Wondering what client gallery delivery option to choose? Let’s compare two great choices, Pixieset vs Shootproof!

When it comes to choosing a delivery method for client photos, things can get a little confusing.  Today, we are breaking down both the pros and cons of the two largest client gallery options, Pixieset vs ShootProof.  They are both great options, offering a professional client experience. If you’re interested in ditching the CDs and USBs, signing up with either of these two online services will save you a ton of time and hassle (and shipping costs).  So what are the major talking points for each service? Let’s outline the basic features of Pixieset vs ShootProof!

Pricing

Difference 1: While the pricing appears similar at first glance, there’s a key distinction in how upgrades work. Pixieset requires you to upgrade your plan every time you want to access more advanced features, which can get expensive quickly. All of ShootProof’s features are included in every paid plan, except for Booking ($4.99/mo) and Archiving ($2.99/mo).

Difference 2: Pixieset’s pricing is based on the size of your files. This can be a great option if you are delivering small files, but not as great if you’re uploading normal high res files. The difference with ShootProof is that they offer plans based on the number of photos. So, consider that no matter the size of the file, one photo is one photo, whether that’s 979 KB or 11.4 MB. 

Difference 3: The Free version of ShootProof is actually free and doesn’t charge any commission, whereas Pixieset charges a 15% commission fee on store sales for their free plan. Definitely not a make or break, just something to be aware of.

Features

Both Pixieset and ShootProof have Client Galleries, Print Fulfillment, E-Commerce, a Mobile App, Online Proofing, Invoicing, Booking, a Lightroom Plugin, and Social Sharing. 

So what does Pixieset do that ShootProof doesn’t? 

Pixieset has full website building functionality as an add-on . They also have a free plan, just keep in mind you won’t be able to connect your own domain in the free plan. ShootProof isn’t a full-on website builder like Squarespace or Shopify, but they do have Portfolio Website, which is a basic website where you can display your galleries, about information, and contact. Pixieset also supports video.

What does ShootProof do that Pixieset doesn’t?

ShootProof has more functionality you need to actually operate and grow your business such as; email marketing and automation, reporting, secure archiving, integrations with studio management systems and other applications, phone and email support, educational webinars, vendor galleries, packages, gallery music, and even user permissions just for the bride. 

Email Automation

With automated emails, you can send your emails to gallery visitors at specific times for things like sale reminders, cart abandonment, gallery expiration, etc. You can even target based on gallery activity (like if they favorited photos, added photos to the cart, etc.) Besides the massive time-savings of automated emails, the stats show that photographers who have email automation in place make more sales. 

Reports

In-depth reporting on your Sales, Invoices, Taxes, & Gallery Visitor Data which shows you favorites and items they have in their cart. 

Permissions for the Bride

ShootProof has increased the flexibility of their free digital download options, so a photographer can create multiple “permissions.” For example, the photographer could give the bride the ability to download all, full-res files, but only allow everyone else to download 5 low-res files with a watermark. The system knows who the bride is based on her email address (once you add her as the linked contact) and will automatically give her special permissions. Whereas everyone else will get the limited digital download options.

As a photographer, you can also give a linked contact (ex: the bride) the ability to select from up to six photographer generated labels. This is handy if a client needs to select images for their album, for example. You can also give the bride the ability to hide photos (such as getting ready images, or photos she’s not a fan of).

Vendor Gallery

ShootProof has  introduced the concept of a “vendor album.” This is a hidden album in a gallery that is only accessible via a specific link and can have it’s very own digital download permissions. A lot of wedding photographers will create a “Vendor Album” and give vendors the ability to download X number of full-res files for use on social media, etc. ShootProof also allows you to set up client discounts! The awesome part is anyone who attended the wedding won’t see this album. A photo can also live in multiple albums within a gallery, so the photographer does not have to upload multiple photos.

Music

Another major difference is that ShootProof offers a music option, which many report helps sales! You can ellevate your sales with music in your galleries. Imagine a movie or your wedding video without music, much harder to get into right? Music creates emotion which spurs people to react, or buy in this instance. For an extra $5-$10/month, you can add the music option that will play when your client views the slideshow in their gallery.  The music subscription is $49.99/month if you go directly through Triple Scoop Music or only $10/month going through ShootProof. That’s a total of $480-$540/year in savings on music for your photo galleries if you have ShootProof. 

Additional Nice-to-Haves – Secure Archiving & Backup 

As mentioned earlier, ShootProof uniquely offers the ability to archive client galleries for a very low price, giving you more space while saving the galleries rather than deleting them all together.

Packages 

You can create multiple packages(which is critical to price anchoring), easy for clients to see and understand what’s included in the packages, and can limit your gallery to only sell packages if desired.

Client Discounts and Promos

As an example, you can set up the option for your client to get a 50% discount on their entire gallery purchase within 48 hours.

Compare Photos View  

Choosing between similar images can be tough, so this feature allows your clients to easily compare 2 images side by side so they can choose their favorite. When your client enters a gallery, they will see this option to the top right while viewing their image thumbnails.

Support 

Pixieset has email support.  ShootProof has phone and email support + educational videos on their website. 

The ShootProof Blog

Shootproof has a great blog that offers a ton of marketing techniques to photographers. It’s updated regularly and sent to you via email. It’s not too much, and a great way to keep up with the newest trends and ways to improve your client experience through their services.

Shootproof Pros

• Transparent pricing.
• 0% Commission on all plans.
• Easy client interface.
• Music feature for the slide show.
• Lab links to major lab fulfillment companies in the US and EU.
• Shootproof Facebook support group.

Cons

• Contract template contracts are expensive.

How Shootproof Stands Out

• Shootproof has increased the flexibility of their free digital download options, so a photographer can create multiple “permissions.” For example, the photographer could give the bride the ability to download all, full-res files, but only allow everyone else to download 5 low-res files with a watermark. The system knows who the bride is based on her email address (once you add her as the linked contact) and will automatically give her special permissions. Whereas everyone else will get the limited digital download options.

• They have introduced a concept of a “vendor album.” This is a hidden album in a gallery that is only accessible via a specific link and can have its very own digital download permissions. A lot of wedding photographers will create a “Vendor Album” and give vendors the ability to download X number of full-res files for use on social media, etc. The awesome part is that anyone who attended the wedding won’t see this album. A photo can also live in multiple albums within a gallery, so the photographer does not have to upload multiple photos.

• They offer the option of automated emails so you can send our emails to gallery visitors at specific times for things like sale reminders, cart abandonment, gallery expiration etc. You can target based on gallery activity (like if they favorited photos, added photos to the cart, etc.)
• They are integrated with a number of studio management platforms(17Hats, Tave, ShootQ, Pixifi, Iris Works, Studio Ninja, Lightblue, etc).
• ShootProof’s support is available via phone.
• As a photographer, you can also give a linked contact (ex: the bride) the ability to select from up to six photographer generated labels. This is handy if a client needs to select images for their album, for example. You can also give the bride the ability to hide photos (such as getting ready images, or photos she’s not a fan of).

Who Comes Out on Top?

After examining both platforms in detail, ShootProof emerges as the better choice for photographers who want to build a profitable business without falling into upgrade traps or paying hidden fees. The fundamental difference comes down to transparency versus feature-gating.

ShootProof was designed with emerging photographers in mind—those who need a platform that grows with them without creating barriers along the way. Understanding that new photographers shouldn’t have to choose between professional functionality and affordability, ShootProof provides all the essential business tools from day one: beautiful client galleries, contracts, invoicing, and email marketing, all without complex pricing tiers or upgrade requirements. For photographers who want to focus on building their craft and client relationships rather than wrestling with complicated software, ShootProof offers the straightforward, reliable foundation every growing photography business needs.

Pixieset’s model, while initially appearing more affordable, can quickly escalate costs as your business needs grow.  This fragmented approach not only incurs higher costs but also creates complexity in managing multiple platforms and subscriptions.

Perhaps most importantly, ShootProof’s 0% commission structure on all paid plans means you keep every dollar you earn from sales, while Pixieset charges a 15% commission on their free plan. For photographers focused on building sustainable revenue, this difference alone can justify the choice.