Control the viewing stage
Decide whether a gallery is being used simply to present photographs, collect client selections or deliver completed work. Clear gallery settings help the client understand what stage they are looking at.
Gallery access controls built around photography delivery.
FolioDen is designed for photographers who want their galleries to look polished, work smoothly and support the business around their images.
View pricingUseful for
- Proofing galleries before final edits
- Client galleries with controlled downloads
- Paid gallery sales workflows
- Protected image presentation
What should gallery permission controls help photographers manage?
Different photography jobs need different client access. A proofing gallery, a final delivery gallery and a gallery where photographs are available to buy may all require different viewing and download settings.
Manage download access
Viewing photographs does not always mean the client should immediately receive the final files. Download controls help photographers separate review and proofing from completed image delivery.
Support proofing workflows
When clients are still choosing photographs, gallery controls can support a workflow centred on reviewing images and returning favourites rather than treating every displayed image as final.
Keep client delivery controlled
Private client work benefits from a clear separation between gallery delivery and public portfolio presentation. The intended audience and available actions should reflect the photography job.
Watermarks and gallery permissions solve different problems
A watermark changes the presentation of an image. Gallery permissions control what the client is able to do within the gallery workflow. They should not be treated as the same thing.
Watermarks can be useful for proofs, previews or photographs that are being shown before final delivery. They can help make the status of an image clearer, but they are not a substitute for sensible gallery access and download controls.
The correct setup depends on why the photographs are being shown and what should happen after the client views them.
Private gallery delivery
Private galleries still need to be straightforward for clients to use. The aim is not to create unnecessary barriers, but to give the photographer appropriate control over viewing, selections and downloads.
Read How to Share Private Photo Galleries Securely for a practical look at private photography delivery.
Gallery permissions for different photography stages
The most useful controls are the ones that match the stage of the client relationship rather than applying exactly the same setup to every gallery.
Client proofing
Let clients review photographs and make selections while keeping proofing separate from the later delivery of completed files.
Explore FolioDen photo proofingFinal image delivery
Once photographs are finished and ready to be supplied, the gallery can move from a decision-making stage into a clear delivery workflow.
Explore photo downloadsGallery sales
Galleries used for selling photographs need a workflow that makes it clear which images are available and how the client moves from viewing into purchasing.
Explore FolioDen photo salesEvent gallery access
Event galleries may be intended for broad sharing or more controlled access depending on the job. The gallery setup should reflect the audience and the way photographs are being delivered or sold.
Read the event gallery guideSeparate proofing, viewing and final delivery
One of the simplest ways to make gallery permissions useful is to be clear about the purpose of the gallery before sending it.
During proofing, the client may be reviewing photographs and choosing favourites. During final delivery, the client may instead need clear access to completed downloadable files.
Keeping those stages distinct reduces confusion and helps prevent proof images being treated as completed photographs.
Read Proofing Versus Downloads: What Photographers Need to Know .
Keep the gallery experience simple
Gallery control should support the client journey rather than make it difficult. Clients should understand what they can view, choose, download or buy without needing a long explanation.
FolioDen brings gallery controls together with client galleries, proofing, downloads and photo sales so photographers can manage these stages within one gallery platform.
Explore more FolioDen features
Build a stronger gallery workflow with the tools that matter most to photographers.
Client galleries
Deliver private online galleries with a polished experience for clients.
Learn moreProofing
Let clients choose favourites and keep selections organised.
Learn morePhoto sales
Sell digital photography directly from your galleries.
Learn moreCommon questions about watermarks and permissions
Helpful answers for photographers considering FolioDen.
Can I start with a free FolioDen account?
Yes. New photographers start with a free Launch account by default and can upgrade later from account settings.
Can I use FolioDen for client galleries?
Yes. FolioDen is built for client galleries, art galleries, proofing, downloads, branding and photo sales.
Can I sell photos through FolioDen?
Yes. FolioDen supports online gallery sales. Launch Free includes FolioDen commission on paid sales, while Pro and Elite remove FolioDen sales commission.
Can I use my own branding?
Yes. FolioDen includes branding options, and Elite Creative supports custom domains for a more professional gallery experience.