In-Person Sales (IPS) vs Online Galleries: Choosing the Right Model

In recent months, the same question keeps coming up among photographers:

Should we still let clients choose their photos through an online gallery?

The discussion is often triggered by AI: removed watermarks, enhanced screenshots, images "recovered" despite low resolution.

But when you really listen to the feedback from the field, you realize that AI isn't the real issue. It mostly acts as a catalyst.

What AI Changes… and What It Doesn't

Let's be clear: today, no system is foolproof.

• a watermark can be removed
• a screenshot can be enhanced
• even a low-resolution image can be "cleaned up"

But in reality, many photographers put it very simply:

"So what if some people grab the images. My additional sales keep increasing."

AI didn't create the problem. It has mostly brought to light a deeper question: in what context does the client discover, choose, and purchase their photos?

Pre-selection Gallery: A Model That Still Works (Very Well)

Contrary to what you might think, many photographers still use pre-selection galleries, and are doing very well with this model.

If you want to learn more about the different options and best practices for optimizing your photo galleries, check out our complete guide to online galleries for photographers.

They explain that:

• their additional sales are increasing
• client relationships remain strong
• work comfort is maintained

They accept that there may be:

• screenshots
• occasional misuse
• marginal loss of control

Why Some Photographers Are Switching to Viewing Sessions

Other photographers, however, have made a different choice: they've replaced gallery-based selection with viewing sessions, either in-person or via video call.

The most common reasons:

• restoring human connection
• truly guiding the choice
• avoiding back-and-forth emails
• bringing value back to the decision-making moment

Several testimonials are very clear:

• average basket size increases significantly
• sales become more fluid
• clients appreciate being guided
• the photographer rediscovers enjoyment

"90% of clients ask for my opinion."
"I love viewing sessions."

But these same photographers are also very clear-sighted.

What the Viewing Session Framework Makes Easier to Offer

When the selection is made during a viewing session, certain elements become more concrete for the client.

For example:

• choosing a few additional images, rather than thinking in total quantity
• understanding the difference between a digital version and print usage
• visualizing an album or print, rather than imagining it abstractly

In this context, it's often easier to discuss:

• additional digital photos
• physical products (albums, prints)
• or different finishes

What Viewing Sessions Really Involve

In-person sales (IPS) is not magic.

It requires:

• an additional appointment
• preparation time
• energy
• an assumed sales posture

Several photographers are very straightforward about it:

• if the product grid is shaky, sales won't follow
• if you're not comfortable with sales, it's exhausting
• without organization, it quickly becomes overwhelming

The Common Mistake: Making the Client Sort

One point comes up very often in feedback, and it's crucial.

👉 Having clients sort photos during the viewing session is a mistake.

Why?

• it's exhausting for clients
• it drastically lengthens the session
• it dilutes the experience
• it creates confusion

Photographers who have adjusted their approach are very clear:

"It's your job to do the sorting. The client isn't paid for that, you are."

In-Person, Video, or Hybrid: Multiple Models Exist

There isn't just one viewing session model.

Some photographers:

• receive clients at the studio
• organize video appointments
• combine session, viewing, and ordering
• or adapt depending on the type of service

The expressed concerns are very concrete:

• geographic distance
• children's fatigue
• family constraints
• difficulty adding an appointment

But again, feedback shows one thing:
👉 when the framework is clear and the experience is well explained, clients are willing.

Galleries and Viewing Sessions: Not Opposing, but Complementary

An essential point emerges from testimonials:
👉 viewing sessions don't necessarily replace galleries.

In many cases:

• the viewing session is for presentation, selection, and sales
• the gallery then serves for final delivery
• file backup
• and sometimes for additional orders

What About Fear of Theft?

Many photographers who have switched to IPS put it very simply:

Several photographers say they don't worry about screenshots during viewing sessions. The experience, guidance, and final products weigh much more heavily in the purchase decision.

Why?

• because value is in the experience
• in the guidance
• in the final product
• not in an image seen on a phone

The Real Question to Ask

Ultimately, the question isn't:

"Gallery or viewing session?"

But rather:

"What model is consistent with my way of working, my energy, and my clients?"

Some photographers sell very well through galleries.
Others thrive with IPS.
Many combine both.

What matters isn't following a trend, but making a conscious choice, assumed, and aligned with your reality.

The right model is the one you can sustain over time, without burning out, and without losing the joy of your craft.