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The Best Way to Share Photos with Clients: Client Photo Galleries

Discover why photo galleries are the best way to share photos with clients. Explore key features, benefits that will lead to a 5-star client experience!

Busra Islek

Jan 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Photographers are no strangers to that burning question from potential clients "How will I receive my photos?". If you think it's merely a casual question, think again! Experienced photographers will agree that how you share your work is as important as the quality of the photos.

Thanks to the digital era, professional photography sharing has undergone a remarkable transformation. Taking centre stage are online galleries which revolutionise how clients receive and interact with their photos. The best way to send photos to clients now is through these dynamic galleries, which combine ease of use with engaging features. It's also the easiest way to share photos with a group.

Online photo galleries allow professional photographers to upload, organise, and share photos with clients in a secure, efficient, and visually appealing way. In this article, we'll take a closer look at photo galleries, diving into the advantages and how they compare against other methods of photo sharing for photographers. If you're curious about how to share photos with clients, keep reading!

How Do Professional Photographers Deliver Photos to Their Clients?

The Best Photo Format for Delivering Images to Clients

To make sure your clients receive images that meet their needs and expectations, you should choose the right file format. The format you select can influence everything from the ease of sharing to the quality and versatility of the images you provide.

JPEG and PNG are the go-to formats for most photographers when delivering images for everyday use. These formats are perfect for online sharing, emailing, and sending large batches of images. JPEG is particularly popular due to its smaller file size, which makes it easy to upload and share without sacrificing too much quality. For cases where the highest quality and flexibility for further editing are required, RAW format is recommended, as it offers unmatched image detail and professional editing capabilities.

From email attachments to file transfer services, traditional file-sharing platforms have proved fundamental in sharing various files. Yet, it's important to acknowledge that, while practical for everyday use, these platforms were not initially crafted with the needs of photographers in mind.

So, how do some photographers share photos with clients? Let's take a look at the most popular file-sharing platforms commonly used:

WeTransfer is considered the easiest way to share photos which allows you to send files for free up to 2GB. While it's convenient for sharing quick and simple transfers, for photographers who deal with large volumes of high-resolution photos it becomes less practical. In such cases, the need to split files into batches for transfer might be cumbersome and time-consuming both for the sender and the recipient.
While Cloud Storage Services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) are suitable for many types of files, there are still limits on individual file sizes. Large, uncompressed image files may require more storage space and may count against your limited storage quota. Photographers who get a high amount of bookings might need to develop a systematic folder structure to keep their work well-organised.
Sending photos as compressed zip files is a common and straightforward method used by photographers as well. However, it's important to note that it's not the best way to send photos to clients without losing quality. Aside from the limitations regarding size, many clients find this method less intuitive compared to other methods.

Managing different delivery methods based on project size or client preferences can present some challenges in terms of organisation and tracking too. Using a single, reliable platform can simplify the process and make it more manageable for photographers, especially when sending a large amount of files.

Client Galleries and Apps

Client galleries and proofing apps have become indispensable tools for photographers and creative professionals in 2024. These platforms are not just about delivering images but they create an immersive, efficient, and interactive experience for clients.

Being able to offer a centralised space where clients can view, select, and even purchase images, these tools significantly enhance the way photographers manage client interactions and drive their business forward. Let's take a look at the most popular client gallery platforms commonly used by professional photographers:

Pixieset is a well-known platform that provides photographers with customisable online galleries. It allows photographers to share, deliver, and even sell their work directly to clients. Pricing starts at $8 per month and can go up to $40 per month, depending on the storage capacity and features required. The higher-tier plans offer extra perks such as increased storage, enhanced gallery customisation options, and integrated e-commerce tools.
SmugMug is a versatile platform that offers integration with Lightroom, unlimited photo storage, and support for RAW files. Pricing for SmugMug starts at $31 per month (billed annually), with higher-tier plans offering additional features like advanced customisation and e-commerce capabilities.
Lightfolio offers sleek galleries that make it easy for clients to view and select their favourite images. Lightfolio offers a 14-day free trial, with paid plans starting at $7 per month. The Pro plan, which includes additional features such as unlimited storage, costs $40 per month.
Smiler Photographer Suite offers beautiful, mobile-friendly online galleries coupled with a Storefront feature that automatically updates with every gallery sent. Smiler also includes automated reminders to clients for review collection, watermark and upselling options. The free plan includes unlimited gallery sends, while the paid plan is available for just €5 per month, providing additional features to further boost revenue.

Why Photographers Love Client Galleries

Specifically designed for photographers and their clients, photo galleries offer exclusive features that cater to the nuances of photo sharing. With high-quality displays, branding opportunities, and protection tools, it's the best way to deliver photos to clients.

Handling the operational aspects of a photography business may not be the most thrilling part for many photographers. The challenges often involve grappling with time-consuming manual processes, calendar management, and losing clients due to limited payment options.

Why Clients Love Photo Galleries

When you pour your passion and dedication into your art, it's only fitting to aim for excellence on every front. Beyond the sheer quality of the photos, the method of delivery also plays a pivotal role in shaping the client's perception and satisfaction.

Most clients prefer the straightforward route, and the last thing they want is to deal with tricky zip files or techy hurdles. Especially in 2024, a straightforward click-and-view should be a reasonable expectation, don't you agree? After all, the success of your photography business extends beyond the photoshoot; clients anticipate a seamless, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

This commitment to excellence can be your unique selling point, differentiating photographers in a competitive market. After all, in a world of options, offering not just photos but a remarkable experience could keep clients (and their friends and family) coming back for more.

The Most Effective Method for Sending High-Resolution Photos to Clients

Online galleries are essentially powerful sales and marketing tools. Photographers can upsell directly through their galleries, simplifying the sales process and potentially increasing revenue. They provide a sleek, professional way to display your photography, with customisable interfaces that can align with your branding. This professional presentation is the key to making a lasting impression on both current and potential clients.

Sending a beautiful gallery to your clients is as easy as drag and drop with Smiler Photographer Suite. Plus, with the 'additional gallery' feature, you can effortlessly upsell and significantly boost your revenue.

Mobile-friendliness

Clients expect to access their photos with ease, no matter where they are or what device they're using. This makes it almost imperative to ensure that the way you deliver your work is optimised for smartphones and tablets, providing a responsive, seamless viewing experience. It allows clients to share their cherished memories with friends, family and followers effortlessly, directly from their mobile devices.

This not only opens your work to a broader audience but also reduces the overhead costs associated with traditional methods, which are often ill-suited for handling high volumes or quality.

Security

Additionally, moving to online galleries significantly enhances the security of your work. Through online client galleries, only authorised clients can access and view their galleries. This is crucial for maintaining trust, especially when handling sensitive or private events. This level of security not only protects your clients' privacy but also safeguards your intellectual property from potential misuse or piracy.

Try This Free Client Gallery for Photographers

Photo galleries offer a multitude of benefits for your photography business. They are undoubtedly the best way to send pictures without losing quality. In short, it's an elevated and easy way to share photos online. With so many photo sharing apps for photographers, how do you find the best one for your needs?

Smiler stands out from the competition by offering a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that not only provides sleek online galleries that clients love but also integrates essential business management tools. Unlike other platforms that may require additional software for tasks like booking management, payment processing, and client communication, Smiler streamlines everything into one user-friendly interface.

Its unique Storefront feature automatically updates with every gallery sent, keeping your portfolio current without extra effort. Additionally, Smiler’s automated reminders for review collection help you build a strong online reputation effortlessly.

With affordable pricing that includes unlimited free galleries and a range of advanced features, Smiler offers more value and convenience, making it the superior choice for photographers looking to grow their business while saving time.