Client photo selection: how to get the final list without weeks of chasing

2026-11-02 · Clients · 6 min read

In short: To speed up client photo selection, give the couple one private, phone friendly gallery, a clear limit and a deadline, and let them heart photos instead of sending screenshots. Then collect the exact file names in one list so you can find the RAW files instantly. A tool like Camivia does this from your existing Google Drive folder.

Why selection stalls

You delivered a beautiful set of 600 photos. Now you need 80 for the album. Three weeks later you are still waiting.

It is rarely because the couple does not care. It is usually because the process is hard. They get a Drive folder that is slow on a phone. They are not sure how many to pick. They send screenshots, or a list like "the one where Amma is laughing". And then two family members want a say.

A process that works

1. One link, built for phones

Most couples choose photos on their phone, often together on the sofa. The gallery should open fast, show large images and make choosing a single tap.

2. A clear number

Tell them exactly how many to choose and show a counter. "Pick 80 for the album" is easier than "pick your favourites".

3. Hearts, not screenshots

When the couple taps a heart, the selection is recorded against the real file. No guessing which photo they meant.

4. A deadline with a reason

"Please choose within 10 days so your album is ready before Eid" works better than an open ended request.

5. The exact file list back

When they submit, you should get a list of file names you can paste straight into your file search. Matching RAW and JPG names saves hours.

Do not upload twice

Many proofing tools ask you to upload your photos to their servers. For a wedding with thousands of images, that is slow and expensive. If your photos are already in Google Drive, the selection gallery can show them directly from there.

How it works in Camivia

In Camivia you connect the couple's Google Drive folder and share one private link. The couple sees a clean gallery with your studio name, hearts the photos they love and watches a counter until they reach the limit. When they submit, you get the full list of file names. Copy it, paste it into Windows search, and every chosen file appears.

Galleries can have their own link and an optional password, so only the couple and the people they invite can see them.

Small touches that help

• Send the link when the couple is relaxed, not on the day of the reception.
• Add a short note at the top of the gallery with the limit and deadline.
• Allow one round of changes. People change their mind, and that is fine.
• Send a thank you when the selection arrives. It sets the tone for the album.