What Format Are Photos Delivered In?
Professional photographers typically deliver high-resolution JPEG files via online gallery services like Pixieset or ShootProof. JPEG is the universal standard for photography delivery, though TIFF and PNG may be available for commercial projects.
Standard Photo Delivery Formats
The vast majority of professional photographers deliver final edited images as high-resolution JPEG files. This is the universal standard for consumer and commercial photography delivery, compatible with every device, platform, and print lab.
JPEG vs. Other Formats
- JPEG (.jpg): Universal, compressed, small file size — standard for all professional delivery
- TIFF (.tif): Lossless, very large files — occasionally offered for commercial/advertising use
- PNG (.png): Lossless, good for transparency — used for product photos with transparent backgrounds
- RAW (.cr3, .arw, .nef, etc.): Unprocessed sensor data — not standard delivery, extra fee if offered
- WebP: Web-optimized — rarely used for primary delivery but sometimes included for e-commerce
Resolution for Different Uses
| Use Case | Recommended Resolution | Approximate File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Social media | 1200–2000px long edge | 0.5–2 MB |
| Website | 2000–3000px long edge | 1–5 MB |
| Print (8x10") | 2400–3000px short edge | 5–15 MB |
| Large print / billboard | 5000px+ | 20–50+ MB |
How Are Photos Delivered?
Most photographers deliver via online gallery services like Pixieset, ShootProof, or SmugMug. You receive a link to download your full gallery as a ZIP file or individual images. Some photographers still deliver on USB drives — check in advance if you have a preference.
Do You Get Both Print and Web Versions?
Some photographers include both full-resolution files (for printing) and web-sized exports (for online sharing). If you need both, confirm this with your photographer before the shoot.
Pro Tip: Always specify your intended uses when booking — print, web, billboard, or e-commerce — so your photographer delivers the right resolution and format.
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