Confirmed file list
Export the selected identifiers and reconcile them against the local source files before any upload or transfer.
Retouching handoff
Photo Retouching Handoff Workflow for Photographers
Turn an approved client selection into a precise retouching handoff with stable filenames, specifications, image notes, and clear ownership.
- Freeze the selected file list before work begins
- Separate global specifications from image notes
- Keep responsibility and approval unambiguous
Quick answer
A reliable photo retouching handoff starts after the image selection is confirmed. Freeze the exact files, keep identifiers stable, define the technical output, attach image-specific notes, and name who approves the finished work. GalleryDock can collect favorites and comments for that brief, but the photographer still controls the actual file transfer, retoucher instructions, and quality approval.
Handoff package
Give the retoucher one authoritative brief
The retoucher should not have to infer which files, versions, or correction level the client approved. Build the handoff around a fixed manifest and explicit output rules.
Technical specification
State file format, color space, bit depth, dimensions, naming, layer requirements, and delivery destination.
Creative reference
Provide the intended finish, reference frames, and boundaries for skin, shape, cleanup, and color work.
Approval owner
Name who checks the returned files, who may request revisions, and when the work becomes final.
Four-step handoff
Move from client selection to retoucher
Treat the selection and production handoff as two connected checkpoints rather than one informal email.
01
Confirm the client selection
Close open questions and record the final list before the retoucher begins work.
02
Match identifiers to source files
Use stable filenames or a manifest so proofs map to the intended RAW, TIFF, or PSD sources.
03
Package files and instructions
Transfer the production assets through your chosen file-delivery method with the global brief and image notes.
04
Review returned work
Check technical output and creative instructions before presenting retouched results to the client.
Responsibility boundary
Know what GalleryDock does and what remains manual
GalleryDock organizes client selections and comments. It does not automatically transmit production originals to a third-party retoucher or approve their work.
GalleryDock records the client choice
Favorites and comments can establish which images and requests belong in the handoff.
The photographer prepares source files
You remain responsible for locating the correct originals and choosing an appropriate secure transfer method.
The retoucher follows the brief
The service provider needs explicit scope and output requirements rather than access to an ambiguous gallery alone.
The photographer approves the result
Quality control and final client delivery remain separate from the selection record.
Comparison
Retouching handoff approaches
The safest workflow combines a visual selection record with production-ready files and a written specification.
| Approach | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Filename list in email | A tiny, simple set | Easy to mistype or separate from image notes |
| Screenshots with circles | Quick visual clarification | Weak source-file matching |
| Shared storage folder only | Moving production files | Does not explain selection or intent |
| Gallery favorites only | Recording client choices | Not a complete retoucher brief or file transfer |
| Manifest plus assets and brief | Traceable professional handoff | Requires deliberate preparation and QA |
Corporate headshot retouching
Employee selections map to source files while crop, background, skin, and delivery specifications remain consistent.
Commercial campaign finishing
Art direction, reference finish, layered-file requirements, and individual cleanup notes travel with the selected hero frames.
Portrait studio outsourcing
A repeatable manifest lets the studio send several client selections without mixing projects or revision responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this workflow
What should a photo retouching handoff include?
Include the confirmed file list, production assets, global technical and creative specifications, image-specific notes, deadline, and approval owner.
Should clients select images before retouching?
For workflows where only chosen photographs receive detailed retouching, confirming the selection first avoids unnecessary production work.
Can GalleryDock send files to a retoucher automatically?
No. GalleryDock can organize selections and comments, but the photographer remains responsible for the production-file transfer and retoucher brief.
Why should filenames stay stable?
Stable identifiers help match client proofs to source files and returned retouched versions without relying on visual guesswork.
Where should image-specific retouching notes live?
Keep each note tied to its image identifier, then include a consolidated manifest in the handoff so nothing depends on one chat thread.
Who should approve the retouched files?
Assign one responsible photographer or production lead to check the result against the brief before final client presentation.
Related resources
Separate selection from retouch approvalDefine which client decision happens before and after production work.Preserve filename continuityKeep the proof selection traceable to local originals and final exports.Build the full proofing workflowConnect proof preparation, client choices, comments, and confirmation.Give clients clear selection instructionsReduce incomplete lists and ambiguous retouching notes before handoff.
Pricing
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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
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Base
Monthly
19 EUR
EUR 228 billed yearly. plus VAT
Ideal for photographers who regularly deliver client galleries.
- Unlimited galleries
- 200 GB storage
- Photos & videos
- Image upload: 100 MB
- Video upload: 15 GB
- Your own shop for digital sales
- Sell print products in your shop
- Only 10% 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
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
Turn client choices into a clean production brief
Collect the confirmed selection and image comments in GalleryDock, then prepare the exact assets and specifications your retoucher needs.
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