Client proofing can be a complicated and time-consuming workflow if you're trying to handle it by yourself. That's why we've provided a list of 10 client proofing sites for photographers looking to streamline the process and integrate it into their everyday operations.
What Is Client Proofing?
Client proofing is a process by which the photographer shares images with clients in order to determine which ones to edit and ultimately deliver. This is accomplished via online galleries that usually provide the ability for clients to comment and select the photos that they want. The basic workflow for client proofing is sharing, approval, and delivery.
In our following list, what mainly distinguishes these services from one another are the number of e-commerce features in the paid packages and how exactly the client delivery happens. Not all client proofing plans are created equal, so pay close attention to what you actually need as a photographer.
Let's get started.
1. CloudSpot
CloudSpot starts off our list of client proofing sites for photographers. And like all the sites to follow, CloudSpot offers more than just client proofing. In fact, while many photographers may have come across these sites searching for client proofing, the emphasis for many of them is to become the photographer's one-stop-shop for e-commerce needs.
CloudSpot offers unlimited galleries for all client proofing plans, including logos and branding along with a few other minor perks. Where they shine is with their integrations with notable sites like Lightroom, Stripe, and YouTube, even for the free plan. They offer the usual storefront so that photographers can sell their prints and digital files.
The free plan includes 10 GB of storage and unlimited galleries, along with third-party integrations, but it only offers JPEG support for files and incurs a 15% commission on all sales. The paid plans range from $12 to $34 per month. All paid plans include a mobile app for clients to view galleries and make purchases.
2. Lightfolio
Lightfolio offers five different tiers of packaging for a variety of services, including domain and website hosting. These include Documents, Client Galleries, Websites, Forms, and Bundles.
If you're only interested in client proofing, Lightfolio paid plans are reasonably-priced compared to other paid plans with extraneous features, ranging from $5 to $40 per month. Unfortunately, the free plan only has 1 GB of storage, which may not be large enough for some client-proofing sessions.
3. Pass
Pass offers client proofing with an emphasis on their galleries and ease of use. They also offer Lightroom integration to make it easy for photographers to share their images with clients. Pass boasts fast upload speeds for photographers and even faster download speeds for clients.
There are store features that you can purchase, such as prints, frames, and photo books. The free plan comes with 20 GB of storage, and the paid plans will set you back $17 to $34 per month.
4. Photonesto
Photonesto specializes in client proofing. They showcase a fluid workflow that makes it easy to get started. What's unique about Photonesto is its pricing structure: they offer client proofing galleries for individual sessions by allotted publication spans of 3, 6, and 12 months.
A session will cost you $3 to $6. This is easily the most hassle-free paid plan structure on this list, as well as affordable, especially for photographers just starting out. There are no monthly or annual payments, which means there's also no free plan.
5. PhotoProofPro
PhotoProofPro is a no-frills client proofing service that emphasizes storage and client management. From the moment you register, it's easy to get started and upload your photos. There are a few well-known photographers who use PhotoProofPro for their client proofing needs, like Peter Hurley.
The paid plans range from $13 to $40 per month and grant you up to 1 TB of storage. The free plan only gives you 250 MB of storage, and the lack of storefront and marketing options for the price point may be a turnoff.
6. Pic-Time
Pic-Time was founded by a wife-and-husband team whose primary focus is to help photographers build their businesses. Their client proofing features receive a lot of attention as there are plenty of bells and whistles in the free and paid plans, and it also has a lot of e-commerce options.
Photographers based in North America, Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand can take advantage of numerous print labs for various printing needs, but there are no print labs in Asia. The paid plans range from $17 to $50 per month.
7. Pixellu
Pixellu showcases their photographers' work through advanced and aesthetically-pleasing Smart Albums and Galleries. This is but one of a couple of services on this list that focuses primarily on presentation, client proofing, and delivery. There are no e-commerce or marketing features to drive up package pricing.
There is no free plan, but you can start a 14-day free trial, and then pay $5 to $40 per month for one of the paid plans. The site layout might be a tad confusing.
8. Pixieset
Pixieset delivers the goods for photographers in need of client proofing, stores, and business management. The various plans are laid out in a way that gives viewers a good overall glimpse at the features and storage options. Pixieset also offers customizable mobile apps for its users' clients.
There are plenty of features available with the free plan. To get access to things like invoicing, contracts with e-signatures, and questionnaires, you'll have to get a paid plan, which ranges from $8 to $28 per month.
9. ShootProof
ShootProof offers photographers a one-stop-shop for all their photography business needs. What sets them apart is their pricing scheme, which is based on the number of photos instead of actual drive space. Otherwise, all the paid plans offer the same features, and they range from $17 to $25 per month, depending on how many photos you want.
10. Zenfolio
Last but not least, Zenfolio is one of the most recognized sites on the list. All of their paid plans include client proofing and varying levels of e-commerce features. If you need a service that does just about everything, you can't go wrong with Zenfolio.
The plans range from $5 to $12.50 per month, which is some of the lowest prices on this list. And you get maximum space of up to 1 TB.
Client Proofing Is Essential for Many Working Photographers
For many working photographers, client proofing is a must. If you're looking to include client proofing in your workflow, hopefully, our list will help guide you to the perfect service for your photography business.
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