My Photography Tools
As I launch my education options this week, I wanted to provide a reference piece to the fellow photography lover. All of the recommendations are based on my currently utilized programs or tools in my own business or home. Links in the post below may result in a small commission to me, but are promoted because of my own belief in the products!
For the Photographer
My Camera – Canon EOS R6, I went mirrorless this year and I have not looked back. I absolutely love this camera. I still have my Canon 5D Mark IV as a second camera, but I am not sure I will ever shoot a session on that camera again after using the R6.
Fave Lens – For a hot minute there, my favorite lens was the Canon 24-70mm F2.8 but this year I shot almost every session with my Canon 85mm F1.2. The pictures were truly that much better, even if I had to back away from everyone a lot. I still carry both lenses on me to every session but the majority of the time my 85mm 1.2 lived on the camera. (both links are to the RF which is the lens for a mirrorless camera)
Over the years I have used so many tools in my business and I am here to tell you the ones that I love the best and fit my purposes the best.
Website:
ShowIt– I am new to using this as a web platform but I have loved using it for the last 6 months. The blog tools are easy to use and the ability to create the exact design you want is really great in this platform. Cember Studio is who designed my website and I will mention this below, but if you are looking to up your brand design they are really so great to work with.
Brand + Website design:
Cember Studio – Working with Kelsea and Mollie on my branding and website was so easy plus the results are fabulous! Kelsea works so hard to create a design that directly reflects your goals for business, your style and the desired outcome of a rebrand. I will not even pretend to love website design, it overwhelms me and that makes me love and appreciate what Mollie did for my website even more!!
CRM
Dubsado – I have used a few different ones including honeybook and this is the one that is most aligned with my needs. If you are wanting a mostly one and done service, this fits it very well in my opinion. I cannot keep up with my invoicing without this product and it keeps me on track with scheduling and backside business items. If you decide you want to sign up, use link here to get 20% off first month!
Photo Delivery
Pixieset – Like above, I have used a lot of image delivery services over the years and this is by far my favorite system. The look of it is professional on the client side of things. The photographer side is also very easy to utilize and create systems that are automatic with each gallery upload.
E-Mail Marketing
FloDesk – Yes, you should pay for a service like this. The system is very much superior to every other email platform I have seen. Email design is simplified and looks beautiful. Use the link here and get 50% off your first year!
Personal Favorites
Planning – My favorite planner that I use for home and work, is the Simplified Planner. I have used this one for a number of years and I think I have finally found “my” planner. Currently using the Dapper Desk Daily Planner, school year edition. Since I still have school aged children, this is how my brain thinks and plans best. Plus the new designs launch in May, so I am a sucker for buying during that launch!
Photo Printing – For my own prints that are in my home, I use the professional lab that is also available through all of my galleries on my site. However, my mom likes to print her own pictures still and to avoid the Walgreens quality I only let her buy from Mpix.com. They are the best quality I have seen outside of a professional lab.
My family photo albums + photo gifts – All of my iPhone images are sent to Artifact Uprising for album printing. Also, my favorite gift for family members is the calendar from their site. They are beautiful and you can just buy the refills each year.
