Client Gallery privacy determines how someone reaches the photographs, whether a password is required and what is shown before login. The important difference between Private and Semi-private is not simply that both can use a password—it is how the gallery behaves through its public-facing link and its direct share link.
Private
A private gallery requires the password before someone can view the photographs, including when they open the gallery using its direct link.
By default, the gallery cover image is not shown on the private gallery login screen. If you want clients to see the cover image before entering the password, you can enable the separate setting that allows it.
Use Private when everyone should be required to log in before viewing the gallery. Send the current password securely and avoid placing it publicly beside the gallery link.
Semi-private
A semi-private gallery has two different entry paths:
- Public-facing gallery link: shows the collection cover image and asks the visitor for the gallery password.
- Direct share link: bypasses the login screen and opens the gallery without requiring the password.
This is useful when you want the gallery represented publicly by its cover image while giving selected clients a simpler direct route into it.
Because anyone with the direct share link can open the gallery, do not use Semi-private when every visitor must enter a password. Use Private instead.
Public
A public gallery can be opened without a password. Anyone who obtains its link may be able to view the photographs, and the gallery may also be displayed through public-facing gallery widgets or pages according to your website setup.
Use Public only when you have the rights and client permission required to display the photographs openly. Marketing value does not override the subject’s privacy.
Choose the appropriate level
- Private: everyone must enter the password. The cover image is hidden on the login screen unless you enable the setting that displays it.
- Semi-private: the public-facing link shows a cover image and requests the password, while the direct share link bypasses login.
- Public: no password is required.
Important: A password restricts access to the photographs, but it does not guarantee that the gallery’s title, URL or existence is completely hidden. Avoid using sensitive identifying information in gallery titles and links. See Protect client privacy when naming and sharing galleries.
Check both links before sharing
- Open the public-facing gallery link in a private or incognito browser window.
- Check whether the cover image is visible and whether the password prompt appears.
- Open the direct share link in a separate private browser window.
- Confirm whether it opens the gallery directly or asks for the password.
- Check any email-login requirement, downloads, favourites and purchasing separately.
Testing both entry paths is especially important for Semi-private galleries because they are intentionally designed to behave differently.
If access changes
Tell affected clients when a password or access path has changed. An old message may no longer work, while a direct share link that has already been forwarded may remain in other people’s messages or browser history.
