Shared Google Photos album vs. QR gallery
Published: 26 July 2026
When collecting event photos from several people, two common solutions are a shared Google Photos album and a shared QR gallery. Both have their uses, but suit different needs. Let's compare them.
A shared Google Photos album
Create an album and send a link or invitation. Advantages include full-quality photos and substantial storage within the account. However, participants generally need a Google account to add photos, many prefer using the app, and the provider can access album content. The album also does not delete itself; it remains until someone removes it.
QR gallery (FotoQR)
Place one QR code on the tables or send it to guests. They scan it and upload directly from a browser without an app or an account. Photos are encrypted in the browser so the operator cannot see their content, and the gallery is automatically deleted after expiry. Compared with Google Photos, the disadvantages are the basic gallery's free photo limit and that downloading full-quality originals or ZIP archives is a paid feature.
Comparison
| Feature | Google Photos album | QR gallery (FotoQR) |
|---|---|---|
| Account to upload | Usually a Google account | No account needed |
| Application | App recommended | A browser is enough |
| Sharing | Link or invitation | QR code or link |
| Content privacy | Accessible to the provider | Encrypted; operator cannot see content |
| Automatic deletion | No | Yes, after expiry |
| Free | Within account storage | First 50 photos |
| Originals and ZIP | Full quality | With a paid expansion |
What to choose
If everyone already uses Google and you are comfortable leaving photos with the provider indefinitely, a shared album is convenient. If you want everyone to add photos without an account or app, keep content private and have it deleted after a time, for example at a wedding, celebration or company event , a QR gallery is a better fit.
Related: how it all works, how to collect photos from wedding guests.