Sports photography FAQ’s.

Common sports photography questions.

How many galleries can I upload? 

You can upload as many galleries as you need. Plans are designed to scale with your business: Portfolio offers 15 GB of storage, Portfolio Plus gives you 150 GB, and ProSuite offers unlimited photo storage. ProSuite subscribers also have a 150GB limit for video uploads. 

Is there a plug-in for Lightroom? 

Yes! Zenfolio offers a Lightroom Classic plugin that lets you publish images straight from your desktop. You can edit, upload, and even update images without leaving Lightroom.

Can I upload multiple folders at once? 

Absolutely. The Zenfolio Desktop Uploader allows you to upload multiple folders directly from your computer, mirroring the file structure you’ve already created. Queue gallery uploads in the background while you keep working.

Does Zenfolio work with other tethering or post-production tools? 

While Lightroom Classic has the dedicated plugin, Zenfolio also offers a built-in uploader and the Desktop Upload tool that works with any folder structure. 

Do I need to watermark my photos before uploading? 

Nope! You can apply watermarks to your images after uploading, and they’ll disappear automatically when a client purchases prints, products, or downloads.

Do I need to manually approve every order?

Orders are managed from your Zenfolio account, but you don’t have to babysit them. Orders can be approved and monitored right from your desktop or mobile device, so you can keep things moving whether your at home, or on the go. 

What pro labs can I sell through directly in Zenfolio?

Zenfolio integrates with trusted labs around the world. United States photographers can choose Mpix or Bay Photo, Canadian photographers have Fujifilm and Technicare, those in the United Kingdom have One Vision Imaging (OVI) and nPhoto, and photographers in Europe have nPhoto and Fujifilm. Want more control? You can also self-fulfill.

How are digital downloads delivered?

Once purchased, digital files are automatically processed by Zenfolio and delivered to your customers.

Can I sell high-resolution and low-resolution images?

You bet! Offer high-resolution, low-resolution, or bundled downloads. The sizes range from original down to 0.5MP (800px).

How do I make bundles of multi-image digital downloads? 

It’s simple. In your price list, you can build a package that includes multiple downloads at the size and resolution you choose. Parents select their favorite images, add them to the bundle, and check out in one smooth transaction.

Can I sell downloads that include the entire gallery?

Yes. If you want to offer everything at once, use the “All Photos” option to set up a full-gallery download. 

Can I offer event organizers free downloads? 

Definitely. Add them as a Client in the gallery, then set permissions for free downloads—either unlimited or capped at a certain number of images. 

Can I sell downloads that include a graphic of the event logo on them? 

You can upload images with the logo already included, or use order approval to swap in logo-branded files before the final delivery.

Can I control the frequency of order profit payouts?

Payouts are processed automatically. When a client places an order through your Zenfolio website, your profit from that order is added to your Stripe or PayPal balance. Payment will be paid out within 3-5 business days, after the order has shipped, to the bank account or debit card associated with your Stripe or PayPal account.

What are the fees associated with selling on Zenfolio? 

Zenfolio has a 7% fee of the order sub-total–excluding sales tax and shipping. Stripe and PayPal can be set up as payment processors and they have their own fees that are between 2.9% + .30 and 3.49% + .49.

Do I need a DAM (Digital Asset Management) system? 

For most sports photographers, Zenfolio functions as storage, a gallery host, and delivery platform, so a separate DAM isn’t necessary. Larger studios with more complex asset needs may still choose to use one, but for the majority, Zenfolio covers all the bases. That said, it’s always best practice to maintain backups of your images in more than one location to ensure your work is secure and accessible long term.

How do I organize images multi-day or multi-team tournaments?

Creating a consistent and organized folder structure, such as by date, event, or team name, can save you hours in the long run. A clear naming convention can help, too.

How can I maximize sales for my volume school, league, and tournament photography? 

Smart Pricing and Smart Upsell are two of the most powerful selling tools for volume photographers. With Smart Pricing, you can set location-based pricing while protecting your profit margins. Smart Upsell adds in-cart promotions like free shipping or tiered discounts. Photographers using it have seen their average cart totals double.

How do I create branded galleries for every team (with mascot/logos)? 

You can personalize branding for each school, team, or event by setting a Folder Cover Image or a Gallery Cover Image. Select a photo, mascot, or simply add the school name to be featured at the top of the gallery page. You can also adjust the gallery colors and fonts to align with school branding, creating a cohesive and professional look.

How can parents quickly find photos of their child?

This is where AI-powered face search comes in. Soon, parents will be able to upload a selfie of their child and instantly see every photo they appear in—no more endless scrolling through galleries.

How can I sell video for my action sports photography gallery?

Simply head to the Selling section of your account and open the Price Lists tab. From there, choose an existing Price List or create a new one, then select Digital. You’ll be able to pick the video resolutions you’d like to offer under Single Video Sizes, or, if you’d prefer to sell the entire gallery for one price, use the All Videos tab to set options under All Video Sizes. When you’re finished, just click Done and Save, and your video downloads will be ready for purchase.

Can parents pre-register for team and individual picture day?

Yes. Gallery and Folder Registration allows parents to sign up ahead of time, which not only helps you stay organized but also ensures you collect valuable information before you start shooting.

What’s the best way to sell Memory Mates or composites?

Zenfolio’s Product Builder is the answer. You design a template once (like a Memory Mate or collage), and customers can personalize it with their favorite images and text. The product is then automatically fulfilled by the lab and shipped right to your customer.

What are the best poses for sports team photos?

Team photos don’t have to be cookie-cutter. From staggered rows to fun formations, there are plenty of ways to make your team portraits more dynamic and unique. Check out our guide to team poses for inspiration.

How do you manage high volume sports photography shoots?

Managing volume is all about keeping a consistent process. Pre-registration and payment, automated order fulfillment, and streamlined workflows help you keep things organized and manageable. Learn more in our introduction to high-volume photography.

What are pro tips for creating sports hype videos I can sell to customers?

Video adds energy and excitement to your services. From capturing pre-game team rituals to editing highlight reels, there are countless ways to wow clients. Explore our sports hype video tips for ideas.