Steve, I suggest using
postimages.org instead of Photobucket.
You can open an account for free, and there are no recurring fees either. I particularly like their 'thumbnail' feature, but there are a variety of other image posting options as well.
I've had a free PostImages account for about 3 years and am pleased with how it works - with no problems. (I am a former Photobucket user /
refugee )Here is an example 'thumbnail' image from 2019 Fall Work Weekend ...
(click on image to see larger)
Same image fullsize:
(PostImages.org calls this style of link "Direct Image".)
Like Photobucket, PostImages.org also handles internally dealing with oversized images from modern cameras. No need to shrink photos when posting large images to forums.
Unlike Photobucket, PostImages.org does not plaster their logo / watermark over your images. I have not seen any change made by PostImages.org to any photo that I have uploaded there (other than displayed image size changes.)