Yes, it depends on the server. Some hosting providers even include the software to upload changes made to a .csv file so that you can change the content of an existing database without any programming knowledge. We have not used this yet.
What we have done a few times for clients with little computer knowledge is this. First, we make a sql database on the remote server and hook it up with the appropriate spaces on the website. Then we create a .csv based on that, which we give the client so they can use to make changes. They can use notepad to work on the file. We also give them a password protected screen where they go and upload this .csv. Then, on the same screen, they also upload the pictures. We do this programming in PHP. Some limitations of our system: the name of the photo has to match the first entry they put in for that product in the .csv; they shouldn't upload anything wider than a certain number of pixels; they cannot add more features than the predefined number of features defined in the .csv, although they can add more products. It is a quick, easy, and very robust solution. People of varying computer abilities can learn to use it in a few minutes.
But if you don't want to do your own programming, you can try Coppermine, which is a PHP photo gallery. I've used it for some clients where you don't need to do a lot of customization.