Is your focus area for mere hosting of photos (such as for availability/backup)? Or, are you more interested in being able to share tour photos? Is there a particular feature that is most important for you related to a G Photos alternative? I think if you post that, perhaps viable suggestions might be offered that would be best for you; instead of some general "try XYZ because it is randomly better!" sort of comment.
It was both a good back up as well as method of distribution to clients I suppose. Self hosting is going to be the way to go, though UX-wise and ease of use still seems off.
