Show a controlled proof set
Remove technical rejects and duplicates that do not help the client make a meaningful choice.
Two different decisions
Photo Selection vs. Retouching Approval
Separate the client's image-selection decision from the later review and approval of retouched results to reduce rework and ambiguity.
- Use selection to decide which images move forward
- Use retouch review to evaluate the finished work
- Record one owner and next step for each checkpoint
Quick answer
Photo selection answers which images move forward. Retouching approval answers whether the finished work on those chosen images meets the agreed brief. Treat them as two separate checkpoints with different files, instructions, statuses, and next steps. GalleryDock can organize favorites and image comments, but the studio must define what confirmation means and who has authority to approve production work.
Selection checkpoint
Decide which photographs receive production work
At this stage the client evaluates subject, expression, moment, pose, and usefulness. Detailed finishing is not yet the decision.
Define the selection scope
State the number or purpose of chosen images and explain how favorites become the confirmed list.
Collect relevant notes
Allow comments that affect the selection or agreed retouching brief without opening an unlimited revision process.
Freeze the production set
Record the final identifiers before detailed retouching begins so later feedback cannot silently change the source list.
Approval checkpoint
Evaluate the finished retouching against the brief
The second stage concerns execution on the selected files. Review the result against agreed instructions rather than reopening the entire shoot.
01
Present the correct version
Label the retouched proof so the client knows which version and instruction set they are reviewing.
02
Request image-specific feedback
Keep each correction tied to its image and ask for concrete observations rather than general dissatisfaction.
03
Resolve the agreed revision round
Apply feedback according to the contract and document any request that changes the original scope.
04
Record the final decision
Name the person who confirms completion and move only the approved version into final delivery.
Avoid mixed signals
Give each stage its own language and status
Words such as approved, selected, final, and released can mean different things. Define them inside the actual workflow.
Selected
The image is included in the next production stage; it does not mean the retouching has been reviewed.
Retouch review
The client is evaluating the finished treatment of an already selected image.
Revision requested
A specific change remains open and the current version should not be treated as final.
Final delivery
The studio provides the completed files according to the contract after its chosen approval checkpoint.
Comparison
Selection and approval are not interchangeable
The two stages differ in timing, subject, reviewer question, and production consequence.
| Approach | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Photo selection | Choosing which images move forward | Does not approve the later retouching |
| Retouching brief | Defining how selected images should be finished | Does not prove the work is complete |
| Retouch review | Checking execution against the brief | Needs a clearly identified version |
| Legal acceptance | Contract-specific formal processes | Must not be inferred from a gallery favorite |
| Final delivery | Providing the completed agreed files | Requires the studio's defined completion rule |
Executive portraits
The company first chooses each person's frame, then reviews the agreed background and skin finishing on those exact files.
Product campaign
Creative selects the hero angles before evaluating cleanup, color consistency, and compositing on the production set.
Editorial portrait series
The subject choice is frozen before the art director reviews the final treatment and any contracted revision.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this workflow
What is the difference between photo selection and retouching approval?
Selection identifies which photographs move forward; retouching approval evaluates the finished work on those already selected photographs.
Should selection happen before retouching?
When only chosen images receive detailed work, confirming the selection first prevents unnecessary retouching and establishes a stable production set.
Can the same gallery support both stages?
It can support favorites and comments, but the photographer must clearly label the stage, version, expected action, and meaning of confirmation.
Does a favorite count as legal approval?
Do not make that assumption. Legal acceptance depends on the contract and applicable process, not merely on a gallery interaction.
Who should confirm retouching?
The project should identify one authorized client contact or agreed decision group and one studio owner for the final check.
Can GalleryDock enforce revision limits?
GalleryDock can organize comments, but contractual scope, revision limits, and change requests remain the studio's responsibility.
Related resources
Prepare the retouching handoffTurn the confirmed selection into an exact production brief and asset set.Explain the selection stepTell clients how to choose, comment, confirm, and meet the deadline.Map the complete proofing workflowConnect proof preparation, client decisions, feedback, and delivery.Keep versions traceableUse stable filenames to connect proofs, source files, and returned finals.
Pricing
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- 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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Ideal for photographers who regularly deliver client galleries.
- Unlimited galleries
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- 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
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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
Give each client decision a clear checkpoint
Use GalleryDock to organize selections and image comments, then label the retouch review and final delivery as separate stages.
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