How to make the most of your professional photos
Learn how to make the most of your photos with this step-by-step guide! From downloading high-resolution files to sharing and printing, preserve and enjoy your favourite memories to their fullest potential.
Receiving a gallery of photos—whether from a family session, engagement shoot, or a major life event like a wedding—is such an exciting moment. But what comes next? To truly make the most of your photos, it’s important to know how to save, share, and print them the right way. This guide will help you ensure your photos are enjoyed to their fullest and preserved beautifully for years to come.
1. Download them all in high resolution
The first thing you should do after receiving your gallery is download your photos in high resolution. If your photos were delivered via Pixieset (or a similar platform), you’ll typically find instructions and a download PIN in your email.
Once you’ve viewed your Pixieset gallery (I hope you love it!), click the download button in the top-right corner of the screen. Enter your email address and PIN when prompted. Be sure to select “High Resolution” under “Choose Download Size” to save your photos in the best possible quality. High-res files are ideal for both printing and sharing online.
Don’t forget to back them up! Save the files to multiple devices, a cloud storage platform, or an external hard drive to ensure they’re secure and accessible for years to come.
2. Create backups of your photos
Photos are precious memories, so it’s worth taking a few extra steps to ensure they’re never lost. In addition to downloading them onto your device, create backups:
Cloud storage options like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox let you access your photos from anywhere.
External hard drives provide a secure physical backup option that’s not reliant on the internet.
Photo-specific platforms like Forever or Amazon Photos offer options for storing and organizing your images long-term.
It’s always a good idea to have at least two backup methods—just in case!
3. Share them with minimal cropping
Social media is a fantastic way to showcase your favourite photos, but cropping can sometimes ruin how they appear. Different platforms handle photo dimensions differently, so here are some tips to help your photos look their best:
Group similar orientations together: Landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) photos look best when posted separately. For example, create one post for horizontal shots and another for vertical ones to avoid awkward cropping in a mixed feed.
Use layout apps: Apps like SCRL or other third-party tools allow you to arrange your photos seamlessly, especially for Instagram carousels.
When creating Reels or TikToks, stick with portrait-oriented photos or use layout apps to place multiple horizontal images onto one vertical backdrop. This ensures every shot fits the format beautifully!
4. Share them in high resolution
Most social media platforms compress photos by default, which can reduce their quality. However, you can change your settings to ensure your photos upload in high-res.
For Instagram, head to your settings, tap “Media Quality,” and enable “Upload at Highest Quality.” Small adjustments like this can make a huge difference, so take a moment to check your settings on any platform you use to share your photos!
5. Avoid adding filters when sharing online
Your photos are a reflection of the artistry and care your photographer poured into capturing your memories, so try to resist the urge to add filters when posting to social media. Filters can distort the colors and lighting your photographer worked hard to perfect, and they may take away from the authenticity of the moment.
6. Choose your printer wisely
There’s nothing quite like holding your favourite memories in your hands or displaying them in your home. Printing your photos is one of the best ways to truly enjoy them and create lasting keepsakes—but quality matters!
For top-notch prints, avoid chain stores like Walmart or Staples and instead opt for local print shops or professional services. Many local businesses offer personalized service to help you get the most out of your high-resolution files. If you’re looking for something online, Black’s is a convenient, affordable option that delivers high-quality prints.
Photo books are another wonderful way to tell a story—whether it’s capturing a family session, a vacation, or an annual "year in review." These keepsakes make perfect gifts or treasured additions to your own home. Artifact Uprising, Mixbook, or Blurb are fantastic options for creating beautiful, customizable photo books or albums.
And once again, don’t forget to use the high-resolution files when printing! This is especially important for enlargements to ensure your photos look sharp and vibrant.
Have questions? I’m here to help!
If you’re a client and need help downloading your gallery, uploading to social media, or choosing the best printing option, I’m just a message away. I want you to enjoy your photos to their fullest, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification or assistance!