The following article contains affiliate links. Clicking those affiliate links doesn’t cost you anything, but it does help support me and helps me support companies I really stand behind. I will never work with a brand or showcase a product that I don’t personally use or believe in. Each company listed is an affiliate of Raven Shutley Studios — all my opinions are my own.
For Photographers
BUSINESS TOOLS FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Welcome to the ultimate resource hub for wedding and portrait photographers! Whether you’re an aspiring photographer looking to kickstart your career or a seasoned professional seeking to uplevel your skills and business, you’ve come to the right place. The following is a list of tools and programs that I absolutely swear by and adore, some with affiliate links and some without.
Everything below is something I actively use – or have recently used – every day in my wedding photography business! So give everything a try and see if they’re a good fit for you, as well.
I’ve carefully curated a selection of business recommendations tailored specifically to photographers like you: whether you’re looking for an efficient client relationship management system, game-changing editing software, or transformative education programs, I’ve got something for everyone.
Your success is my priority, and I’m excited to guide you toward the tools and knowledge that can take your photography business to new heights. Let’s go on this journey together!
SPROUT STUDIO: CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Sprout Studio is a game-changing client relationship management (CRM) system that offers a plethora of benefits to wedding and portrait photographers.
First and foremost, Sprout Studio simplifies the administrative side of your photography business. It’s an all-in-one platform that combines client management, scheduling, invoicing, and even contracts and questionnaires. This means you can spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on your creative work or out of the weeds and back into the artistry. With everything in one place, you’ll be more organized and efficient, increasing your productivity and profitability, not to mention the benefit to your clients!
One of the standout features of Sprout Studio is its client portal, and it’s absolutely one of my favorite things about Sprout. It’s so important to me that I have a place where my clients can go where they know they can find everything they need. This intuitive tool allows you to provide your clients with a personalized and professional experience. Your clients can access their photos, review contracts, make payments, and see documents you’re sharing.
They also offer a robust reporting system, email marketing campaigns, automated workflows, and so much more! Finally, my absolutely favorite thing about Sprout Studio is that they have excellent customer support and that they were built by photographers for photographers.
AFTERSHOOT: AI CULLING & EDITING
Aftershoot is a revolutionary AI culling and AI editing software that offers a wealth of benefits, making it an essential tool to have in your photography workflow.
I’ve truly loved being a part of Aftershoot since the beginning. I was a beta tester and I’ve stayed in close communication with the entire team since day one! They’re constantly working to improve the experience of the users and how it works for us, which I am so grateful for.
To start with, Aftershoot significantly speeds up the culling process. I cannot begin to explain what a game-changer this has been for me in my business. The time it has saved me has been tremendous! And the machine doesn’t get the final say, of course: I’m still going through in the final editing stage and maybe choosing a few extra images or tossing out a few the AI had chosen. Nothing is permanent and it’s constantly learning from you, also! BUT it’s absolutely saving me hours of effort in that area.
After you go through the culling, it’s time for the AI-powered editing: adjusting exposure, color balance, and sharpness to perfection. I consider this the first pass, this also isn’t going to be my final look. But it evens everything out and takes care of any tedious changes/updates for me so I can skip straight to presets and final touches!
THE ABUNDANCE PLAN: EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Abundance Plan by KT Merry is a transformative education program designed to empower entrepreneurs from all walks of life, with a particular focus on its immense value for wedding and portrait photographers.
I cannot begin to explain what a life-changing experience I’ve had as a part of The Abundance Plan by KT Merry. It’s truly beyond words and I’ve been shocked time and time again at the complete quantum leaps I’ve taken mentally alone, not to mention the ones I’ve taken in my business. Everything, from the way I view my client experience to the mindset shifts I’ve made on a personal level, has been truly transformative.
Within the plan, you’ll find masterful business strategies, creative excellence and growth as an artist & creative, personal growth & mindset, community & networking {one of my favorite aspects}, and a lifetime access to updates.
The Abundance Plan by KT Merry offers an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially wedding and portrait photographers, to thrive in their businesses and craft. Don’t miss the chance to transform your photography career and embark on a journey toward abundance and success with The Abundance Plan.
WAITLIST OPENING SOON!
LIGHTROOM PRESETS
Presets make editing weddings and portrait sessions so much easier and help you get consistent results across your work! I’m excited to introduce you to three exceptional collections that can truly transform your editing process and help you achieve stunning results, especially if you’re jaded about all the hundreds and thousands of subpar presets out there.
ZAUBERCHROMA BY JIDE ALAKIJA
This set of presets is one of the first professional ones I purchased and I loved it for a couple of specific reasons: bright bold colors, true-to-life and true-to-color style, and black & white presets developed by a Black man using photos of other Black people. I knew these presets would work well on my clients of color, unlike so many other presets out there, which are only developed for white clients. Even though I no longer use the color presets from this set, I absolutely love the black & whites for everyone and continue using them to this day!
https://dvlop.com/shop/jide-alakija/zauberchroma
MARY COSTA BY KINDRED
My next favorite set is a little softer than the Jide presets, but no less bright and colorful! The Mary Costa Collection from Kindred Presets is a remarkable set with a focus on timeless elegance and lots of colorful Palm Springs vibes.
https://kindredpresets.com/the-mary-costa-collection
KT MERRY BY REFINED
Lastly, my current favorite, the KT Merry Presets by Refined. No surprise here, these dreamy film-style presets are the latest thing from KT that I’m enamored of and I really love the quality they bring to my photos. There’s an element of grain and softness without losing any of that color and true-to-life look that makes up my personal style.
