ShootProof, Pixieset, and Pic-Time are online gallery platforms that professional photographers use to deliver photos to clients. They all work in a similar way: the photographer uploads your session, you view the photos in a private gallery, and you either download files or order prints, depending on what you paid for. Watermarks appear when the photographer wants you to choose or buy before receiving clean files.
If you've just received a gallery link and aren't sure how to get your final photos, this guide explains how each platform typically works and what to do when something goes wrong.
What a "proof" is
In photography, a proof is a preview of a photo, shown so you can choose which images you want. Proofs used to be small paper prints. Today they're usually images in an online gallery, often with a watermark, lower resolution, or both.
Your final files are the edited, full-resolution images you receive after ordering. Depending on your package, you might get:
- All edited photos as digital downloads
- A set number of digital files that you choose from the gallery
- Prints and products only, with no digital files
- Digital files with a print release, a document giving you permission to print the photos
Knowing which one you paid for answers most questions about watermarks.
How ShootProof galleries work
ShootProof is a gallery platform used by portrait, school, and event photographers. Photographers can add their own text or image watermark to gallery images, placed in one spot or tiled across the frame.
What you can do in a ShootProof gallery depends on the photographer's settings:
- Favorites let you mark photos you like so the photographer knows what to edit or order.
- Downloads may be turned on, turned off, or limited to certain sizes. Photographers decide whether downloaded files include a watermark.
- Store options let you buy prints, products, or digital files.
- Expiration dates may be set, after which the gallery is no longer available.
If you paid for digital files and only see watermarked downloads, ask your photographer to release the clean files. If they're unreachable, our ShootProof watermark remover can clean the copies you have.
How Pixieset galleries work
Pixieset is a gallery platform used by wedding, family, and senior photographers, with clean, customizable gallery designs.
Typical Pixieset gallery features include:
- Download PIN: downloads can be protected with a PIN that your photographer shares with you.
- Download settings: photographers choose which sizes you can download and whether a watermark is applied.
- Favorites and lists for choosing your selections.
- A built-in store for prints and products.
- Gallery expiration, which the photographer can set or extend.
If your gallery has no download button, it's usually because downloads are off or locked behind a PIN. Ask your photographer for the PIN. If they can't be reached and you've already paid, try our Pixieset watermark remover.
How Pic-Time galleries work
Pic-Time is a gallery platform built around presentation and print sales, used by wedding and family photographers.
Pic-Time galleries can include:
- Viewing and slideshow modes that showcase the session
- A store with prints, albums, wall art, and sometimes digital files
- Download options controlled by the photographer
- Gallery expiration: an expired gallery goes offline, and the photographer can extend it and bring it back online
If you bought digital files but they arrived watermarked, contact your photographer first. If you only have watermarked copies of photos you paid for and have the rights to use, and you can't get help, our Pic-Time watermark remover can help.
Side-by-side: what to expect
| ShootProof | Pixieset | Pic-Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used by | Portrait, school, and event photographers | Wedding, family, and senior photographers | Wedding and family photographers |
| Watermarks | Set by the photographer | Set by the photographer | Set by the photographer |
| Downloads | Controlled by the photographer | Can be protected with a PIN | Controlled by the photographer |
| Store | Prints, products, digital files | Prints, products, digital files | Prints, albums, wall art, digital files |
| Expiration | Optional | Optional | Optional (gallery goes offline) |
All three platforms have one thing in common: the photographer controls watermarks and downloads, though the details differ by platform. That's why the photographer is always the first person to ask.
What to do when you've paid but only have watermarked photos
- Re-read your contract or order confirmation. Check what you bought: digital files, prints, or both.
- Check your email for download links, PINs, or delivery notices. Search your spam folder too.
- Message your photographer. Be specific: "I purchased the digital package on [date]. The downloads in my gallery still have a watermark. Could you enable clean downloads?"
- Give it a few days. Photographers are often busy with sessions and editing.
- If you still can't get your files and you have the rights to use the photos, work from the largest copies you have.
Tips for saving the best copy from a gallery
- Use the official download in your gallery and pick the largest size your photographer offers.
- If there's no download option, ask your photographer what your order includes.
- Save your photos before the gallery expires.
A word about respecting photographers
Watermarks protect the photographer's income. If you haven't paid for a photo, please buy it, whether as a digital file, a print, or a product. Our tool is for photos you own or have permission to use, and our Terms of Service say so clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my gallery have no download button?
The photographer has turned off downloads or locked them behind a PIN. Contact them to ask what's included in your package.
Do I own the copyright to photos I paid for?
Usually not. In the U.S., the photographer typically keeps the copyright unless your contract says otherwise. What you get is a license to use the photos, often described in a print release.
Can a photographer reopen an expired gallery?
Often, yes. All three platforms let photographers extend or reopen an expired gallery, though some photographers may charge a fee. It's worth asking before you assume the photos are gone.