When it comes to a photography business there are a lot of tools that help me keep things running smoothly (besides a camera and lenses).
As I have said many times in the past, taking photographs is the least time-consuming part of the job. Many more hours are spent in front of the computer juggling multiple systems and processes.
I am constantly trying to review my workflow and see if it can be better streamlined. It’s a never-ending task but I’m at a stage where I am largely happy with the software and systems I use to keep everything moving efficiently.
Here are the main tools I depend on to keep everything ticking over, whether I am on a shoot or not.
Adobe Lightroom
An obvious place to start but with good reason! Lightroom is slow, cumbersome and hangs at the least convenient times but I love it nonetheless.
It has been my editing software of choice since I started my business. It’s intuitive, clear and just a comfortable and creative space to work in.
And it’s not only its editing capabilities that make it the industry standard software. The file management system and tools that help with filtering, culling and finding images – whilst not perfect – make my life so much easier.
I have to admit I am a fan of Google products and rely on them for helping me out when on the road / away from my desk.
Google Drive is vital for storing templates and other documentation for corresponding with clients. It enables me to remain in touch, supply information, provide estimates and invoice when on the move.
I also use Sheets to help plan and strategise my social media and blog posts for the year and Documents is great for jotting down ideas, noting shoot locations, ideas for poses – just about anything that pops into mind.
It’s not high-tech or over-engineered and that is what I like most. It serves its main function brilliantly: removing dependency from my desk.
Backblaze
When it comes to image security, cloud-based back-up is essential.
I’ve been using Backblaze for several years now and I love it. It behaves how all good back-up services should behave: quietly and reliably.
I can get on with my work while it does the job of backing up and syncing my files. I can choose how hard it works, point it to what I need backing-up and recovering files is as simple as a matter of clicks.
With unlimited storage and a model based around working unobtrusively in the background, it takes all the anxiety out of file security. It just works.
Pixieset
Back in the day I would DropBox final images to clients. Shocking, I know! Discovering Pixieset was a game-changer.
I primarily use it for creating client galleries for delivering proofs and final selections. It allows for bespoke designs and includes numerous features that are well thought-out from a client’s perspective, e.g. the ability to favourite and / or comment on images.
Uploading and downloading is straightforward and the galleries are secure. I’ve often received feedback from clients as to how impressive the galleries are.
Calendly
It’s not especially glamorous and a good example of function over style but I do have a soft-spot for Calendly.
I was a late-comer to using it but since incorporating it into my website and allowing consultations to be booked directly, it has saved so much time.
No more back and forth email exchange over days trying to find a mutually convenient time. With so many options to tailor your availability it has made my life so much easier and significantly reduced my time spent on emails.
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What tools do you consider essential for your own business? Comment below!