Collab Selection • Photographer guide

How to let clients choose their photos before retouching

Complete workflow for photographers: online gallery, client selection, retouch at your own pace, then delivery via the same link. Alternative to closed WeTransfer Portals.

Context

This guide describes the concrete flow for a photographer: create a gallery, let the client choose, retouch only selected photos, then deliver via the same link. It also clarifies the two durations (3 months for selection, 7 days on Solo or 15 days on Pro for final delivery).

The problem

Why this guide?

Emails with attachments, messy selections, WeTransfer or Drive without a real selection phase, then delivery in another tool: the photo workflow is often fragmented and time-consuming.

The FileVert Collab Selection page restores the intent of former Portals: present your photos or RAW files, let the client choose, retouch only what is selected, then deliver via a standard transfer on the same link.

Workflow

The 6-step journey

From gallery import to retouched delivery, without a mandatory client account.

Step 1

Create the gallery and import your photos

Upload your photos and RAW files at full size. Clients see thumbnails (optional watermark): your originals stay protected during selection.

JPEG, PNG photos and RAW files (CR2, NEF, ARW…)
Thumbnails with optional watermark
Temporary EU hosting

Step 2

Share one link per project

Send a unique, shareable link. Optional password across the whole journey.

One link per gallery
Optional password
Works on mobile and desktop

Step 3

Open the selection phase

Start selection when you are ready. The gallery stays accessible for up to 3 months for this phase with FileVert Collab.

Open selection at your initiative
3-month window for collection
Direct delivery mode possible if files are already ready

Step 4

The client selects

After entering their email, the client browses the gallery, chooses photos, adds comments if needed and confirms when ready.

Email identification, no account or invitation
Shareable link (family, photo booth)
Changes possible until selection is confirmed

Step 5

Close and retouch

When you have enough feedback, close the collection and retouch at your own pace, still within the 3-month window.

Close collection at your initiative
Retouching or preparing deliverables
You clearly see confirmed choices

Step 6

Deliver via the same link

The same link becomes a standard transfer: clients download retouched files. The countdown starts when you publish: 7 days on Solo, 15 days on Pro.

Same link, switch to delivery mode
7 days (Solo) or 15 days (Pro) for final download
Automatic deletion according to your TTL

Important point

Two stages, two different durations

Many photographers wonder if the delivery deadline is enough. In practice, selection and final delivery do not share the same deadline.

Stage 1 · Gallery

Up to 3 months

Client selection and your retouching. Close collection when you want, retouch at your own pace.

Stage 2 · Delivery

7 days (Solo) · 15 days (Pro)

When retouched files are published, the link becomes a standard transfer. 7 days on Solo or 15 days on Pro for final download.

Example: 3 weeks of selection + 10 days of retouching = still within 3 months. The 7 or 15 days apply only to final download, depending on your plan.

Use cases

Which photo projects?

This workflow suits any shoot where the client must choose before retouching or HD delivery.

Wedding

Hundreds of photos: the couple selects, you retouch only what they keep.

Portrait

Individual session: the client validates favorites before retouched delivery.

Photo booth / event

Several people on one gallery: each enters their email and adds their selection.

Studio & RAW

CR2, NEF or ARW files: the client selects from thumbnails, you deliver HD retouches.

Ready to structure your client selections?

Discover the FileVert Collab Selection page: gallery, selection and delivery in one ecosystem.

Pro plan recommended for photographers: 20 GB, 15 days per delivery, FileVert Collab, gallery up to 3 months. Solo: 7 days per transfer.

Discover Collab Selection Try Pro plan See all plans

Frequently asked questions

Answers to questions photographers ask before testing the workflow.

I'm a photographer: should clients choose before retouching?

Yes, that's the core of the product. They browse the gallery, select photos, comment if needed, and you receive their choices before retouching.

After retouching, do I deliver via a standard link?

Yes. It's the same link as for selection: it switches to transfer mode once your retouched files are online. The 15-day countdown then starts for final download.

One link per gallery, with optional password?

Yes. One link per project, shareable with family or guests. Optional password on selection and delivery.

Multiple galleries in parallel, variable number of photos?

Yes, with no limit on active projects. Each gallery is independent. During selection, only thumbnails are visible: your originals are not downloadable.

Family, group or photo booth: several people on one gallery?

Yes. The link can be reshared. Everyone enters their email, makes their selection, it adds up with others, and each person comments only on their own choices.

Are 7 or 15 days enough for my clients?

Final delivery depends on your plan: 7 days on Solo, 15 days on Pro. Selection and your retouching have a separate window of up to 3 months with FileVert Collab.