Let your clients choose: the case for proofing

Here's a scenario every photographer knows. You finish a shoot, come home, and edit dozens of images — carefully, lovingly — only for the client to pick three, two of which you nearly cut. All those hours, spent on photos nobody wanted. Proofing fixes exactly that, and it's why we build every LensQuay gallery around it.

What proofing actually is

Proofing means showing the client a preview of every photo from the session so they can choose their favourites — *before* you spend time editing. Instead of guessing which images a client wants and polishing all of them, you let them tell you, then you only retouch the ones they've actually chosen. It's a small change to your workflow with an outsized effect on your time and your clients' happiness.

Why it's better for you

• You stop wasting editing time. No more polishing photos nobody buys. For a busy portrait or wedding photographer, that can save hours every week.
• You know exactly what to work on. The selection is recorded for you — no more "which ones did you want again?" emails going back and forth.
• You get paid for extras automatically. If a client wants more than their package includes, the gallery handles the extra charge before you deliver.
• Your best work gets the attention. With fewer images to edit, you can spend more care on each one that matters.

Why it's better for your clients

Clients love proofing because it puts them in control. They see everything, choose what matters to them, and there are no surprises at delivery. The watermark on the proofs quietly reassures them that their images are protected until they're paid for — which builds trust rather than suspicion.

How the two-step flow works

1. You upload the proofs. Every image from the session goes into a private gallery and is automatically watermarked, so it's safe to share.
2. The client chooses. They open the gallery, browse the proofs, and pick their favourites — adding extras if they want more than their package.
3. You deliver the finished photos. You edit only the chosen images, upload the final versions, and the client downloads them clean and full-resolution.

Two simple steps — choose, then deliver — with the selection recorded for you in between.

Protecting your work during proofing

Because proofs are shared before payment, the watermark matters. A good proofing watermark is tiled across the whole image rather than tucked in a corner, so it can't simply be cropped out — while still leaving the photo clear enough to choose from. On LensQuay you can watermark proofs with your studio name, the LensQuay mark, or your own logo, and the finished downloads are always delivered clean.

Common worries, answered

*"Won't clients feel overwhelmed seeing everything?"* In practice, seeing the full set helps them choose confidently — and you can guide them by marking your own suggestions. *"What if they only pick a few?"* That's the point: you edit less, and you can always offer extras and prints they're likely to add.

The bottom line

Proofing turns "here are all your photos" into "choose the ones you love, and I'll perfect them." It's faster for you, better for the client, and it's built into every LensQuay gallery.