Straight talk
Client selections without a dedicated proofing SKU
Some studios need a full standalone proofing product with automated invoices and native markups. ImageEvent is not pretending to be that. What it does offer is a practical selection workflow many wedding and portrait studios already use: combine guest-visible feedback, per-image notes, optional email of selected files when your Global Settings allow it, and downloads only when your contract allows.
If you set expectations clearly in email ("star your favorites in the guestbook and note any crops you want"), clients cooperate surprisingly well. You still finalize the album on your side, which preserves your editing standards and avoids accidental bulk orders.
For delivery mechanics once selects are locked, use client gallery delivery. Viewer and album bar behavior lives in album page and viewer.
Building blocks you can combine
Guestbook collects narrative feedback ("we love the aisle shot with grandma"). Per-photo comments anchor notes to a specific frame. Together they replace sticky notes on proof prints for many studios.
Email selected photos depends on Send Email being enabled in Global Settings. Read the option in context under send email before you promise a client they can mail picks from inside the gallery.
Downloads should match your policy: sometimes guests may pull proofs only, sometimes nothing until retouching is complete. See downloading photos and videos.
Recommended studio script
Send one link, one password if needed, and a short numbered list: how to sign the guestbook, how to reference filenames if they paste into email, whether mobile picks count as final, and your deadline for responses.
When clients go quiet, a single reminder with the same link beats a thread of attachments.
Operational tips that prevent rework
Lock album order before you invite proofing traffic so filenames clients reference still match your Lightroom or Capture One sort. If you resequence after comments arrive, you will waste time mapping old notes to new positions.
Use folder structure to separate Round 1 from Finals so a client never proofs the wrong generation. Slideshow and enlarged view behaviors are part of the same viewer documented under album page and viewer.
When to choose a specialized proofing platform
If you sell large print packages with automated fulfillment hooks, or you need native face-aware grouping for school volume, a dedicated SKU may still win. ImageEvent remains valuable as the clean delivery layer after selections are done.
FAQ
Use guestbook or per-photo comments to capture picks unless you have another internal convention. Document that convention in your client email.
Only when Send Email is enabled and your workflow supports it. See send email.
Downloading photos and videos plus album-level permissions.
Hub: photographers. Post-select delivery: client galleries.