Recommended Photographer Tools (and referral codes!) - Kalen Jesse Photography Co.
- Kalen J Acquisto
- Nov 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
INTRO
Running a successful photography business requires more than just talent behind the lens—it demands the right tools to create a seamless experience for clients, whether they’re families, wedding couples, brands, nonprofits, or companies. From managing workflows to delivering high-quality results and showcasing creative work, having a reliable toolkit makes all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve honed my process with resources that help me stay organized, efficient, and inspired. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro looking to elevate your business, I’m excited to share some of the top tools I rely on daily, like Pixieset and Usession for managing workflows, or Lightroom and Photoshop for editing. These essentials allow me to focus on what truly matters: telling authentic stories through photography.
1. Pixieset: Streamlined Client Galleries and More
Pixieset is a game-changer for photographers. It provides a professional and polished way to deliver client galleries. Clients love its user-friendly interface for viewing, downloading, and ordering prints. Plus, it’s great for photographers too!
Why I Love It:
Simple and elegant gallery design.
Integrated store for print and product sales.
Easy to share with clients, saving time on back-and-forth communication.
If you're looking for a solution that simplifies file delivery while wowing clients, Pixieset is it.
2. Usession: Effortless Client Scheduling
Usession is my go-to for client scheduling. Wedding season gets busy, and juggling appointments can become a challenge without the right tool. Usession helps streamline the booking process for both me and my clients.
Why I Love It:
Automates scheduling so I can focus on shooting and editing.
Reduces the stress of coordinating multiple sessions and consultations.
Customizable options to reflect my brand style.
It’s a great way to keep things professional and organized, ensuring every client feels prioritized.
3. Instagram: Free Marketing for Photographers
Instagram isn’t just for pretty pictures—it’s a powerful (and free!) marketing tool. This platform is where I showcase my work, connect with potential clients, and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process.
Tips for Success:
Post consistently to keep your audience engaged.
Share your personality in stories and reels.
Yes, the algorithm makes it tricky to reach a TON of people, but if you geotag and use appropriate hashtags, its worth using the FREE platform to connect with great-fit leads
The visual nature of Instagram makes it the perfect platform for photographers - take advantage of this big, accessible community
4. Unum App: Plan and Perfect Your Feed
Unum is my secret weapon for curating a cohesive Instagram feed. As a visual storyteller, I want my feed to reflect the same attention to detail as my photography.
Why I Love It:
Allows me to plan posts in advance and see how they’ll look in my grid.
Helps ensure a cohesive aesthetic for my brand.
Offers tools like scheduling and caption storage to streamline my workflow.
With Unum, my Instagram feed stays polished and professional.
Message me for a referral link
5. Lightroom and Photoshop: Essential Adobe Editing Tools
No photographer’s toolkit is complete without Lightroom and Photoshop. These Adobe programs are industry staples for editing and retouching photos to perfection.
Why I Love Them:
Lightroom is perfect for batch editing and adjusting tones to reflect my style.
Photoshop allows me to handle detailed retouching for those magical final touches.
Both programs ensure my work looks its absolute best, delivering the quality my clients expect.
Pro Tip: Develop a set of presets in Lightroom to keep your editing style consistent and save time during post-production.
5. Canva: Design Made Simple
Canva is a versatile tool my assistant and I use for creating everything from Pinterest graphics to marketing materials.
Why I Love It:
Perfect for designing Pinterest graphics that drive traffic to my website.
Easy to create ads for gallery sales, like Black Friday promotions.
Great for updating client-facing PDFs with polished, professional designs.
It’s user-friendly, free, and produces beautiful results—perfect for quick, professional-quality designs.
*Have a favorite tool that didn’t make the list? Let’s chat—I’m always looking for new ways to innovate!
(Written by Kalen Jesse)
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