Tools & Programs I Use in My Photography Business

For Photographers

Jun 27

Hey photographer! If you’re anywhere like I was and you feel like your business is running you, it’s time to make some changes! This blog post is one I’ve wanted to create for awhile as a roadmap for beginner photographers. There are so many tools and programs that I use to help me run my photography business and I truly believe I couldn’t operate successfully without them! When I first started my photography business, there were a lot of things that I thought I could do without but since utilizing these tools and programs, it has not only helped to organize my workflow but I also feel like I have both my freedom and time back. The best part of all, it allows for more time to do what I truly love which is connect with and photograph couples!

Below is a list of the tools and programs that I use in my business as a photographer. As a bonus for you, I’ve also added in some discount codes for you to get started!

Pic Time

Pic-time is the gallery delivery system that I use to send my clients their galleries. I’ve tried other gallery delivery programs but Pictime was by far the most customizable and it was incredibly easy to set up. I love that I’m able to set my own pricing for the store while still allowing my clients to order high quality prints, products and/or albums. Not only does it look really professional but my favorite part is how easy it makes it for my clients to download and save their images. If you're interested in trying out Pictime, use code PB2R39 and get one month FREE when you sign up for a paid plan!

Honeybook

If you haven’t heard me rave about Honeybook yet, here it comes. I invested in Honeybook as my first client communication management system. (CRM) Prior to using Honeybook, I was physically printing off contracts for my couples to sign. Honeybook is so customizable and it allows you to save templates and create and schedule emails. I send contracts and invoicing well as collect payments! It also connects directly to your calendar and tracks your time and expenses. Honeybook has truly been one of the greatest investments that I’ve made in my business and I feel so organized and on top of things because of it. Get your first year of Honeybook for 50% off by using my discount code here.

Photo Mechanic

A good post processing system starts with Photo Mechanic. Long gone are the days of importing every single image into Lightroom and then waiting for your images to load. Photo Mechanic ingests your images directly onto your hard drive (and backs them up). Using the star rating system makes it so easy to then import your final selected photos into Lightroom. Culling has never been easier or faster since using Photo Mechanic. The best part is, it’s a one-time investment. Read more about it here.

Lightroom

The program that I use to edit my images is Adobe Lightroom. You can import presets and/or create your own. Using the star rating system by Lightroom is how I organize my files and create catalogs. There are so many helpful tutorials on how to get started. The mobile app also allows you to edit your images on the go! I always joke that Lightroom is where the magic happens but it’s true! Lightroom helps me take my images to the next level. Read more about it here.

Planoly

Planoly might be one of the best apps I’ve discovered for posting images to social media! I used to be someone who was glued to their phone and social media. I would wait for the right time to post or even worse, I would have no caption and no goal in mind when I went to post which made one post take way longer than it should. Planoly makes it easy for me to dump photos in, see the way that my feed looks and then schedule your posts in advance! If you want to learn more about Planoly and it’s features, check out the link here.

Flodesk

Flodesk is the program that I use to design and send emails to my email list. Not only can you upload your own branding, but it’s easy to create templates to use again and again. Flodesk stores your list of subscribers. They also have multiple forms that you can use to make it easy for your followers to opt in. You can automate emails as well as set up an email chain to send emails automatically to your subscribers. Get started with Flodesk by using my discount code here!

SCRL

I recently discovered SCRL and it’s been a game changer for my Instagram posts! I always struggle with choosing only 10 images to post but with SCRL, it allows you to post multiple images across the same slide. They have pre-designed templates that make it easy to input your photos and export directly to Instagram! If you’re looking to level up your Instagram game then SCRL is what you’ve been looking for. Read more about it here!

Calendly

No more printing calendars from Google and writing your bookings down on paper. Introducing Calendly! Using Calendly has been huge for my business as it allows me to schedule my clients into my calendar using a program. You can set custom hours for certain days or book entire days off altogether. The best part is, the app lets you keep track of your bookings on your phone and your clients get email reminders prior to their session date! You can also set multiple events. For example, a full session at 60 minutes versus a marathon of mini sessions at 30 minutes. To help streamline the booking process for your clients, check out Calendly through this link here!

Google Drive

I was hesitant to add this one here but I’m quite sure that Google Drive is one of the most overlooked parts of my business. Google Drive stores all of my PDF’s, blog posts, guides, content planning, logos and so much more! I pay for extra drive space every month but it’s such a peace of mind for me knowing that there’s a place to store all of the ideas that run through my head. I always have a note on the go in Drive including quarterly planning, weekly goals, and so much more! Best of all, it connects with my Gmail so I feel like I have everything in one place! Check it out here.

It can be overwhelming to determine what programs to use, especially when you’re first starting out. My biggest piece of advice for someone whose just beginning is to invest in a CRM like Honeybook and add the rest on as you grow your business (income and clientele). I hope that if you’re not already using these programs that you can find a way to implement them into your business! I couldn’t do what I do without these programs. They have given me so much of my time back in my business and for that, I’m so thankful.

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Madison Casavant https://www.madisonmarie.ca