As a photographer, you know that the most important thing to showcase to any potential client is your portfolio of work. It’s essential then to have an online presence that displays your talents in an attractive way that immediately sells your skills to a potential buyer. While there are many website builders out there, not all truly highlight visual media like photographs or videos in the way that they deserve. It’s vital that you use a website builder that considers the needs of photographers and other creative types so that you (and your visitors) get the best experience.
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What do you need to look for though? Is it worth spending more on premium services or will a more general website-building experience help? Read on, and we’ll help explain what to look for when buying a website builder for your photography and recommend excellent options for different budgets and skill levels.
Why do I need a specific website builder?
If you’re running a photography business or planning on becoming a professional photographer, your images look fantastic, right? You want them to look just as beautiful online, and you want to be able to showcase them clearly and attractively. Many website builders are great for general purposes, but not all do an excellent job of highlighting a creative portfolio, such as the kind that a photographer would need. They also might not be able to protect your images from theft.
There’s also the small matter of complexity. Sure, you’re great with a camera, but do you know how to design a website? Many website builders aimed explicitly at photographers appreciate that you have a creative eye. You might not be technically proficient in website design, so they offer simple drag-and-drop tools, so your work looks as great as it deserves.
What should I look for in a website builder, as a photographer?
As a photographer looking for a great portfolio site for your work, you want a website builder that looks attractive. Some websites provide relatively flat designs or designs that look a bit too much like other websites. Neither is attractive when showcasing your work. A website builder explicitly aimed towards photographers can provide a unique touch that your potential clients won’t already see everywhere. You’ll notice we’ve included some general website builders, and that’s because they provide features that are ideal for a photographer.
Before you dive in, consider what your budget is and what you’re looking for. Do you just need somewhere to showcase your wares, or do you want a site that allows you to make online sales through it? This can drastically change both the price of your plan and the best option for you. In all cases, we’ve made sure to pick out website builders that are simple to use and provide attractive results.
BEST OVERALL
Wix
One of the most straightforward website builders out there, Wix also works well for photographers thanks to some relevant features.
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Combo: $13/month
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Unlimited: $17/month
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Pro: $22/month
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VIP: $39/month
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Free trial: 14 days
BEST FOR VISUAL STYLE
Squarespace
A very popular website builder that also has excellent features for photographers.
BEST FOR SIMPLICITY
Format
A clean and straightforward portfolio site that’s ideal for speed.
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Pro: $12/month
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Pro Plus: $18/month
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Unlimited: $25/month
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Free trial: 14 days
BEST FOR EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zenfolio
With a focus on making it easy for existing customers to access your work, Zenfolio won’t be for everyone, but it’s certainly useful for some.
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Starter Plan: $5/month
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Pro Plan: $20/month
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Advanced Plan: $30/month
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Free Trial: 14 days
BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
PhotoShelter
A growing name in the business, PhotoShelter offers some attractive results for a price.
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Basic: $10/month
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Standard: $25/month
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Pro: $45/month
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Free trial: 14 days
BEST BUDGET OPTION
Carbonmade
Simple to use with basic features, Carbonmade will make your images look great.
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Beginner: $8/month
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Pro: $12/month
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Expert: $18/month
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Free trial: Unlimited
BEST FOR PHOTO SECURITY
SmugMug
With useful security tools and unlimited storage, SmugMug is a good bet for a portfolio site.
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Basic: $7/month
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Power: $11/month
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Portfolio: $27/month
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Pro: $41.99/month
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Free trial: 14 days
