Are you looking for recommendations on photography tools and softwares? For me, it was really helpful to discover what type of resources other photographers used in their business. I have yet to find two photographers who use the exact same tools, software, camera gear, etc. With that in mind, here’s a list of all the resources I personally use to run a successful photography business.
Software Photography Tools for Your Business
Two must-have softwares for your photography business are: editing software and gallery hosting. I have an Adobe subscription to Creative Cloud that includes Lightroom and Photoshop.
Creative Cloud is an editing software subscription that I use in combination with editing presets.
Lightroom presets from Kayla Locke + Amanda Highbarger
I use presets as a part of my editing process. I have learned from two other photography educators – Kayla Locke and Amanda Highbarger with White Pine Pics. Their Lightroom presets give your photos a colorful, bold, and smooth stylistic look. You can shave hours off the editing process by using presets in your photography business.
Join Amanda’s Prosper Course with code BMCPODCAST.
Gallery Hosting for Your Photography Business
CloudSpot (I formerly used Pixieset)
CloudSpot is known for its ease of use, client friendly usability, popular upsell capabilities and store functions.
Tip: Do not use Google Drive or Dropbox to host your images. You want to set up your business as a professional. No matter which platform you choose, using a professional gallery hosting platform is a must-have for your photography business.
Customer Management System: CRM
CRM – Iris-Works
*Use code BROOKE to save 20% off your subscription with Iris-Works! *Valid for new customers only.
Iris-Works was created by a photographer for photographers. I’ve tested many CRM’s, from both a business and customer perspective, and Iris-Works is my favorite. I especially love the user simplicity and variety of features available.
Iris Works Feature Pros:
- Booking calendar
- Email marketing
- Workflows
- Contracts
- Invoices
- Questionnaires
- Syncs with Quickbooks
Branding Photography Tools for Your Business
Style Board & Graphic Creation: Canva
Canva is a great tool to use in your photography business. I love to use Canva to create style boards for my clients. Style boards are a visual representation of coordinating color palettes with outfits. I also use Canva to create social media graphics, cover banners, and so much more.
Photography Website: Showit
Showit is a great option for a customizable website with the power of SEO to help get your content out in front of more potential clients.
Photography Blog: WordPress
I use Showit along with WordPress. I write my blog on WordPress, but the blog is hosted on Showit. For me, this has been such a powerhouse combination when it comes to style, features, and SEO visibility.
Marketing Photography Tools for Your Photography Business
Social Media Scheduling: Planoly
If you’re looking for a reliable scheduling tool for your Instagram, I highly recommend Planoly. I used this platform for many years, and also am currently using the free Meta Business Suite scheduler for Facebook.
Email Marketing: Flodesk
Flodesk is a great email marketing option for both beginner and advanced email marketers. I love the ease of use, the visual appeal of the emails, and the helpful tracking information.
Save 50% off your monthly Flodesk subscription signing up with this link.
Other Helpful Resources
Profit & Loss Tracker: Bookkeeping Buddy Profit/Loss Tracker from Numbers by Jen
You’ve got to keep an eye on the numbers in your business. Trackers help you know what’s coming in and what’s going out in your business on a monthly basis. And when you know your numbers, you can make better business decisions to help you hit your goals.
Camera Gear
Camera: Canon EOS R
Lens: 35 mm + 50 mm primarily
Camera Bag: Carleen Creative
I’m not a backpack fan and more of an oversized purse type gal.
Save $10 off with coupon code: JEFFERSON.
Client Closet
- Amazon
- Baltic Born
- Old Navy
- Target
- Lucky
- Local Boutiques
Guides
I recommend using PDF guides in your business to help prep your clients and communicate information You can shop pre-designed templates from Shop Brooke Jefferson.
Online shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopBrookeJefferson
Discover Your Favorite Photography Tools & Softwares
There are many great resources out there for you to choose from to help you simplify and grow your photography business. Do your research, test them out, and find what works best for you.
Want to connect? Discover all the ways you can work with me, and let’s grow!
