Automatic Photo Collection from Parents at Events
Poolr by MRVL collects photos automatically from every parent at your event via QR code, with no app download or account signup required. Parents scan once, upload from browser, and all full-resolution photos go into one shared album instantly.
How automatic parent photo collection works
When you host an event, Poolr generates a unique QR code you display at the venue or send to parents beforehand. Each parent scans the code once on their phone; a browser window opens with an upload button. They select photos from their camera roll and tap upload. Photos appear in your shared gallery in real-time, with no moderation delays unless you enable live photo approval. As of 2026, thousands of school events, sports days, and family gatherings use this workflow because it removes friction: parents don't install anything, don't create accounts, and don't need to remember a password or URL. The moment they scan, they're ready to contribute.
Why parents prefer one shared album
Before shared photo pools, parents took photos separately and rarely shared them with each other. Poolr solves this by collecting every shot into one place. Parents get access to the full gallery within seconds; you as the host get every full-resolution original, not compressed WhatsApp copies. For school photo days, birthday parties, and sports events, a shared album means parents see their child's moment from ten different angles and distances, captured by phones across the crowd. No more hunting through group chats or asking friends to email photos later. Everyone in your guest list can download the whole collection as a ZIP file at the end of the event.
Features that scale with event size
Poolr's free tier accepts up to 30 photos for 7 days, which suits small family gatherings. The Moment tier (£8.99 per event) holds 200 photos and is popular for school class photos and small sports tournaments. The Occasion tier (£19.99) offers unlimited photo uploads that never expire, live photo wall display for a projector or event screen, custom event frame overlays parents can add to their uploads, and audio guestbook so parents can leave voice messages alongside photos. For large annual events, the Host+ subscription (£49.99 per year) gives you unlimited events at Occasion tier pricing. Wedding photographers and event planners often use the Pro Organiser plan to manage multiple client events under one account.
Real-time photo moderation and display
As photos upload, you can see them in a live moderation queue if enabled. This prevents accidental blurry shots or unflattering angles from cluttering the public gallery. You simply approve or hide each photo with one tap. For events with a projector or large screen, Poolr's live photo wall displays approved uploads in real-time, turning a school hall or sports pavilion into a live photo feed. Parents love watching their photos appear on the big screen moments after they upload. This feature comes with the Occasion tier and above, making it ideal for formal events where you want curated presentation.
Beyond photos: video uploads and voice messages
While Poolr is built for photo collection, higher tiers unlock guest video uploads and an audio guestbook feature. Parents can record short voice messages or video clips alongside their photos, creating a richer memory of the event. The Forever tier (£34.99) adds face recognition and automated highlight reels, which pulls out the best moments and identifies key people across all guest-submitted photos, saving you hours of album curation after a large event.
Not a backup service for your phone library
Poolr is designed to collect event photos from your guests, not to replace your personal photo storage. Photos live in your Poolr event gallery for as long as your tier allows (7 days for Free, 2 years for Forever). If you need permanent storage, export the full collection as a ZIP download, or use Poolr's automated photobook feature (Occasion tier and above) to print a bound physical album. For long-term cloud backup of your personal library, other services are better suited to that job.
Start collecting photos automatically in minutes: get Poolr on your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Do parents need to install an app to upload photos?
No. Parents scan the QR code and upload directly from their phone's web browser. Poolr works on iOS, Android, and desktop with zero signup required.
How long do photos stay in the shared album?
Free events: 7 days. Moment tier: 30 days. Occasion and Forever: never expire. You can always download the full gallery as a ZIP file before expiry.
Can I set up automatic photo collection for recurring events like weekly classes?
Yes. Create a new event each time and send the QR code to parents. Host+ subscription (£49.99/year) gives unlimited events at Occasion tier pricing, making it cost-effective for regular events.
What if a parent uploads an unflattering or blurry photo?
Enable live photo moderation in your event settings. You'll approve or hide each upload in real-time before it appears in the public gallery.
Can I display photos on a projector or event screen during the event?
Yes, with the Occasion tier or above. The live photo wall projects approved uploads in real-time, turning the gallery into a live feed during your event.
Can Poolr automatically create a printed photobook?
Yes. The Occasion tier and above include automated photobook generation. Select photos from your gallery and Poolr prints a bound album delivered to your door.