Express Send for Zenfolio: Quick Guide to Sending Photos

Express Send for Zenfolio: Quick Guide to Sending PhotosExpress Send for Zenfolio (formerly Zenfolio Express Send) is a fast, simple way for photographers to deliver images directly from their workflow to clients’ Zenfolio galleries. This guide covers setup, sending methods, best practices, troubleshooting, and tips to keep your deliveries smooth and professional.

What is Express Send for Zenfolio?

Express Send for Zenfolio is a delivery tool that uploads photos from desktop applications or local folders directly into a specified Zenfolio gallery or folder. It streamlines client delivery by automating the transfer step so you can focus on editing and client communication rather than manually uploading large files.

Before you begin: requirements and preparation

• Account: You need an active Zenfolio account with sufficient storage and gallery permissions.
• App/Integration: Ensure you have the version of your editing app or transfer utility that supports Express Send. Some third-party tools or scripts may also support the feature.
• Gallery setup: Create a target gallery (or know the exact gallery path) in Zenfolio before sending. Set visibility and password options if needed.
• File organization: Prepare images in properly named folders. Consider delivering full-resolution originals, web-sized proofs, or both depending on client needs.
• Metadata: Check EXIF and IPTC data for accuracy (copyright, contact info, keywords) before sending.

How Express Send works (overview)

1. Authenticate: Connect the sending tool to your Zenfolio account using your credentials or API token.
2. Select Destination: Choose the target gallery or folder within Zenfolio.
3. Choose Files: Pick images or folders to send. You can often set rules for file types or sizes.
4. Configure Options: Set file size/quality, metadata handling, and gallery visibility.
5. Upload: The tool transfers files; progress is usually shown. Once complete, the images are available in the selected Zenfolio gallery.

Step-by-step: Sending from your computer

1. Open your sending tool or integration that supports Express Send.
2. Sign in to Zenfolio (one-time authorization may be required).
3. Click “Select Destination” and navigate to the gallery or create a new one.
4. Drag-and-drop or browse to add photos/folders.
5. Choose upload settings: original/full size or resized copies, metadata preferences, and whether to overwrite existing files.
6. Start upload and monitor progress. For large jobs, consider leaving the computer connected until complete or using background upload features.
7. Verify in Zenfolio that images appear correctly and that gallery settings (password, sharing) are applied.

Sending from Lightroom (common workflow)

Many photographers use Lightroom with export presets to send directly to Zenfolio. Typical steps:

• Create an Export Preset with file type, color space (sRGB for web), resolution, and watermarking choices.
• In the export dialog, select the Zenfolio/Express Send export service as the destination.
• Choose or create the target gallery and export.

Tip: Test with a small batch first to confirm settings.

Best practices

• Use consistent gallery naming conventions (client name + date + event) for easy navigation.
• Keep originals backed up; Express Send uploads copies to Zenfolio—it’s not a backup replacement.
• Compress large batches into manageable sizes if your internet connection is slow.
• Use sRGB for web galleries; retain Adobe RGB or ProPhoto for print/export archives.
• Apply watermarks or low-resolution proof images for preview galleries; provide full-resolution downloads via protected galleries when needed.
• Communicate delivery to clients with direct gallery links and any passwords.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Authentication errors: Reauthorize the integration or check credentials/API token.
• Upload failures/timeouts: Check internet stability, reduce batch size, or try again later.
• Missing images: Confirm file types are supported and that files were fully uploaded (check activity logs).
• Metadata not appearing: Ensure export settings preserve IPTC/EXIF and that Zenfolio displays that metadata in gallery settings.
• Image color shifts: Export in sRGB for web; confirm color profile settings in export and Zenfolio preferences.

Security & client access controls

Zenfolio lets you set gallery visibility: public, private, or password-protected. For client privacy:

• Use password-protected galleries for proofs and private events.
• Enable download restrictions if you don’t want clients to download originals.
• Use expiration links if you want temporary access.

Workflow examples

• Wedding: Create a proof gallery (low-res, watermarked) for client selection, then create a final gallery (high-res, downloadable) after selections and retouching.
• Portrait session: Upload a gallery with curated selects, enable purchases or downloads, and send the client a password and direct link.
• Event coverage: Use sequential galleries per day or segment, share links with attendees, and consolidate best-of into a highlight gallery.

Final checks before notifying clients

• Open the gallery as a visitor (use incognito) to verify visibility and download behavior.
• Test download of one file to confirm resolution and color.
• Confirm gallery password and message wording before sending to clients.

If you’d like, I can:

• Write step-by-step export settings for Lightroom/Photoshop with exact values.
• Draft an email template to send clients with gallery links and passwords.
• Create a short checklist PDF you can print and use during shoots.