Gallery Delivery Checklist for Photographers

A gallery delivery checklist gives photographers one final opportunity to catch mistakes before a client sees the finished work. The purpose is not to make delivery complicated. It is to create a repeatable five-minute check that prevents avoidable emails and embarrassing corrections later.

1. Confirm the correct job

• Check the client's name.
• Check the gallery title.
• Make sure you are working in the correct client gallery.
• Confirm that no images from another job are present.

2. Confirm the image selection

• Make sure every intended final photograph has been uploaded.
• Remove test files and unwanted duplicates.
• Check that proof images have not accidentally been included as finals.
• Confirm that any agreed client selections are present.

3. Check the finished files

• Review crops and orientation.
• Check colour and exposure consistency.
• Confirm retouching is complete.
• Look for accidental unfinished versions.
• Check that exported files open correctly.

4. Check filenames

Look for temporary export names, duplicates and confusing version labels.

If the client needs to identify files individually, make sure the filenames are useful enough for that conversation later.

5. Review the gallery cover

Choose an appropriate opening photograph rather than relying automatically on upload order.

The gallery cover forms part of the client's first impression of the finished work.

6. Check the viewing order

Make sure the photographs appear in an order appropriate to the job.

A wedding may benefit from a progression through the day. A commercial shoot may work better grouped by product. A portrait gallery may simply need the strongest visual sequence.

7. Test mobile viewing

• Open the gallery on a phone.
• Check navigation.
• Open several photographs.
• Test favourites if they are being used.
• Make sure important controls remain easy to find.

8. Test downloads

If downloads are included, test the process before sending the link.

Do not assume a button works simply because it is visible. Check the client-facing journey yourself.

See FolioDen downloads for this part of the gallery workflow.

9. Check proofing settings

If the gallery is for selections rather than final delivery, make sure the client can perform the action you expect.

Check favourites, selection instructions and any download restrictions relevant to the proofing stage.

See FolioDen proofing for proofing-specific workflows.

10. Confirm privacy and access

Check that the gallery's access settings match what was agreed with the client.

Do not assume the same privacy setting is appropriate for weddings, portraits, commercial work and public event photography.

11. Check gallery branding

• Confirm the photographer or studio identity is correct.
• Check the gallery presentation.
• Make sure no temporary text remains.
• Check that the client experience feels connected to your business.

For more on this, read how to send photos without losing your branding.

12. Confirm expiry or availability

If the gallery will only remain available for a certain period, make sure you know that date before sending it.

The client should receive enough notice to view and download their photographs without an unexpected deadline.

13. Read the delivery message once

Before sending the email or message, check that it contains the correct gallery link and explains any important next step.

Remove outdated wording copied from another job.

14. Open the exact link you are sending

This is one of the most useful checks on the entire list.

Copy the exact URL from the client message and open it yourself. This catches incorrect links, accidental admin links and links pointing to an older gallery.

15. Keep your own backup

The client gallery is not a replacement for your photographer archive.

Make sure your own finished files remain protected according to the backup process used by your business.

16. Send and record the delivery

Once everything is correct, send the gallery and record the delivery in whatever client-management process you normally use.

That gives you a clear reference later if the client asks when the photographs were sent.

Use the same checklist every time

The real value of a delivery checklist comes from repetition. A consistent process is more reliable than trying to remember every detail during a busy week.

For the full delivery process rather than the final check, see How to Deliver Photos to Clients Online Without Confusion.

Where FolioDen fits

FolioDen combines client galleries, proofing, favourites and downloads so photographers can keep much of the delivery workflow inside one system.

You can explore client galleries, open the demo gallery or create a free account.