Delivering photos to clients is one of the most important parts of a photographer's workflow — and one of the most frustrating when files are large. Here's how to do it right.
The Challenge: Photo File Sizes
| Format | Typical Size | 100 Photos |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG (high quality) | 8-15 MB | 800 MB - 1.5 GB |
| RAW (Canon CR3) | 25-40 MB | 2.5 - 4 GB |
| RAW (Sony ARW) | 30-60 MB | 3 - 6 GB |
| TIFF (16-bit) | 50-100 MB | 5 - 10 GB |
A typical wedding shoot might include 500-800 edited JPEGs (4-10 GB) or 2,000+ RAW files (50+ GB). You need a delivery method that handles these sizes reliably.
Method 1: File Transfer Service (Best for Deliveries)
Services like FileDroppy are ideal for delivering finished photo sets to clients:
- Upload your edited JPEGs, share a single download link
- Clients download with one click — no account needed
- Add password protection for privacy
- Links auto-expire, so photos don't live online forever
FileDroppy's free plan handles up to 2 GB per transfer (perfect for 100-200 high-res JPEGs). The Pro plan supports up to 20 GB per transfer for larger galleries.
Method 2: Cloud Storage Gallery (Good for Proofing)
Google Drive, Dropbox, or a dedicated photo gallery service (Pixieset, ShootProof) work well when clients need to browse and select images. However, these require ongoing storage management and can be expensive for large volumes.
Method 3: Gallery Platforms (Best for Selection)
Dedicated gallery platforms like Pixieset, Pic-Time, or ShootProof let clients view proofs, make selections, and order prints. They're expensive ($10-40/month) but purpose-built for the photography workflow.
Recommended Workflow
- Proofing: Upload low-res previews to a gallery platform for client selection
- Final delivery: Use FileDroppy to send the full-resolution edited files
- RAW delivery: For clients who want RAW files, use FileDroppy Pro for files up to 5 GB each
Tips for Smooth Delivery
- Organize before uploading: Name files consistently (Event_Date_001.jpg)
- Communicate the process: Tell clients what to expect and how to download
- Set expectations on timing: Let clients know when the link will expire
- Provide a password: Especially for wedding and private event photos