13 Must-Haves for Your Photo Business Toolkit
At the beginning of Lele & Beane Photography, I knew nothing about running a business! Fast forward and I have a 6 figure business in just 5 years. I’m so excited to share all the tools I use on a daily basis.
Squarespace
In my opinion - the best all-in-one website platform builder in the world. I’ve been using Squarespace for over 7 + years because of its ease of use, built-in templates, scheduling integration, blogging capability, built-in SEO optimization, branded email & domain name control, built-in analytics, shop capability, smartphone apps to manage your website on the go, and SO much more!
I love it so much that I design Squarespace websites on the side for creative entrepreneurs! Need a website? Reach out here.
Acuity Scheduling
It’s no secret that I love simplicity in my business. Acuity Scheduling is my favorite app because it allows my clients to choose a date on my calendar, pay their deposit, fill out forms, sign contracts, then book their session in one fair swoop! AND it sends text & email reminders automatically. It’s synched to my Google Calendar and Quickbook accounts so that scheduling is in real-time and taxes are a breeze! If you can’t tell — it’s my favorite!!!
Adobe Lightroom Classic
There’s way over one million images that I’m sorting through every year in my photography business. Adobe Lightroom Classic is my go-to editing software to help me batch edit my sessions in a timely & organized manner. I pay for the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan for all my photo needs.
This is also where I use my Sweetbay Presets, see here!
Dropbox Business
I would not be able to operate my photo business without Dropbox! I have the advanced business plan so that I never run out of space so that I can confidently back up every image I’ve ever taken in my business!
Pic-Time
This is the platform I chose for all of my online client galleries! I love the beautifully clean design interface as well as how easy it is for my clients to view, download, and share their images. There’s also a built-in storefront for gallery guests to order high-quality print products, making it my favorite gallery platform by far!
Canva
Don’t get me wrong, I love all the Adobe programs. But Canva has them all beat on allowing entrepreneurs an extremely user-friendly drag-and-drop platform to create consistent branded material (digital or print) for your business. You create business cards, logos, presentations, purchase stock images, and more!
Katelyn James Education
As a creative entrepreneur, I believe that no matter what, we must NEVER stop learning. Katelyn James is a high-end wedding & family photographer that I’ve looked up to for years. She has online courses where you become her virtual second shooter for her wedding days, engagement sessions, and more! I would not be where I am today without her trainings!
The Contract Shop
Not many people find out about the legal side of their business until something goes wrong. Thankfully, I heard about this one while listing to one of my favorite podcasters, Jenna Kutcher. The Contract Shop is an online database of contract templates and legal paperwork templates so you can skip the expensive attorney.
Quickbooks Self-Employed
This is my automated accounting tracker that knows exactly what I’m doing and where I’ve been! Haha. Sounds creepy. But it essentially tracks all of my payments, keeps track of when I travel, as well as all of my expenses. When tax season comes around, it’s a breeze! I pay for the Self-Employed account monthly and use it mostly on my iPhone.
JPEG Mini
This app does wonders as your share your content on your website and social media platforms! If I upload super large, high-quality files onto my website, it will actually slow down the function of the website making it not only difficult for potential clients to view your work, but it also lessons your SEO ranking on google.
Planoly
Social Media. It’s a must-have for any online business, and Planoly helps me stay organized with scheduled posts so that I can let my social feeds work on autopilot!
Pixel
From the many hours on end that I work at the computer screen, these babies help my eyes stay clear free from eye strain as it blocks any harmful blue-light rays from your computer screen. You don’t need to be a creative entrepreneur for this one - but anyone in an office setting!
BOXFOX
Need to send a last-minute gift, thank you, or just want something to pamper yourself? I love BOXFOX because I can customize gift boxes with beautiful, intentional products!
There you have it! Take your time and go through all of these resources. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment or reach out! I love trying to be as available as possible for other photographers starting out their own businesses!
