If you’re not aware of what client proofing is, then you probably will want to know. It’s an easy and quick way to work with your photography clients on getting formalized feedback, records of contact, etc. And more importantly, it’s on a service that you’re paying for, so you won’t lose that information at all. But it needs to be easy to work with. Trust me when I saw this: client proofing is a way to cover your ass instead of begging for forgiveness. Here are some of the best client proofing options out there.
PicDrop
PicDrop was created to deal with one of the most annoying things about being a freelancer — multiple Slack channels. It was designed to put everything all in one place while being minimal. It’s also designed to be really, really simple to use. Most of the company’s clients are in Europe, but in the past few years, the German company has been coming abroad more often.
Frame.IO
Frame.IO is part of the Adobe family and integrates well with various cameras and various pieces of Adobe software. If you’re really deep in across the entire Creative Cloud, then you’ll love Frame.IO. However, many of us still miss being able to own our software and not having to be on the cloud at all. So for that, you may want to consider Capture One.
Capture One Live
Capture One Live works similarly to Frame.IO in that your client can look at what’s being shot and offer feedback on each image as it’s being done in real-time. Of course, this has a drawback depending on the relationship that you have with the client. Nothing can be more annoying than someone watching over your back. Essentially, it can turn you into a voice-activated photographer instead of a thinking one, using your creativity to make the images.
Use it with a healthy boundary unless the check you’re getting is worth it.
Format Galleries
Format galleries are one that I’ve personally been using for years. They’re built into the website maker, Format. I’ve considered them to be a far more ethical option than Squarespace, which actively works to encourage people to use AI and not use photographers in an effort for them to get more sales and users. But with Format, your clients can be sent a link and then choose images that they want edited. It’s pretty standard.
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