5 Best Websites for Photo Sharing at Events
Compare 5 photo sharing websites for events. Find the right tool to collect guest photos without app downloads or complicated setups.
Short answer: The right photo sharing website makes it effortless to collect every smile, laugh, and dance move from your event. Gather Shot is the best option for live events because guests upload via QR code without downloading an app.
- Gather Shot for hassle-free guest uploads with moderation
- Google Photos for casual events with Google-savvy guests
- Dropbox for collecting large files from collaborators
- iCloud Shared Albums for iPhone-heavy guest lists
- SmugMug for polished, professional gallery delivery
Who this is for (and not for)
This guide is for:
- Event photographers collecting guest perspectives
- Wedding planners building shared photo galleries
- Corporate event organizers documenting team moments
This is not for:
- Personal photo backup solutions
- Professional photo editing workflows
- Long-term photo archiving
Quick decision guide
| If you need… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Guest uploads with no app downloads | Gather Shot |
| Free option for casual gatherings | Google Photos |
| Large file transfers | Dropbox |
| Apple-only simplicity | iCloud Shared Albums |
| Professional client galleries | SmugMug |
1. Gather Shot
Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events where guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight from their browser. No app downloads, no account creation.
Why it works:
- Guests point their camera at a QR code and upload in a few taps
- You review uploads before they appear in the public gallery
- One-time pricing per event, not a recurring subscription
- Works on any smartphone with a camera and browser
Best for: Weddings, corporate events, and parties with 20+ guests.
Limitation: Requires placing QR codes where guests will see them.
Price: Basic plan at $59, Pro at $99.
2. Google Photos
Google Photos shared albums work well for casual events where most guests already have Google accounts.
Why it works:
- Most people already know how to use it
- Free for standard quality uploads
- Easy album sharing via link
Best for: Small gatherings under 30 people.
Limitation: Guests need Google accounts. Privacy settings can be confusing.
Price: Free (counts against personal storage).
3. Dropbox
Dropbox shared folders are a straightforward option for collecting high-resolution files from collaborators.
Why it works:
- Familiar interface for most professionals
- Handles large file uploads well
- Easy folder organization
Best for: Working with vendors or second shooters.
Limitation: Clunky for casual guests uploading from phones.
Price: Free tier available, paid plans from $9.99/month.
4. iCloud Shared Albums
iCloud Shared Albums make sharing easy when nearly everyone at your event uses an iPhone.
Why it works:
- Built into iOS, no extra apps needed
- Automatic notifications when photos are added
- Clean album interface
Best for: Small, iPhone-heavy groups.
Limitation: Android users are left out or have a poor experience.
Price: Free (uses iCloud storage).
5. SmugMug
SmugMug is a professional gallery platform for delivering polished event galleries to clients.
Why it works:
- Beautiful, branded gallery pages
- Print ordering and download options
- Password protection
Best for: Photographers delivering final galleries.
Limitation: Better for curated delivery than live guest uploads.
Price: Plans from $13/month.
How to choose
Pick Gather Shot when you want maximum guest participation. QR codes remove friction and moderation keeps your gallery clean.
Pick Google Photos or iCloud for small, casual events where everyone uses the same ecosystem.
Pick Dropbox to collect large files from collaborators, not casual guests.
Pick SmugMug to deliver finished work to clients.
Frequently asked questions
Do guests need to create accounts to upload photos? With Gather Shot, no. Guests upload directly from their browser. Google Photos and SmugMug require accounts.
What if some guests use Android and others use iPhone? Gather Shot and Google Photos work across both. iCloud Shared Albums are awkward for Android users.
Can I review photos before they go public? Gather Shot includes moderation. Google Photos and iCloud do not have built-in approval workflows.
What about WiFi issues at the venue? Guests can upload later from home. Gather Shot keeps upload windows open for days after your event.
Next steps
For events where you want every guest to contribute, create a free Gather Shot event and test QR-based photo collection before your next gathering.