First client gallery setup

How to Set Up a Client Gallery: A Complete Photographer Checklist

Set up a client gallery from upload and cover through favorites, comments, downloads, privacy, client-view QA, and sharing.

Create a free gallery Read the guide

Prepare the assignment and curated files
Configure the client actions deliberately
QA the client view before sharing

GalleryDock dashboard used to set up a client gallery

Quick answer

To set up a client gallery, start with the assignment and client decision you need to support. Upload a curated image set, create a clear cover and section structure, configure favorites, comments, downloads, password protection, watermarking, or optional digital products only where they belong, and inspect the exact client view before sharing the private link. This guide covers the full first-gallery setup. It is intentionally broader than creating and sending a gallery link, and it does not claim booking, contract, invoicing, RAW backup, or physical fulfillment functions.

Prepare

Define the gallery before uploading

A clear setup starts with the assignment, audience, and next client action.

Name the assignment

Use a client, event, session, or project name that remains understandable when several galleries are active.

Choose the gallery stage

Decide whether clients are viewing proofs, selecting favorites, leaving feedback, or receiving final files.

Curate the image set

Remove technical misses, internal tests, duplicate exports, and files the client should not see.

Prepare web-ready files

Export the intended versions and keep RAW originals and working files in an independent archive.

Configure

Enable only the actions this client needs

Every setting should support a known decision instead of adding unexplained controls.

Build the cover and sections

Choose a representative cover and group images by session, moment, person, or delivery purpose.

Set favorites and comments

Enable selection and image feedback when they are part of the agreed proofing stage.

Set privacy and presentation

Choose private sharing, optional password protection, and watermark behavior for the assignment.

Set downloads and products

Release downloads or digital add-ons only when the files, package, and shop configuration are ready.

Quality assurance

Inspect the client journey before sharing

The photographer's admin view is not proof that the recipient experience is correct.

Open the client view

Test the gallery through the same public link the client will receive.

Check desktop and mobile

Verify cover, sections, image loading, actions, and instructions across both viewport types.

Test the intended action

Mark a favorite, leave a test comment, or download an approved file according to the workflow.

Send one final link

Share only after removing test data and confirming the gallery state, access, and client instructions.

Client gallery setup tutorial preview image — Follow a deliberate setup sequenceUse the setup checklist as the English source of truth; the existing preview image remains supporting visual context.

Private GalleryDock link prepared for client sharing — Prepare the final client linkShare only after settings, content, and the client view have been checked.

Favorites and comments configured in a client gallery — Configure client decisionsEnable selection and feedback tools only when the assignment needs them.

Optional additional digital images in a client gallery shop — Add optional digital products carefullyAdd digital products only when they belong to the photographer's offer and current setup.

Comparison

Client gallery setup approaches

A reliable setup connects preparation, settings, and client-view QA.

Approach	Best for	Tradeoff
Upload and send immediately	An internal draft	High risk of wrong settings or unfinished files
Cloud folder	Basic file access	No integrated proofing setup
Transfer link	One final package	No cover, sections, favorites, or comments
Gallery link only	The final sharing step	Does not define the gallery content or settings
Complete GalleryDock setup	Curated presentation, client decisions, and delivery	Requires a deliberate pre-share QA pass

Portrait proofing gallery

Enable favorites and image comments while keeping downloads closed until final retouching.

Wedding delivery gallery

Use a polished cover, meaningful sections, private sharing, and clear final downloads.

Commercial approval gallery

Define one decision owner and configure comments for precise stakeholder feedback.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about this workflow

How do I set up a client gallery?

Create the assignment, upload a curated set, build the cover and sections, configure client actions and access, inspect the client view, and then share the private link.

Should I enable favorites and comments?

Enable them when the assignment requires client selection or image-specific feedback; leave unnecessary actions off.

When should I enable downloads?

Enable downloads only after the intended final files, sizes, and access terms are ready.

Should I use password protection?

Use it when the assignment and agreed access process benefit from an additional access step.

Does this guide only create a gallery link?

No. It covers the complete first-gallery setup. The dedicated gallery-link guide focuses on preparing and sharing the URL.

Does GalleryDock replace RAW backup or a studio CRM?

No. Keep archive, backup, booking, contracts, and broader administration in the appropriate systems.

Related resources

Upload photos to a client galleryPrepare and upload a curated set for the assignment.Create a client gallery linkHandle the final link preparation and sharing step.Online photo proofingConfigure a clear selection and feedback stage.Client galleries with downloadsPlan final-file access after proofing is complete.

Pricing

Start free and upgrade when you need more.

Free

Free forever

0 EUR

EUR 0 per month

Perfect for sharing your first galleries professionally.

3 galleries
1 GB storage
Photos & videos
Image upload: 50 MB
Video upload: 750 MB
Your own shop for digital sales
Sell print products in your shop
15% shop fee per sale
Your own profile in client galleries
Password-protect client galleries
Use your own logo as a watermark
Let clients select images and mark favorites
Control photo and video downloads
Embed galleries on your own website

Free account

Start free, no credit card required

Base

Monthly

Pro

Monthly

29 EUR

EUR 348 billed yearly. plus VAT

For photographers managing many projects, videos and growing storage.

Unlimited galleries
1 TB storage
Photos & videos
Image upload: 100 MB
Video upload: 30 GB
Your own shop for digital sales
Sell print products in your shop
Only 5% shop fee per sale
Your own profile in client galleries
Password-protect client galleries
Use your own logo as a watermark
Let clients select images and mark favorites
Control photo and video downloads
Embed galleries on your own website
Hide GalleryDock branding
Use your own logo in galleries

For regular client delivery

Set up the entire client journey before sending the link

Build, configure, and test a GalleryDock gallery that gives clients one clear next action.

Create a free account