How to Use Pixiest Galleries to Deliver Weddings

Today I'm sharing some of my thoughts and techniques for organizing and delivering wedding photos into online galleries for my clients. The delivery of images to your client is a super important part of their client experience - they have been waiting and are excited to see their images, so be sure your galleries are maximizing on their excitement.
The beauty of online galleries is that they're very sharable, stored in a cloud, and great visually for client experience.
#1 TIP:
RE-ORGANIZE IMAGES. Don't just leave them uploaded in the order you took them. Having the first 20 images be details or random getting ready photos is a waste of your client's attention span. You have maybe 5 seconds to really grab the viewer and it's important to be sure that you make the best impression.
I do this by deciding exactly which images will be seen first.
#2 TIP.
Break the day up into smaller chunks starting with your personal favorites. This makes it very user friendly and helps Grandma find the image she wants of the family formals. ;)
This also becomes a super easy way to design the album because you already have your favorites separated.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY! #Photoboss FB Group: bit.ly/photoboss
Gear I use for weddings:
Pelican Case: goo.gl/0d0HsP
Nikon Camera Body D610: amzn.to/2eJLpY6
Nikon 70-200mm 2.8: goo.gl/TbyfUm
Nikon 50mm 1.4: amzn.to/2ejjijU
Nikon 60mm 2.8 Macro: amzn.to/2fwAyj5
Nikon 85mm 1.4: amzn.to/2fBTfRp
Nikon 24-70mm 2.8: amzn.to/2fQlr7O
Gepe Case :amzn.to/2fkYLZd
Zeiss cleaning wipes: amzn.to/2eJLIlI
Nikon Sb910 flash: amzn.to/2fBUDDp
Pocket Wizard Triggers: amzn.to/2fBUyQf
Genaray Video light: amzn.to/2fY5XxU
Hoya close up filters: amzn.to/2fkYc1B
Rain cover for cameras: amzn.to/2qFXyAj
Thanks for watching!! Leave me your questions :)
I have not been paid to promote or endorse any of these items. These are my honest opinions and thoughts. All gear has been purchased with my own money. Some links are Affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you buy it.
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Please watch: "How to Shoot a Sparkler Exit"
• How To Photograph a We...
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[@amandamargharitis2508]

Thank you so much. I have been using pixieset for so long and didn’t realise you can use seperate categories. (Like getting ready,family formal, ceremony etc). Also what a simple and fantastic idea to set up the photos neater and scattered. You are right. It takes up to about 3 weeks and you want them to be “wow”ed straight away. Thanks again.

[@Joymichelle]

Right??? Makes such a difference! Small easy change 😊

[@CarolLara]

Perfect timing! I was just about to send off a wedding gallery and I love the idea of the photographer’s favorites in the beginning!!! Thank you!!!

[@Joymichelle]

+Carol Lara you’re welcome! Thanks for watching, Carol. :)

[@leticiavelasco1212]

Great tip! I never thought about breaking down the gallery like that.

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks! It really helps set your work apart!

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Great suggestion, Joy! Love the "Joy's Favorites" page upfront.

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you!! Makes such a difference!!

[@brietoujours8600]

These pictures are gorgeous, and these tips are so helpful. Thanks for sharing how to make categories. I'm using Pixieset so I'm super excited to put these tips into practice.

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching Brie!

[@brietoujours8600]

@@Joymichelle you're welcome!

[@victoriafelt3289]

Holy frig. I know this is about using Pixieset, but my big takeaway is that your AMAZING at editing! Such perfect continuity between different light sources. Kuddos for shooting for a polished album :) .

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you so much!!

[@jenlovirginia]

So interesting! I love your tips. I use Pixieset as well and sort sections of the wedding into different tabs like you do, but I've never considered doing a favorites or highlights tab for a first impression. It's a great idea!

[@Joymichelle]

+Jen Orth thank you!! 😀 isn’t pixieset great? Do you also use it for print orders for clients?

[@jenlovirginia]

I do! I have my store set up and clients buy prints through it. But I have the orders come to me, instead of direct fulfillment. That way I can do some more detailed skin correction or things like that before sending the order off to WHCC. :)

[@Joymichelle]

ohhh smart!

[@chelseebingham3636]

I have been using pixieset for a while and had no idea I could organize them into to tabs! WHERE THE HECK HAVE I BEEN? Great video and I totally learned something new today ❤️

[@Joymichelle]

+Chelsee Bingham yayyy so glad you got some value here!

[@tabithanelson1843]

I never knew this Pixieset feature! I definitely want to start using this! I loved the photographe's favorites tab and the ability to customize the order! thanks for sharing!

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!!

[@mrsmcmitchell]

Love this! And I'm super excited that they have recently partnered with my professional lab which will make ordering prints SO much easier!

[@Joymichelle]

Ohhh yay. That's one thing I really love too - clients can just order and it goes through the lab instead of me.

[@Noemiphotocz]

This is amazing, Joy. Thank you for sharing your tips and ideas! I wish you lived in Czech Republic, I would definitely want you as my wedding photographer. Your photos are stunning!

[@Joymichelle]

+Noemi Somogyi thank you!! Hey I will fly to the Czech Republic with my team if you’ll have us :) #willtravelforweddings

[@Noemiphotocz]

That's good to know, Joy! So if he pops the question I'll be definitely thinking about you! I'm just afraid it is going to be very expensive :(

[@casidenton2238]

I love Pixieset!!! So user friendly and my clients love the simplicity and easiness of it.

[@Joymichelle]

+Casi Denton definitely!

[@michaelletchford8506]

Hello Joy! Great tips -thank you very much. I watched this several times while I was reviewing which new proofing and delivery system to go for. In the end I chose Pixieset - mostly based on your videos, so, heartfelt thanks to you for making such a useful site and video set.

[@Joymichelle]

You’ll love it! I’ve been on this gallery sharing site for years! 🙌🏼🙌🏼 glad this helped you!

[@karenm853]

Thanks Joy! I use Pixieset myself and love it! These were great tips!!

[@Joymichelle]

+Karen Muehlfelt thanks! isn’t it great?

[@jillsflow]

Hey Joy, I really really appreciate ALL of your videos here on your channel! I am just starting out my own wedding photography business and also discovered pixieset for my work as well, the tip to make your own photographer's favourite list is awesome! thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips!

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks so much for watching!! Congrats on your new biz! Where are you based?

[@jillsflow]

Joy Michelle Photography Thank you so much! I am based in Germany :)

[@claudiagoodwinfilms]

Hi! I just signed up for Pixiset today, I am so excited that I found your video on it! I was wondering if you could post a video showing how you get your clients to purchase items in your Pixiset shop? How do you talk them into buying from there instead of just downloading and buying on their own? Thanks!!

[@Joymichelle]

Hi There! :) I send them an email with the gallery and explain that they can print through my gallery for pro lab prints. Most people can't order the same level of prints we can as professionals so that's the big advantage for them! It's also soooo easy and requires no extra work for them

[@claudiagoodwinfilms]

@@Joymichelle I love that! I think I am just having trouble coming up with the words to sound professional but not salesy if that makes sense?

[@dorcasirvine9249]

Great video I will have my very first ever wedding photography on December, I'm been watching your videos to give me ideas.

[@Joymichelle]

Congrats on your first wedding! Any questions I can help answer?

[@dorcasirvine9249]

its been a year since i comment this and now i came across on your video again that im starting to set up my photography business and looking review for pixieset , and all i can say your great. the couple that i photoshoot there wedding last year is now ready for maternity photoshoot tomorow

[@Joymichelle]

@@dorcasirvine9249 How cool is that? I love when I have the chance to photograph the same couple again and again!

[@kirstenaxelrod]

Hi Joy!! I LOVED this video, and would love to see more like this! The "behind the scenes" tips are really helpful! I just started using Pixieset for about a week. I am now paying for it because I found it THAT amazing! First of all, this is GENIUS to organize the gallery with tabs! I have a couple questions in regards to the tabs you share in your client's gallery- Ok so, I am about to upload a few wedding collections and I really want to make a good first impression, are the tabs technically called "sets"? I notice in the collection you can create a highlight, re-name it whatever you want, (which I'm guessing is "Joys Favorites") correct? And then the "sets" are the tabs, correct? Hope that made sense! Thank you again for this brilliant advice! Perfect timing!!

[@Joymichelle]

I believe they’re “highlights” or collections. When you’re in the back -end of creating the gallery you’ll see you can add an unlimited number of them to break Down the wedding day into more bite sized chunks! Really helps me and my client find what we’re looking for more easily.

[@kirstenaxelrod]

Thanks!!

[@andersonsadventures9232]

Thank you for this Video ! I needed to see this to make it very interesting view your clients to get intrigued and give that wild factor ! Thanks love

[@Joymichelle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinesmall9559]

Hello from Insta stories :) Such a creative way to give a lasting impression for clients! Love this one. Never thought of doing something like this.

[@Joymichelle]

yayyyyyy glad you were in the insta live! Thanks!

[@alizadworkind]

Thank you for this video! I love your advice and strategies so much! :)

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@juliasharapova4990]

Hi Joy, I just discovered your channel last night and have already watched almost all your videos, they are amazing! And you are such a beauty! :) Could you please share what your clients get from you in the entire process of working with you? 1. Do you give your potential clients any welcome folders when you initially meet with them? If yes, what is included? 2. I know that you mentioned that once they sign the contract you send them a little gift. 3. I think you mentioned in one of the videos that you give your clients access to some information online, such as recommended vendors, tips etc, right? 4. And then after the wedding you deliver all photos with online gallery, right? Do you add any gifts to that at the end? Is there something that I missed? Do you hand out any additional branding materials? Do you include any prints to your packages? If so, how do you deliver them? I have been delivering my photos on nice USB in a pretty packaging, I have always thought that it kinda gives my clients a feeling of them getting something more meaningful as well as no trouble downloading photos, but I really like idea of those online galleries, you made it look so pretty!

[@Joymichelle]

Hey Julia! Thanks so much. Glad you're enjoying my channel.

[@juliasharapova4990]

Thank you for your reply! Magazine sounds amazing! I hope to see what it will look like one day :) #2 was not really a question, I just listed everything that got from your videos to see if there is anything that I missed... One cool idea I heard and implemented into my delivery is a bottle of champaign - Once the bottle is delivered to the couple you send them e-mail with the link to the gallery saying something like "Cheers to the next 60 years of happy life together"

[@kathyrobinson1975]

Another awesome video, Joy! Thank you 😊

[@Joymichelle]

+Kathy Robinson thanks!!

[@JBCreatesUK]

Love this thanks! Pixieset is great but I switched over to Eazyflicks because i can deliver films and photos in the same platform

[@Joymichelle]

Neat!! Sounds perfect for video

[@thirsty_6892]

Love this!! Didn't know you could use a navigation bar! Will look into that! Is it only included with the paid version or the free one too? Thanks Joy! 🙌🏻

[@Joymichelle]

I'm pretty sure you can break your gallery into subgroups in the unpaid version but I'm not sure. I know you can do this with other softwares like PASS and instaproofs

[@thirsty_6892]

Joy Michelle Photography awesome! Thank you, I'll check it out and feedback to you 🙌🏻

[@nannabaekdahl]

Hi Joy. Thanks for your tips! I really like your "Joys favorites" I just want to ask - Is your "Joys photos" uploaded 2 times in total - both under your favorit menu and the menu the photo fit under? If so, how does that work when the clients download all photos? Will the photos from your favorit appear two times when downloaded? Thanks!

[@Joymichelle]

They are not uploaded twice. Everything is divided into folders but only exists 1x in the overall gallery so when they download its 1 copy of each

[@The_Mehsikomer]

@ joy - how do i put both photos in photographer favorite, and in the category if i only gonna upload it once?

[@amyannpeters]

I love all your videos and I love these images! Your images are goals!!!

[@Joymichelle]

+Amy Peters thanks so much!! I found those fabrics on etsy. Just search silk dyed fabric. I bought a couple different ones and have them in a bag for weddings like these where I don’t wanna shoot on the hotel carpet.

[@amyannpeters]

Joy Michelle Photography Thank you! I have a few fabrics from my local fabric store but they don't really have what I am looking for. Thanks for the info!

[@Joymichelle]

+Amy Peters silks will give you a completely different look. Check it out :)

[@amyannpeters]

Joy Michelle Photography I definitely will!

[@hotelphotography]

Hi, great video. Do these galleries have watermarks on them? Do the pictures have numbers? How does the client select them and how do you search for each selected image?

[@Joymichelle]

Good question - I don't watermark my images for final galleries since my clients get high resolution images. If I were doing print sales as my business model I would absolutely watermark

[@hotelphotography]

@@Joymichelle Thanks for answering. The way I used to do it was that the client had to choose a certain plan that included, let's say, about 70 final images. All other images were extras and had an extra charge. That is why I only sent in all the images but in low res and with watermarks as "proofs", like this gallery. They than chose their 70 images which were retouched and later turned in in high resolution. Sometimes clients chose so many extra images (for gifts or another album) that I gained almost as much as the original plan the had. I did this for 20 years. I see you don't do it like this. You hand in all of the images straight away in high resolution.

[@ClickPro87]

Hey Joy! love your content, please keep it up! I've been using Pixie set for a while now and love it! I worked my pricing structure perfectly into their system and it keeps everything flowing. The only issue i've been having is that some clients have trouble getting them onto their mobile device. I've had more than 1 client screenshot them, then post it. I used to recommend they download them at home, then airdrop them to their phone... or download them into DropBox and then open the app on thier phone. Now I'll make a back up folder on my Google Drive with the JPEGS and send them the link. Have you had any issues? Thanks again!

[@Joymichelle]

+Eddie Cuza good question. I don’t think people can download to their phones because they download as a zip file? Hmm. I have noticed that sometimes clients screen shot and one way around this is to gently tell them not to in the initial email or in an instruction card in the gallery explaining how to download and share. I like your idea about the google drive though!!

[@ClickPro87]

Thanks!

[@kirstenaxelrod]

This is a good question. I just started using Pixieset (wish I had used this years ago!) So far I have not had any issues, but it's literally my first week! In the past, (pre-pixieset) I've always seemed to have problems with clients having difficulties downloading. Google drive is a good option, and Airdrop is my new favorite way to quickly access files. Only thing is that Airdrop only works for Mac/Iphone users. I really wish Airdrop worked between Android users and other PC users. Let us know if anything else has helped fix that issue. Thanks!!

[@bethanysuchsland1714]

I know this is an old post and you may have already figured this out, but to download to their phones you just change the "download" setting to "download single image."

[@VLS28]

Its interesting video Michele and nice presentation for professional photographers and amateur ones. I use for many years " ftp way" through my web site password protected, but i want something more modern and impressive. I hear that with pixieset the clients can have "app" with their galleries. Is that working? Have you ever tried it? What i am interesting mostly is to give to my clients the opportunity to choose photos for their wedding album, from the gallery i had upload , easily. And somehow to have in my email the numbers of the photos that they have chosen. You thing that this is possible to happen with Pixieset? Thank you in advance and wish every success to your business.

[@TGGGOLRYOFGOD]

Thank you so much Fir this video. Question. Do I need to give my client a password to view the gallery?

[@Joymichelle]

No, you don’t have to. That is the setting you can turn on or off

[@jameskorin6963]

Hi Joy! Great video. I have used Pixieset for a few years now and am very happy with it. My question is more on the pricing of the pictures for people to purchase. I haven't had many people purchase these prints directly from the gallery. Do you have any tips on pricing these galleries? I realize that every market is different, but perhaps an example of what a 4x6 or 8x10 would cost in your marketplace.

[@jessicaparsons9283]

I love pixieset! I didnt know you could categorize the photos. Is that only if you purchase it?

[@Joymichelle]

I paid to store my images on it monthly so I’m not exactly sure what it looks like if you don’t pay but I’m assuming it’s a paid feature

[@DavidRodriguez-ru6df]

Hi hi! Quick question! What are your export settings for pixieset? I wanna deliver the best quality to my clients.

[@Joymichelle]

Export from Lightroom before they go into Pixieset?

[@ImranHussain-de3nw]

hi joy, sorry if a silly question. i'm just trying the free version of pixieset at the moment. do you get to do the tabs you showed to separate the wedding on the paid version as i don't see them on the free version and is it easy to set up the tabs. thanks also for a great channel.

[@Joymichelle]

+Imran Hussain it may not be available on the free version but it’s very easy to do on the paid

[@rfd27]

Do you limit wedding guests from using the free downloads? I'd like to allow the clients the ability to download their photos they want, but would like for guests to have to purchase the downloads. Is there a way to set this up? Thank you for your help.

[@Joymichelle]

I only supply the gallery to the couple who paid me. But there’s not a whole lot that I can do to stop the couple from sharing the links with everyone. I don’t really worry too much about that because that means they really like the images and they are much more likely to talk about me. If you want to limit the downloads you definitely can with this software and other software‘s but I like to make it easy on my couple and not make them use passwords and certain email addresses and things like that

[@juliasharapova4990]

And also, do you send sneak peek photos? How do you do that?

[@Joymichelle]

I do share sneak peeks on fb and instagram :)

[@kirstenaxelrod]

+Joy Michelle Photography, Do you ever share sneak peeks via email, or text? I share sneak peeks on fb & Instagram as well, but what if the client wants to keep their images private? Thanks!

[@kristiejochim3170]

Hi! Thanks for the tips! Do you use the pixieset lab fulfillment for prints? If so how is the quality? Thanks!

[@Joymichelle]

Yeah I have pixieset hooked up with White house custom color to fill the print orders

[@Joymichelle]

How do you deliver images to your clients??

[@christinesmall9559]

Embarrassed now to say that I use dropbox (pause for reaction)

[@Joymichelle]

haha you're hilarious. That's not embarrassing! We have to start somewhere! =] Def try out a gallery and see what you think!

[@thirsty_6892]

Joy Michelle Photography goes without saying but your photos are incredible! 😍

[@kirstenaxelrod]

I used dropbox for a long time. I am just now starting to use a gallery. It is THE BEST!!

[@bryancarroll5726]

Just subscribed! Love your videos & all the information. I'm embarrassed to say I've been using google drive lol

[@Joymichelle]

Hey that works too! But I think it might not be easiest or the best presentation :)

[@visuale2381]

Hi Joy, great video! Thank you. Do you resize in order for the prints that you sell? Or can the client crop through Pixieset? What is your process with print orders in mind? Many thanks

[@Joymichelle]

The client can crop the image themselves as they purchase through pixieset

[@ThaoTrangPhotography]

Hi Joy! I was wondering if you have any suggestion for beginners to deliver photos to client? I know that it a subscription requires monthly, which app or website is a good start to deliver gallery. Have you ever used Google Photos or Dropbox? Let me know where you also started on your gallery delivery when you were a beginner. Thanks!

[@Joymichelle]

Hey! There are some free plans for Pixieset. You can also do PASS and pay per gallery instead of monthly. But think of it this way - if you are going to charge for what you do, and you want to make $ with photography, youve got to build in gallery costs. It’s a necessary part of giving the client an experience! Yes, there are free ways - “WeTransfer” is one. But it’s not the same experience

[@ThaoTrangPhotography]

@@Joymichelle Thank you so much for helping me! I really admire that you took the time to help new photographers like me to get through the first part of the journey! I could not thank enough for all of your helpful tips in the video.

[@brendabroons64]

I do love always the content of your video. I have just one question. Before uploaded your photos on pixieset gallery, do you do Lightroom or Photoshoot to editing your photos, how this process work step by step? Thank you. Bx

[@Joymichelle]

I use lightroom first :)

[@brendabroons64]

@@Joymichelle Thank you, lady 😘

[@celya8483]

Do you have a video on how you upload your photos to pixieset?

[@pedromaldonado4291]

Hi Hoy! Do you upload all images from lightroom 100% quality with 72dpi or 300dpi? What's your exporting settings to upload them into pixieset? I suppose they might want to print their images afterwards and then 72dpi would not be the best settings for printing

[@Joymichelle]

I have a video here on my channel about export settings - I like 300 dpi and 100 quality for high res

[@roosisosa9014]

Hey! Such a silly question but in what dimensions do you export Your files for getting the best results for pixiest?

[@Joymichelle]

Not silly at all! I actually have a whole Video on export settings in lightroom! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bprQeq2bos6jndU

[@cstratag4946]

Wow. Big tip check! Haha reordering so the “eye doesn’t get bored” love that. Thanks!

[@Joymichelle]

I was thinking about this more and I also realized that clients don't see a boring old gallery when they choose to hire us. They see a curated blog post, a curated instagram feed, or the highlights... so we should give them that same experience when they get their wedding photos!

[@jeffpolk4800]

Do the clients download all there images from this site or do you give a physical copy?

[@Joymichelle]

Hi Jeff! I use gallery only unless they have a physical album included.

[@jeffpolk4800]

Joy Michelle Photography ok that’s what I thought thanks very helpful.

[@abdiascintron7351]

there are like hundreds of reviews and tutorials of pixieest but nobody does the client side of the service ......

[@Joymichelle]

Hi! What would you like to see?

[@sportstrend2698]

I am assuming this is the final product for the client and they will have to print out copies as they choose... you don't handout any physical copies

[@Joymichelle]

This is the digital gallery. They also receive an heirloom wedding album that is a physical product.

[@rodrezcarson]

@@Joymichelle how do you make the heirloom wedding album

[@Joymichelle]

I order it through a pro lab :) and design through Fundy Designer. I have videos in my channel about design if you’re interested

[@rodrezcarson]

@@Joymichelle ok thanks because i didn't have no ideal where to start for a wedding album. Do you have videos in setting up wedding packages?

[@0411nugget]

Hey! question - with Pixieset - how do you go from sending a client a proof gallery that clients have favourited back to lightroom or PS to edit??

[@Joymichelle]

Everything in the gallery has already been edited. I don’t go back and edit after

[@사라-t9g]

Do you shoot and upload it jpeg? I am new to the photography business, thanks for the vid btw!

[@Joymichelle]

I shoot RAW and upload jpeg

[@MsGonza010]

Hi Joy Michelle, I have a question and I'm sorry if it's a dumb one. I'm thinking about starting a photography business and looking into Pixieset. How would I make money off of the prints? Does tje website send me a percentage after the client has ordered the pictures that they want?

[@Joymichelle]

Not dumb at all :) yes! You charge whatever price you want for prints and the lab only takes the cost of the print and you get the rest

[@VictorColeWeddings]

Do you still use pixieset?

[@Joymichelle]

Yes!

[@nopenaje2611]

Can you host this on square space.. I pay monthly for square space but don’t want to pay monthly again for this application

[@Joymichelle]

Hmm not sure! Would probably slow your website down a lot

[@SteveMichalak]

Are these high res images?

[@Joymichelle]

Yes

[@Christopher.dreamless]

what are your dimensions when you export for pixieset?

[@Joymichelle]

I have a LR export vid here on my channel about that :)

[@williamfitch1408]

Thanks. Fabulous eyes!

[@xJokeNathanWega]

I tried pixieset and I absolutely love it but my clients got mad at me because they couldn't work with ZIP-files (and it automatically downloads a zip-file).

[@Joymichelle]

+Tinne Jacobs really? How so?

[@xJokeNathanWega]

They said that I didn't try to make it easy for them, that I did no effort to give them their picture etc. They got mad why it was so difficult for me to just give them their pictures,... And they said they won't work with me in the future. After that, I stopped photographing (I was a hobbyphotographer), haha. Still miss it.

[@Joymichelle]

+Tinne Jacobs was this multiple people? Zip files are not complicated so I’m super confused why someone would say that. I’ve been delivering everything I do through this method for 3+ years and never had a person complain once

[@xJokeNathanWega]

I did it twice, the first person got very mad and the second couldn't also download their files. I also think ZIP files are the best way because I'm not going to send them 20 emails to give them all the pictures. But they don't get that I think.

[@Joymichelle]

I totally agree with you!

[@oneshalewis7378]

What lens did you use ?

[@Joymichelle]

To make this video or...?

[@SrdjanPetrovicfotograf]

Does anyone have a problem with Pixieset these days? I can not edit or add a new colliection?!

[@Joymichelle]

Really?? Have they fixed it? Mine is fine

[@_Jennifertherealtor]

Do you pay per month? If so, do you see a benefit ?

[@Joymichelle]

For the gifts?