A reunion is a precious chance to reconnect with old friends. Everyone gets excited saying "Let's take a group photo with the old crew!" — but collecting all the photos afterward turns out to be surprisingly difficult.
This article offers practical tips for reunion organizers on how to gather photos from every attendee smoothly.
Common Pitfalls of Reunion Photo Sharing
The Group Chat Trap
- Not everyone is connected: At a reunion, contact info often hasn't been exchanged yet.
- Some people prefer not to share contacts: They want to attend the reunion, but don't necessarily want to give out personal contact details.
- Image quality drops: Chat apps compress photos on send, so faces in group shots can turn out blurry.
- Managing the group is a burden: Adding and removing participants becomes the organizer's headache.
The Email Problem
- Even if you ask "Please send your photos," response rates are low.
- Email attachments have size limits.
- Someone still has to compile all the photos manually.
QR Code: Share Photos Without Exchanging Contact Info
With PicTomo, you just show a QR code and everyone can upload photos — no need to exchange contact information.
- No app required: Just scan the QR code with your phone's camera.
- No registration required: No names or email addresses to enter.
- Anonymous participation: Share photos without revealing personal details.
Organizer Prep in 3 Steps
Step 1: Create an Album (Before the Event)
Create a PicTomo album with a title like "Springfield High Class of '06 Reunion." Set a viewing password so only attendees can see the photos.
Step 2: Print QR Flyers
Use PicTomo's "QR Flyer" feature to create info cards. The business-card size is easy to hand out — one per person at the door.
Step 3: Prepare a Day-Of Announcement
A quick announcement before the toast or after the group photo dramatically boosts participation.
Example: "You can share today's photos using this QR code. No app needed — just scan it to upload and view photos. Let's capture as many memories as we can!"
Day-Of Flow
At Check-In
Hand out QR flyers at the door with a simple note: "Share today's photos here."
During Socializing
Place QR codes on tables so people naturally upload photos during conversation. "Photos are already up — take a look!" becomes a great conversation starter.
After the Group Photo
Right after the group photo is the biggest opportunity. Say "You can see the group photo we just took via the QR code" — almost everyone will scan it.
Before Wrapping Up
A final reminder: "Photos will be available for X days. If you haven't uploaded yet, do it on the train home!" This encourages late uploads too.
Sharing with Those Who Couldn't Attend
Send the album URL to friends who couldn't make it so they can share in the atmosphere. Pair it with a message like "You've got to come next time!" and share the album link.
Conclusion
The key to successful reunion photo sharing is making it effortless for everyone. Remove the barriers of contact exchange and app installation, and you'll collect far more photos.
With PicTomo, preparation is as simple as handing out QR codes. Minimize the organizer's workload while gathering everyone's memories.