+        await spawnFromFile('psql', ['-h', host, '-p', String(port), '-U', user, '-d', database], restoreFile, { env });
       }
 
       // Re-initialize database connection
@@ -987,14 +975,11 @@ class RestoreService {
 
         if (this.dbType === 'sqlite') {
           const dbPath = knexConfig.connection.filename;
-          await execAsync(`sqlite3 "${dbPath}" ".restore '${decompressedPath}'"`);
+          await spawnAsync('sqlite3', [dbPath, `.restore '${decompressedPath}'`]);
         } else {
           const { host, port, user, password, database } = knexConfig.connection;
           const env = { ...process.env, PGPASSWORD: password };
-          await execAsync(
-            `psql -h ${host} -p ${port} -U ${user} -d ${database} < "${decompressedPath}"`,
-            { env }
-          );
+          await spawnFromFile('psql', ['-h', host, '-p', String(port), '-U', user, '-d', database], decompressedPath, { env });
         }
 
         await fs.unlink(decompressedPath);
@@ -1004,7 +989,7 @@ class RestoreService {
       const filesBackupPath = path.join(preRestoreBackupPath, 'files.tar.gz');
       if (await fs.access(filesBackupPath).then(() => true).catch(() => false)) {
         const storagePath = process.env.STORAGE_PATH || path.join(__dirname, '../../../storage');
-        await execAsync(`tar -xzf "${filesBackupPath}" -C "${path.dirname(storagePath)}"`);
+        await spawnAsync('tar', ['-xzf', filesBackupPath, '-C', path.dirname(storagePath)]);
       }
 
       this.log('info', 'Rollback completed successfully');

backend/src/services/robotsTxtService.js

@@ -0,0 +1,128 @@
+const { db } = require('../database/db');
+
+let cachedRobotsTxt = null;
+let cacheTimestamp = 0;
+const CACHE_TTL_MS = 60 * 1000; // 60 seconds
+
+function parseSetting(raw) {
+  if (raw === null || raw === undefined) return null;
+  if (typeof raw !== 'string') return raw;
+  try {
+    return JSON.parse(raw);
+  } catch {
+    return raw;
+  }
+}
+
+async function getSeoSettings() {
+  const rows = await db('app_settings')
+    .where('setting_type', 'seo')
+    .select('setting_key', 'setting_value');
+
+  const settings = {};
+  for (const row of rows) {
+    settings[row.setting_key] = parseSetting(row.setting_value);
+  }
+  return settings;
+}
+
+const SOCIAL_BOTS = [
+  'Twitterbot',
+  'facebookexternalhit',
+  'LinkedInBot',
+  'Slackbot',
+  'WhatsApp',
+  'TelegramBot',
+  'Discordbot'
+];
+
+async function generateRobotsTxt() {
+  const now = Date.now();
+  if (cachedRobotsTxt && (now - cacheTimestamp) < CACHE_TTL_MS) {
+    return cachedRobotsTxt;
+  }
+
+  const settings = await getSeoSettings();
+  const allowIndexing = settings.seo_allow_indexing === true;
+  const blockAiCrawlers = settings.seo_block_ai_crawlers !== false;
+  const blockSocialBots = settings.seo_block_social_bots === true;
+  const aiAgents = Array.isArray(settings.seo_blocked_ai_agents)
+    ? settings.seo_blocked_ai_agents
+    : [];
+  const customRules = Array.isArray(settings.seo_custom_rules)
+    ? settings.seo_custom_rules
+    : [];
+  const sitemapUrl = settings.seo_sitemap_url || '';
+
+  const lines = [];
+
+  // Always block admin and API paths for all agents
+  lines.push('# Protected paths');
+  lines.push('User-agent: *');
+  lines.push('Disallow: /admin');
+  lines.push('Disallow: /api');
+  lines.push('');
+
+  if (!allowIndexing) {
+    // Block everything for all agents
+    lines.push('# Indexing disabled - block all crawlers');
+    lines.push('User-agent: *');
+    lines.push('Disallow: /');
+    lines.push('');
+  }
+
+  // Block AI crawlers if enabled
+  if (blockAiCrawlers && aiAgents.length > 0) {
+    lines.push('# AI/LLM crawler blocking');
+    for (const agent of aiAgents) {
+      lines.push(`User-agent: ${agent}`);
+      lines.push('Disallow: /');
+      lines.push('');
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Block social bots if enabled
+  if (blockSocialBots) {
+    lines.push('# Social media bot blocking');
+    for (const bot of SOCIAL_BOTS) {
+      lines.push(`User-agent: ${bot}`);
+      lines.push('Disallow: /');
+      lines.push('');
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Custom rules
+  if (customRules.length > 0) {
+    lines.push('# Custom rules');
+    for (const rule of customRules) {
+      if (rule.userAgent && Array.isArray(rule.disallow)) {
+        lines.push(`User-agent: ${rule.userAgent}`);
+        for (const path of rule.disallow) {
+          lines.push(`Disallow: ${path}`);
+        }
+        lines.push('');
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Sitemap
+  if (sitemapUrl) {
+    lines.push(`Sitemap: ${sitemapUrl}`);
+    lines.push('');
+  }
+
+  const result = lines.join('\n');
+  cachedRobotsTxt = result;
+  cacheTimestamp = now;
+  return result;
+}
+
+function clearRobotsTxtCache() {
+  cachedRobotsTxt = null;
+  cacheTimestamp = 0;
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  generateRobotsTxt,
+  clearRobotsTxtCache
+};

backend/src/services/secureImageService.js

@@ -157,6 +157,8 @@ class SecureImageService {
 
   /**
    * Process image with protection measures
+   * For basic/standard protection without fingerprinting, returns original file
+   * For enhanced/maximum protection, applies quality reduction and fingerprinting
    */
   async processProtectedImage(imagePath, options = {}) {
     const {
@@ -169,11 +171,58 @@ class SecureImageService {
     } = options;
 
     try {
+      // For basic protection level, always return original file without processing
+      if (protectionLevel === 'basic') {
+        return await fs.readFile(imagePath);
+      }
+
+      // For standard protection without fingerprinting, return original file
+      // This avoids unnecessary recompression when no protection features are needed
+      if (protectionLevel === 'standard' && !addFingerprint && !fragmentImage) {
+        return await fs.readFile(imagePath);
+      }
+
+      // Get metadata to check if processing is actually needed
+      const metadata = await sharp(imagePath).metadata();
+
+      // For standard protection with fingerprint only (no resize needed, no quality change),
+      // we can add fingerprint without full recompression by preserving format
+      const needsResize = metadata.width > maxWidth || metadata.height > maxHeight;
+      const needsQualityReduction = protectionLevel === 'enhanced' || protectionLevel === 'maximum';
+
+      // If standard protection and only fingerprinting is needed, and image doesn't need resize,
+      // just add metadata without recompressing
+      if (protectionLevel === 'standard' && addFingerprint && !needsResize) {
+        let image = sharp(imagePath);
+
+        // Add fingerprint to metadata without changing image quality
+        const fingerprint = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
+
+        // Preserve original format with high quality
+        const format = metadata.format || 'jpeg';
+        if (format === 'png') {
+          image = image.png({ compressionLevel: 6 });
+        } else if (format === 'webp') {
+          image = image.webp({ quality: 95 });
+        } else {
+          image = image.jpeg({ quality: 100, mozjpeg: true });
+        }
+
+        image = image.withMetadata({
+          exif: {
+            [sharp.EXIF.IFD0.ImageDescription]: `Protected:${fingerprint}`
+          }
+        });
+
+        return await image.toBuffer();
+      }
+
+      // For enhanced/maximum protection or when resize is needed, do full processing
       let image = sharp(imagePath);
-      const metadata = await image.metadata();
+      let effectiveQuality = quality;
 
       // Resize if too large
-      if (metadata.width > maxWidth || metadata.height > maxHeight) {
+      if (needsResize) {
         image = image.resize(maxWidth, maxHeight, {
           fit: 'inside',
           withoutEnlargement: true
@@ -182,18 +231,26 @@ class SecureImageService {
 
       // Apply quality reduction for protection
       if (protectionLevel === 'enhanced') {
-        quality = Math.min(quality, 70);
+        effectiveQuality = Math.min(quality, 70);
       } else if (protectionLevel === 'maximum') {
-        quality = Math.min(quality, 60);
+        effectiveQuality = Math.min(quality, 60);
       }
 
-      // Convert to appropriate format
-      image = image.jpeg({ quality, progressive: true });
+      // Preserve original format when possible, apply quality settings
+      const format = metadata.format || 'jpeg';
+      if (format === 'png' && !needsQualityReduction) {
+        image = image.png({ compressionLevel: 6 });
+      } else if (format === 'webp') {
+        image = image.webp({ quality: effectiveQuality });
+      } else {
+        // JPEG or when quality reduction is needed (convert to JPEG)
+        image = image.jpeg({ quality: effectiveQuality, progressive: true });
+      }
 
       // Add invisible watermark/fingerprint
       if (addFingerprint) {
         const fingerprint = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
-        
+
         // Embed fingerprint in metadata
         image = image.withMetadata({
           exif: {