What Happens to the Photos You Don’t Pick? Let’s Talk About It.

One of the most common questions I get from photography clients is, “What happens to the rest of the photos after I make my selections?”

Totally fair question — especially if you’ve worked with other photographers who do things differently.

So in this blog, I’m walking you through what it actually looks like to work with me from start to finish — from the moment you book, to the delivery of your final images, and yes... what happens to those unselected proofs.

Step 1: Pre-Shoot Prep

Before anything else, I send you a creative questionnaire to learn:

• What kind of shoot you’re looking for

• Your preferences around mood, tone, color, and aesthetic

• Wardrobe or styling notes

• A link to a shared Pinterest board where you can upload inspiration images

This gives me a feel for your vision before we even hop on a call.

Step 2: The Creative Call

Once your questionnaire is complete, we’ll schedule a 30-minute creative call. On this call, we’ll:

• Nail down the vision for your shoot

• Finalize the location(s), date, and time

• Talk through wardrobe, props, and any logistics you’re still unsure about

• Make sure we’re aligned on expectations and outcomes

The creative call helps us start with clarity and end with results you love.

Step 3: Shoot Day – Let’s Move

On shoot day, I like to keep things fluid and natural. I always tell my clients:

“Pretend my camera is a video camera. Keep moving.”

Instead of holding stiff poses, I guide you through natural movement that feels good and allows me to capture you in your element. That movement and spontaneity? It’s where the best photos come from.

Step 4: The Proof Gallery

After your shoot, I’ll curate a gallery of watermarked proofs. These are:

• The best images from our session

• Fully unedited, but still up to my technical and creative standards

• Delivered within 3–7 days (usually much sooner!)

From there, you’ll:

• Select your favorite images based on your package

• Have the option to purchase additional images if you want more than what’s included

Step 5: Editing + Final Delivery

Once you’ve made your selections, I begin the editing process.

All images are given light retouching, which includes:

• Lighting correction

• Color temperature adjustments

• Minor blemish removal

• Cropping and refining composition

Need more detailed edits? I also offer high-end professional retouching for an additional fee. That includes:

• Skin smoothing

• Pore-level clean-up

• Body sculpting

• Custom requests

Final, watermark-free images are delivered in high resolution, ready to download and use however you need.

But What Happens to the Unselected Proofs?

Here’s how I handle those:

• Once your final images are delivered, the proof gallery is cleared from your online gallery.

• The unselected images are archived to a secure server — not deleted!

• If you ever want to revisit them later, I can reload your gallery for a small fee so you can purchase additional edits.

I don’t deliver unedited or watermarked images, even if they “look fine.” That’s because I hold all final images to a consistent standard that reflects the quality you hired me for. Every delivered photo should feel intentional and finished — not halfway done.

Why I Don’t Deliver All the Photos

Just like a baker serves the finished cake — not the leftover dough — I don’t release every image from a shoot. I deliver only the ones we’ve agreed on: carefully curated and edited to match the quality of my work. My job is to make sure everything you receive is ready to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

TL;DR – Here’s the Full Process:

1. Creative Questionnaire
   A short form + Pinterest board to gather your vision

2. Creative Call
   We talk through the plan and get aligned

3. Shoot Day
   Relaxed, movement-based session to capture you naturally

4. Proof Gallery Delivered
   Watermarked images arrive within a few days
   You choose your favorites

5. Edits + Final Delivery
   Light retouching applied, then high-res images are delivered

6. Unselected Proofs Archived
   Gallery expires after 1 month
   Reload available for a fee

Common Questions I Get:

Q: Can I just have the rest of the photos as-is?
A: I totally understand the desire, especially when budget is tight—but I don’t release unedited proofs. The photos I deliver are always edited and polished to reflect my standard of work.

Q: What happens to the rest of the photos I didn’t select?
A: By default, your gallery will expire in one month and unselected proofs are removed. But if you need more time to consider additional purchases, just let me know! I’m happy to extend your gallery for a little while longer.

Q: What if I want more photos later?
A: You can absolutely purchase more later. Just let me know before your gallery expires, or request a reload for a small fee.

Q: How long do you keep my photos?
A: Final images are stored long-term, and unselected proofs are archived after your gallery expires (1 month from delivery).

Q: Can I request heavy edits or body sculpting?
A: Yes! High-end retouching is available upon request for an additional fee.

Ready to Book?

Working with me isn’t just about great images — it’s about a guided, professional experience that honors your vision and respects your time. I’ve created a process that makes things easy, clear, and built around you.

If you’re ready to get started, submit an inquiry here. I’d love to bring your story to life through photos that feel just like you.