If you’re a photographer, you know the struggle of delivering images to clients efficiently while maintaining a smooth workflow. Whether you call them photo proofing galleries, shoot galleries, or photography gallery apps, these platforms make it easier to share, organize, and even sell your work.
But with so many photo galleries online free and paid options available, how do you choose the right one for your business? So here we are trying to decode the best 15 online gallery for photographers.
A proofing gallery (or photographer online gallery) is an online space where clients can view, select, and sometimes even purchase images. Instead of delivering files via email or USB, a photo website gallery provides a seamless way to showcase images while offering extra functionalities like client feedback, watermarking, and print sales.
Not all image gallery sites are created equal. Here are some key questions to ask yourself while selecting your best fit. Can clients choose their favourite photo proof images? Can you sell prints or digital downloads? Does the photo gallery software match my brand’s aesthetics? Does it support RAW files? Can my clients access it easily from their phones? Is it safe for my work? And we tried to answer each one them, so read along and pick your best fit.
If you want to make photo delivery and sales effortless, CloudSpot is a solid pick. It lets you send beautiful, easy-to-navigate galleries while automating a big chunk of your workflow. You can export images straight from Lightroom, sell prints with AR previews, and integrate with tools like SmartSlides and Dubsado to keep everything in sync. The process is seamless for clients too—they can proof, download, and shop in just a few clicks, making their experience smooth and frustration-free.
PicFlow is a sleek, modern gallery platform designed for creative professionals, especially photographers. It lets you showcase your work beautifully and collaborate smoothly with clients. You can create fully customizable, responsive galleries using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Plus, clients can leave comments, annotations, and feedback directly on your images, making communication seamless.
Pixieset has built a strong reputation for its sleek, minimalist galleries and an expanding suite of tools that go beyond just photo proofing. Whether you need a simple gallery, video hosting, studio management, or a full-fledged website, Pixieset offers an all-in-one ecosystem designed for photographers who want everything in one place.
ShootProof isn’t just about delivering photos—it’s designed for photographers who want to streamline their entire client management process. Along with clean, user-friendly galleries, it comes packed with business tools like fill-in-the-blank contract templates, easy digital invoicing, and even optional instant payouts. If you’re looking for an all-in-one system to handle both client proofing and paperwork, this one’s worth a look.
SmugMug is the go-to choice for photographers who need unlimited storage and a solid backup solution without breaking the bank. It stands out by supporting RAW files, which is a game-changer for photographers who prefer client selection before editing. It also integrates seamlessly with Lightroom, making it easy to upload and manage your photos.
Pic-time is a newer player in the online gallery space, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite for photographers who need more than just a basic photo proofing system. With features like built-in blogging tools, automated marketing workflows, and both print and digital sales options, it’s a solid choice for those looking to turn their galleries into business powerhouses.
Zenfolio is a great choice for photographers who need a cost-effective, easy-to-use platform that can handle both photos and videos. Starting at just $6/month, it lets you create a custom website using customizable templates, no coding required. You can showcase and sell your images through interactive online galleries that are designed to impress.
Pixpa is perfect for photographers who want a customizable portfolio website with an easy-to-use builder. The drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to create a stunning site, no coding skills required. You can choose from premade gallery templates, upload proofing galleries, and even set up an integrated e-commerce store to sell prints or digital downloads.
While Pixpa integrates with over 100 applications (like Stripe, Square, and MailChimp), it focuses mainly on website creation and gallery management. It’s a great tool for photographers who need a polished online presence but doesn’t offer business tools like contract templates or invoicing.
PhotoShelter is a great option for photographers who need secure, organized photo galleries with remote access. Starting at $10/month, PhotoShelter stands out by supporting RAW files—perfect for photographers who prefer to upload images directly from the camera for client selection. It also integrates smoothly with Lightroom and PhotoMechanic, letting you upload photos quickly and stay organized with powerful file management and search tools.
Lightfolio is a solid choice for photographers who want a smooth, collaborative proofing process. It’s perfect for photographers who need clients to make image selections before editing. With in-app messaging for real-time feedback and the ability for clients to view and save selections across devices, it streamlines communication and helps you stay organized.
Picdrop is a great option for professional photographers looking for a no-fuss online proofing gallery built with the photographer-client relationship in mind. There are two main modes: Collaboration and Presentation. Collaboration mode makes it easy to get feedback from clients with features like selections, color markings, votes, and even scribbles, where clients can draw directly on the images. Presentation mode allows you to customize the gallery’s look, giving you the freedom to deliver your work in your unique style.
Pixellu is a go-to for photographers who need a simple yet powerful platform for online galleries, slideshows, and album design. The storage isn’t capped; instead, you’re limited by the number of galleries, making it easy to scale without worrying about running out of space. The galleries are sleek and customizable, with paid plans offering Google Analytics to track performance.
Photonesto takes a different approach to gallery pricing by letting you pay per gallery published, rather than locking you into a subscription. This is a great option for photographers who don’t need a monthly fee but want a simple way to showcase and deliver images.
They offer two types of galleries: a standard album for sharing and showcasing images, and a proofing gallery with watermarking for client reviews and sales. The cost is based on the number of photos and how long the gallery will be live. For example, a proofing gallery with over 300 photos for 3 months costs just $4, and if you need it up for a year, it’s $6.
Photobucket has been a long-time favorite for image and video hosting, offering both free and paid plans to suit different needs. With the free account, you get 10GB of bandwidth per month and can upload images up to 5MB each. It’s great for basic storage and sharing, plus you can organize your photos into albums and sub-albums.
For those who need more, the Pro account offers unlimited storage and bandwidth, so you can store high-res images without worrying about ads. You’ll also get detailed statistics on your uploads and the ability to retrieve original photos. Plus, you can create custom URLs for your albums (a feature that’s limited on the free plan) and share your work with ease.
Photo.net is a well-established space for photographers to connect, showcase their work, and dive into the world of photography with a strong community-driven focus. You can create your own personal gallery to display your photos, which can be browsed and commented on by fellow photographers. It’s a great way to get exposure and feedback from others passionate about the craft.
There are plenty of photo galleries software options to choose from, but the right one depends on your business needs.
Need automation? CloudSpot or want to send over contracts & invoices too, then go for ShootProof or maybe you are looking for an all-in-one solution, then try, Pixieset. But for photographers you need RAW file storage must check out PhotoShelter. And if you have budget constraint then go for refer a pay-as-you-go model as similar to Photonesto.
No matter what photo proof system you go with, having an online gallery really takes your workflow and client experience to the next level. But hey, why not make it even better? Pair it up with AI-powered photo selection and editing, you can cut your editing time in half and make every image pop without the extra hassle.
It’s all about making things easier – from picking the best shots to adding those final touches. Whether you’re working on big shoots or just perfecting the details, FilterPixel helps you get more done in less time, while delivering amazing results for your clients. Want to see how it can make your editing process smoother? Give it a go with a 14-day free trial and see for yourself!