Fropvd,
On my screen in the box right above where I am typing there are smaller boxes with icons on them, text stuff, etc. The third one from the right is a light green box. This is the pic load icon. At least on a PC. Your access shouldn't be blocked.
Welcome to the board. I haven't heard of Modeste, but one thing that Cathy didn't mention is that lots of folks got their badges on machines if they bought enough. Like hardware stores, etc.
Eager to see your pics.