From WeTransfer to Picflow: What to use, when to use it, and how to keep things professional.
So you’ve wrapped up a shoot, edited the gallery, and now you’re staring at 100+ files. You’re thinking: How do I actually send this to the client without it looking like a mess? And most importantly, without losing the image quality.
From sneak peeks to full galleries, how you share your work matters just as much as the photos themselves. A smooth, professional delivery experience leaves a lasting impression and makes clients far more likely to recommend you.
Let’s break down the most common tools photographers use to share images!
1. WeTransfer
Best for: Quick, one-off transfers (especially high-res files)
Free plan: Up to 2GB per transfer
Pro plan: €10/month (up to 200GB, plus password protection & customization)
WeTransfer is a classic for a reason. It’s fast, easy to use, and doesn’t require the recipient to create an account. Just drag, drop, and send.
Pros:
- No sign-up needed for clients
- Great for high-res JPEG or TIFF files
- Password protection (with Pro)
Cons:
- No gallery experience or image presentation
- Files expire (7 days on the free plan)
- Not ideal for proofing or client feedback
When to use it:
You’ve edited and finalized the gallery and want to send full-res downloads in one clean batch.
2. Picflow
Best for: Proofing, client selections, professional delivery
Free plan: Up to 2 galleries
Pro plan: Starts at $8/month (more galleries, storage, custom branding)
Picflow is designed specifically for photographers. It gives your clients a clean, minimal gallery experience with the option to favorite, leave comments, or approve images. You can even watermark proofs until final delivery.
Pros:
- Beautiful client-facing galleries
- Proofing tools (star ratings, comments, selections)
- Branding options
- Password protection & download control
Cons:
- Not great for very large file transfers (you’ll still want WeTransfer or Dropbox for full-res)
- Limited storage on lower plans
When to use it:
When you want your client to view, review, and select their favorite photos.
3. Dropbox
Best for: Ongoing collaborations, client folders, large file storage
Free plan: 2GB
Plus: $9.99/month (2TB)
Professional: $16.58/month (3TB + advanced features)
Dropbox is less about aesthetics and more about practicality. It’s a great option for ongoing client work or projects that require folders, contracts, RAWs, or alternate versions.
Pros:
- Folder-based organization
- Easy to upload multiple file types (not just images)
- Syncs across devices
- Great for long-term storage
Cons:
- Not designed for client gallery viewing
- Can feel “techy” for some clients
When to use it:
When you’re working long-term with a brand or retoucher and need a shared project folder.
4. Pixieset
Best for: Wedding & lifestyle photographers
Free plan: 3GB
Paid plans: From $8/month (10GB) to $40/month (1TB)
Pixieset offers stunning galleries that are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. With built-in client store features, it’s perfect for photographers who want a high-end, all-in-one platform.
Pros:
- Beautiful galleries
- Online print store options
- Mobile-optimized
- Password and download control
Cons:
- Focused on weddings/lifestyle — not ideal for all genres
- Less proofing flexibility than Picflow
When to use it:
You want to wow clients with a gallery that looks like a personal website.
5. Google Drive
Best for: Budget-friendly delivery
Free plan: 15GB
Paid plans: Start at $1.99/month (100GB)
Good old Google Drive is reliable, familiar, and surprisingly flexible. It’s not flashy, but it works — especially if your client isn’t tech-savvy or already uses Google products.
Pros:
- “Everyone” has a Google account
- Large storage (on paid plans)
- Great for PDFs, invoices and contracts too
Cons:
- No visual gallery experience
- No watermarking or proofing tools
When to use it:
You’re delivering files quickly and casually to clients who don’t need a curated experience.
So… What Should You Use?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Use Case | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Final full-res delivery | WeTransfer or Dropbox |
| Client proofing & selections | Picflow |
| Long-term collaborations | Dropbox or Google Drive |
| Wedding/lifestyle galleries | Pixieset |
| Budget file sharing | Google Drive |
| Combo (proofing + delivery) | Picflow (proof) + WeTransfer (finals) |
Pro Tips for Smooth Delivery
- Name files clearly: “Smith_Wedding_001.jpg” beats “IMG_3432.jpg”
- Watermark proofs but remove them from final delivery
- Include a PDF with download instructions or usage rights
- Set expiration dates (if needed) to encourage timely downloads
- Customize your gallery to align with your brand visuals and tone
Final Thought
How you share your photos is part of your client experience. You don’t need the fanciest system. Just make sure your client feels taken care of and your work shine.
Want a downloadable version of this tool guide? Drop me a message and I’ll send it your way.
MELISSA MARTINSEN 