NO CATCH, JUST THE GOOD STUFF.
Resources for Photographers
My Best Freebies for a Smarter Photo Biz
Actually useful stuff, because freebies shouldn’t just sit in your downloads folder.
Guide
GET MORE GOOGLE REVIEWS
Turn happy clients into 5-star reviews that help you show up higher and book more.
Templates
GET more returning clients
Email templates that make your communication smoother and your clients happier.
Checklist
My favorite photography business technology
THE TOOLS THAT MAKE MY BUSINESS HAPPY
Disclosure: I only share products that I use and believe will help you run a better photography business. If you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission—in some cases, you’ll get a discount, too!
CRM / CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Honeybook
If your booking process is a six-email ordeal, it’s time to start acting like a pro.
There’s a learning curve, like anything, but you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Use this link to get 25% off your first year of Honeybook.
Fave features
- One-step booking workflow—package, contract, deposit in one!
- Automations—send emails automagically to prep clients.
- Client experience—Smooth and easy for your clients.
This blog has more details.
AI-POWERED EDITING
EVOTO.ai
You don’t have to learn Photoshop to be an amazing editor. Evoto is here to save the daaaaaaay!
I use Evoto’s one-click fixes for acne, flyaway hairs (!!!), and skin retouching, but the options for double chins, eye bags, teeth whitening, and GLASSES GLARE (omg) are game changers.
Use promo code EvotoLydia to get 15% off your first subscription.
Pros
- Free to try, so you can see your edits before paying
- Affordable pricing—5 to 10 cents per photo
- Accepts RAW, Lightroom catalogs, TIFFs or JPEGs
GALLERIES AND PRODUCT SHOP
Shootproof
Truth: No tool in this space is amazing. And trust me, I’ve checked them all. Gallery software world is ready for someone to come in and really disrupt the shit out of it.
Right now, my top pick is Shootproof, and CloudSpot is my runner-up. I love Cloudspot, but there’s one big feature I need before I can switch. Check out my honest review of Cloudspot vs Shootproof.
Get started with Shootproof.
Pros
- Customize with your fonts and colors.
- Super flexible discounts.
- Automated emails for gallery visitors; big booster for sales!
- No commissions—keep 100%.
See my rundown of Shootproof pros and cons.
CLOUD BACKUP
Backblaze
Being entrusted with someone’s photos is a huge honor. You’re responsible for protecting the images as they go from camera to client. It’s too important a job to take chances with.
That’s where Backblaze comes in. Sleep well knowing your images are backed up to the cloud.
Get started with Backblaze with one month free.
Pros
- Cloud backup that runs in the background.
- Backs up external hard drives, too!
- Restoring files is super easy.
EMAIL MARKETING PLATFORM
Kit, aka ConvertKit
I resisted an email platform for a looooong time, but booking one client from an email pays for the entire year and then some.
I used Flodesk before, but my open rates tanked because my emails were going to the Gmail Promotions folder (where emails go to die).
Kit’s email builder is just as easy to use, and their segmentation and analytics are more powerful. Warning: it’s a steep learning curve, so this one is for tech-savvy folks.
Save 50% off your first year of Kit.
Pros
- Great drag-and-drop email builder.
- Ultra flexible sign-up forms that can be embedded right in your website in multiple ways.
In my gear bag...
MY PHOTO SESSION RIDE-OR-DIES
THE WORKHORSE
Canon R6 Mark II
A solid upgrade from the Canon R6, which I used from 2021 to 2024, the autofocus is even better than its predecessor (I didn’t know that was possible, but it is). The R6Mkii is one smooth operator and a must-have in my pro camera bag.
THE GLASS
Canon RF 28-70mm
A zoom lens that can hold a 2.0 aperture ALL THE WAY OUT to the end of its focal length is like a unicorn. I’ve tried to go back to other lenses, but I can’t quit The Monster. A word of warning: this puppy’s heavy, but worth the weight.
WHERE YOU’VE HEARD ME
Talking ’bout marketing, systems, tech, SEO, and growing a business on podcasts I love.
Listen
Blogs for Photogs
Do part-time photographers need a CRM?
(Yes. You do.) I’ll explain why and spell out the most critical pieces you need to have in place as a part-time photographer.
My favorite business technology tools for photographers
It takes a lot of technology to run a photography business ultra-efficiently. I’ll share my favorite tech tools, and what makes them great.
Being a part-time photographer (and primary breadwinner, too)
It seems like all the stories I hear about part-time photographers are folks who are trying to quit their 9-to-5. So what about the rest of us?