Updated November, 2024
Running a photography business is HARD WORK. Especially when you’re just get started; you are learning how to work your camera in manual mode, how to pose people, how to light your subject, how to edit, how to backup your photos, how to run a business, how to do your own bookkeeping, how to create marketing graphics, how to price yourself, how to pay yourself, and the list goes on and on. That’s why I decided to compile a list of what I found to be the best photography business tools.
After years running a photography business all by myself, I’ve made lots of mistakes, and I’ve learned a few things by trial and error. But, I believe entrepreneurs should always be learning and growing. If you’d like a peek inside some of the resources that brought me to where I am today, I’ve listed a few of my favorites below. My business wouldn’t be where it is today without them.
Please note that some links are affiliate links where I earn commission if you purchase. However, I only share products and resources that I truly wholeheartedly recommend.
Photography Gear and Tools
What’s in my camera bag? I always carry my regular camera and my backup camera. My mirrorless is my go-to, but I still love my full frame DSLR that I got years ago. I also still use lots of my full-frame lenses on my mirrorless camera with the help of a lens adapter.
Cameras
- My Main Camera #1 (Mirrorless) – Nikon Z 8 Mirrorless Camera
- My Main Camera #2 (Mirrorless) – Nikon Z 6ii Mirrorless Camera
- My Backup Camera (Full Frame) – Nikon D750 DSLR
- Lens Adapter (for using your regular lenses with your mirrorless camera)
- Polaroid Camera – Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera with Film and Case
Lenses
mirrorless camera lenses for everything
- NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8
- NIKON NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8
- NIKON NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S (the portrait GOAT)
full frame camera lenes
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
- Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
- Tamron 24-70mm F/2.8 for Nikon
Fun Cameras
- Film Camera – Pentax K1000
- Film for Film Camera – KODAK GOLD 200 Film
- Polaroid Camera – Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera (technically Fujifilm, not Polaroid)
- Film for Polaroid Camera – FUJIFILM Instax Mini Instant Film (again, Fujifilm, not polaroid, but everybody knows instant cameras as polaroid cameras).
Other Accessories
- Camera Strap – C Coiro Dual Camera Harness (although I am in the market for an even better one this year)
- Speaker (I clip it to my camera bag and take it to every shoot with me) – EBODA Portable Speaker
- Camera Bag – Shimoda Explore v2 30 Women’s
- Reflector – Neewer 43″ 5 in 1 Foldable Reflector
- Battery and Memory Card Case – Waterproof Lynca Case
- External Hard Drive Case – ProCase Hard Drive Case
- Polaroid Camera Case – Khanka Hard Travel Case Replacement for Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
- Portable Stool – Boreeman Upgraded Folding Stool (because I’m 5’2″)
- Starburst Filter – Sedremm Compatible with 82mm Star Filter 3 Pieces
Data Storage and Memory Cards
- NAS Data Storage Unit – Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS423 (my big boy)
- NAS Data Storage Hard Drives – Synology HAT3300 4TB Plus (for the big boy)
- Portable External Harddrive – SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB
- CFexpress Cards – ProGrade Digital Type B 2.0 Memory Card (Cobalt) (use this link for 15% off)
- SD Cards – ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (use this link for 15% off)
- CFexpress and SD Card Reader – CFexpress Type B and SDXC UHS-II Dual-slot Card Reader (use this link for 15% off)
Editing Tools
Editing is like the cherry on top of a good photo. I’ve wasted lots of time and money on presets and special effects that I thought I would love, but didn’t work well with my photos, or needed a ton of tweaking after applying them. All presets need a bit of tweaking, but I’ve found the ones below to need the least effort and give results similar to my artistic vision.
- Culling Software – Narrative Select
- Presets – Archipeligo Presets
When you choose a preset and start editing with it for a while, I highly recommend making your own presets out of it. That’s the best way to start creating your own signature style that nobody else has!
Organization Tools
Let’s be honest, I have ADHD and I’m a hot mess 99% of the time. My business only stays afloat because I keep myself very organized. I use multiple organizational tools for different purposes. Client workflows are organized in my CRM (client relationship management software), whereas client meetings are organized in Calendly. I organize my projects (like creating new guides and business updates) in Notion, and project files are organized in Google Drive so they can be easily shared if needed. I’m also a ‘write it down’ kind of person so I love the goal setting tools and daily to do list in the Full Focus Planner.
- CRM (20% off with my referral link)- Dubsado
- Note Taking App – Notion
- Project Management – Notion
- Daily Planner – Full Focus Planner
- File Organization – Google Drive
- Client Scheduling – Calendly
- Blogging Software – Narrative Publish
Business Tools
Running a photography business is about 20% photography and 80% business. For the most part, each business aspect requires a different resource. Below are some of the business tools that I use daily in my business.
- Gallery and Print Sales – Pic-Time (use code DHMHUK for one free month)
- Album Creation – Album Stomp
- Email Marketing – ConvertKit
- Contracts – The Law Tog and The Legal Paige
- Website Design – Z Squared Studio
- Website Platform – ShowIt (use my link for one free month)
- Graphics Creation – Canva
- Facebook and Instagram Scheduling – Sked Social
- Pinterest Scheduling – Tailwind (use my link for $15 credit)
Education I love
I am a FIRM believer in investing in your education. I am constantly learning and growing. I’ve found some education with a lot of fluff, but the photography education listed below is worth it’s weight in gold. There are A LOT of photography education resources out there, these are just the educators and resources that have resonated with me, but your learning style and photography style may be different and so they may not resonate with you.
Business Education
Boudoir Education
Elopement and Wedding Workshops
- Let’s Go Workshop (not currently active, but I hope they make a comeback!)
- Basecamp Northwest
- Elope Academy
Elopement and Wedding Education
- Thrive: The Business of Unconventional Weddings and Elopements
- The ART of Adventure Weddings and Elopements
- How to Leave No Trace for Wedding and Elopement Photographers
Podcasts I love
Maybe it’s because I’m over 30, but I love a good podcast. I’ve found some really useful information and motivation from these podcasts.
- Hello CEO with Alora Rachelle
- Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
- The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher
- The Six Figure Photography Podcast with Ben Hartley
- Make Your Break with Jai Long
- The Intentional Branding Podcast with Rizza Marvel (I’m a guest speaker too!)
- Dangerous Creatives Podcast with Kristin Sweeting
- Passion with Purpose with Nathan Chanski
- This Can’t Be That Hard with Annemie Tonken
Business Books I love
Ok, so I’m more of an audiobook gal. Running a business and a household leaves little time for reading, and when I do read I prefer a good sci-fi fantasy novel. However, I highly suggest you dig into the following books whether you read them or listen to them. There are some great ones on business, money, manifestation, habits, and just feeling like a badass!
- Get rich lucky bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
- Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
- Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas
- Girl, Wash your face by Rachel Hollis
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
- The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
I hope you found this resource list to be helpful. If you can think of any other helpful resources that I missed, please comment below! I’m always looking for ways to improve and simplify my process!
