What is a photo selection system? How do you manage the process from selection to approval?
Organize the selection, note, revision and approval steps between the photographer and the client.
Why is photo selection a separate stage?
A photo selection system is software used by clients to review shoot images, indicate their preferences, and send notes or approval for the work in question. Opening a photo gallery is not the same as completing the selection process.
For the photographer, it matters which frames were chosen, which job they will be used for, and which notes are the final decision. When selections are scattered across different messages, file names can get mixed up, and earlier and final preferences can blur together.
Prepare the gallery for the purpose of the selection
The client may not need to evaluate the entire shoot at once. If different selections will be made for the album, for prints and for digital delivery, state the purposes clearly. Explain up front how many photos are to be selected and what is expected of the client.
Naming images in an organized way makes it easier to match selections with the related files on the photographer’s side. When a client writes a note about a photo, it should be clear which frame the note belongs to.
Selecto is the CXR app used to manage photo selection, client approval, revisions and digital delivery. It focuses on letting the photographer and the client track selections and feedback within the same project.
Keep selection, revision and approval separate
Selecting a photo does not mean the album design has been approved. The client may want a different layout in a design prepared with the frames they chose. That is why stages such as selection completed, design under review and final approval received need to be kept separate in the business’s workflow.
After applying revision requests, show the final work to the client again. Make sure the files to be delivered and the design going to print are based on the same approved version. This setup also makes it visible within the team which jobs are complete.
Don’t confuse it with photo collection
Collecting photos from event guests’ phones, or setting up a download and sales process from professional event galleries, is a different need. Momento can be looked at for that use.
Organizing selection and approval work is an important part of client communication after a shoot. Take a look at Selecto’s features.
