Do guests need to install Lense or Grain?

No. Both apps open in the phone browser after a QR scan.

Does Grain show photos during the party?

No. Grain holds the roll back until the reveal time you choose, so the album opens together later.

Where are photos hosted?

Grain hosts in the EU on AWS Ireland. Lense is US-hosted.

Can I get the original files?

Yes. Grain's bulk download is a ZIP of full-resolution originals, with film looks baked into single-photo downloads.

How do guests upload photos and videos with Grain?

Guests scan the QR code displayed at your event. This opens a capture screen in the phone browser where they can take photos, record a voice note, or write a guestbook entry — no app download or account required.

How do guests upload photos with Grain and Lense?

Both Grain and Lense utilize QR codes. Couples display signage with a unique QR code, which guests scan with their smartphones. This directs them to a web-based interface where they can upload photos and videos directly, without needing to download a separate app.

Can I review photos before guests see them with these apps?

With Grain, photos are not manually reviewed before reveal — the roll unlocks automatically at the reveal time you set when creating the event. You can remove individual photos after the reveal if needed. With Lense, photos appear in a live gallery as guests upload them.

Grain vs Lense

Grain vs Lense: comparing two QR code wedding photo apps

Lense and Grain are both browser-based guest photo apps with no download required and a similar one-time pricing model. Both hold the roll back until a reveal moment, so the delayed-reveal experience is not unique to either. Grain's edge is the four-layer memory capsule — photos, short video, voice notes, and a written guestbook — plus automatic enhancement and cinematic looks baked into every download. Here is how they compare.

Feature	Grain	Lense
No app to download	Yes	Yes
No guest account required	Yes	Yes
Sealed until the host reveals	Yes	Yes
Live photo slideshow at the venue	No, by design Read why	Yes^*
Photo capture	Yes	Yes
Guest video clips	Yes, clips up to 30 seconds	No^*
Voice notes from guests	Yes	No
Written guestbook	Yes	No
Recorded video toasts	Yes	No
Automatic photo enhancement	Yes, cinematic colour grade on every photo	Partial, basic filter
Host moderation before guests see	No	No^*
Works offline	No	No^*
Photobook service	No	No^*
Plan for planners and studios	Yes, monthly plans with unlimited events	No
Free tier	Yes, up to 10 guests per event	Yes^*

* Based on this product's public materials, not independently tested. Last reviewed July 2026; details may have changed.

See all comparisons →

Grain pros

Four-layer capsule at reveal — photos, short video, voice notes, and written notes all unsealed together
Short video clips from guests, sealed and revealed alongside the photos
Voice notes from the same QR code: guests record a short message, played back at reveal
Written guestbook: up to 1000 characters per guest, opened as cards after reveal
Six film looks baked into individual downloads, not applied post-hoc to the full album
Hosted in the EU on AWS Ireland with GDPR-aligned defaults

Trade-offs

Photos are held back until reveal — not a live wall during the event
No native iOS or Android app — browser only
No live slideshow feature
Smaller review footprint than Lense (3000+ reviews at 4.9)

Try Grain free. No card required.

Common questions

Do guests need to install Lense or Grain?: No. Both apps open in the phone browser after a QR scan.
Does Grain show photos during the party?: No. Grain holds the roll back until the reveal time you choose, so the album opens together later.
Where are photos hosted?: Grain hosts in the EU on AWS Ireland. Lense is US-hosted.
Can I get the original files?: Yes. Grain's bulk download is a ZIP of full-resolution originals, with film looks baked into single-photo downloads.
How do guests upload photos and videos with Grain?: Guests scan the QR code displayed at your event. This opens a capture screen in the phone browser where they can take photos, record a voice note, or write a guestbook entry — no app download or account required.
How do guests upload photos with Grain and Lense?: Both Grain and Lense utilize QR codes. Couples display signage with a unique QR code, which guests scan with their smartphones. This directs them to a web-based interface where they can upload photos and videos directly, without needing to download a separate app.
Can I review photos before guests see them with these apps?: With Grain, photos are not manually reviewed before reveal — the roll unlocks automatically at the reveal time you set when creating the event. You can remove individual photos after the reveal if needed. With Lense, photos appear in a live gallery as guests upload them.