How to Create an Online Client Proofing Gallery

Client proofing means sharing a set of unedited or lightly edited images with clients so they can select their favorites before you invest time in full editing. It's useful in specific workflows, but most portrait and wedding photographers don't actually need it. This page explains what proofing is, who needs it, and what the simpler alternatives look like.

The Challenge: Is Proofing Right for Your Workflow?

Proofing makes sense when the number of images you fully edit depends on what the client selects. This is common in high-volume commercial photography (catalog shoots, school photos) and selection-based portrait contracts ("choose 20 from your session").

For most wedding and portrait photographers who edit their own selects before delivery, proofing adds a round trip that slows down the workflow without adding much value. You already know which images to deliver.

The question to ask yourself: do I need my client to pick before I edit, or do I pick for them?

When to Use Client Proofing

Use proofing when:

• Your contract is selection-based (client selects X images from a larger set)
• You're shooting high volume where editing all images is impractical
• Your client needs to approve images before you finalize (commercial clients, catalogs)
• You want client involvement in the editing queue before you start

Skip proofing when:

• You edit your own selects and deliver a finished gallery
• Your clients aren't photographers and will struggle to make meaningful technical selections
• You'd spend more time managing the proofing round than you save in editing

How to Set Up a Basic Proofing Gallery

Step 1: Export low-resolution watermarked previews Export your culled images at reduced resolution (typically 800–1200px) with a light watermark. These aren't deliverables — they're selection tools.

Step 2: Upload to a proofing tool or gallery with favorites support Dedicated proofing tools include Scrappbook and similar platforms. Lumeny supports a basic favorites feature, which works for simple selection workflows. For full proofing with structured client feedback rounds, a dedicated tool may serve you better.

Step 3: Share the gallery with clear instructions Tell clients exactly what they're selecting: "Choose your 20 favorites. Look at expression and composition — don't worry about exact color, that's what editing is for."

Step 4: Review selections, edit, and deliver Once you have client selections, edit those images to full quality and deliver through your standard gallery workflow.

Proofing Setup Checklist

• Decision made: does this client need proofing?
• Low-res watermarked previews exported
• Clear instructions written for client
• Favorites / selection tool enabled
• Timeline for selection and editing communicated

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most photographers use client proofing? No. Most portrait and wedding photographers edit their own selects and deliver a finished gallery. Proofing is primarily used in high-volume or selection-based contract workflows.

What's the difference between proofing and delivering favorites? Proofing typically happens before full editing — clients select from unedited images. Favorites in a delivery gallery happen after editing — clients mark what they love or want for prints. They serve different purposes.

Can Lumeny handle client proofing? Lumeny includes a basic favorites feature. For simple selection workflows, this is often enough. For multi-round proofing with detailed client feedback tools, a dedicated proofing platform may be a better fit.

How long should a proofing round take? Give clients 3–7 days to make selections. If you haven't heard back, a reminder is appropriate. Set a deadline — indefinite proofing rounds stall your entire editing schedule.

Written by Christian Bauer, founder of Lumeny and photographer with 10+ years of experience.