Photographers have unique needs that should be a part of the search for the best website builders for photographers.
With the finest website builder for photographers, you can construct your online portfolio. And that can spell the difference between gaining new clients and losing them.
Having your website allows individuals to easily browse your work and find photographs and subjects that interest them. No amount of curation on Instagram can provide that.
Listed below are the top website builders for photographers nowadays. No coding skills required: drag and drop to customize pre-built website layouts for photographers. However, if you know web design, several builders will enable you to edit the code to make changes. It’s all about what works for you.
Along with presenting your work, you should explore selling prints and other goods through the site. Do you want to submit password-protected galleries so that only specific individuals can see your work, preventing copyright theft?
Squarespace
Photography website builder Squarespace is finest currently. Despite not being aimed solely at photographers. As a result, it boasts the best range of stylishly basic, professional-looking themes available. So it’s the ideal approach for photographers to show their work online.
Squarespace’s stunning templates look great on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Other than photography, these are worth considering. Squarespace’s layouts are all designed to display large, high-quality photographs, so have a look at them all.
The drag-and-drop interface makes site building simple. Not as simple as some web builders (Wix is easier), but simple enough for non-techies to understand. We enjoy the pop-ups that appear when you hover over an area and that you don’t need any prior website development or coding skills.
Easy to use tools for adding a blog or an online store to sell your prints and photobooks, including 24/7 email support and live chat Monday to Friday (4am-8pm EDT). Squarespace is more expensive than many of its competitors, but we think it’s worth it if you want your work to stand out. See our Squarespace review and Squarespace vs Wix comparison for more.
Wix
Wix, like Squarespace, isn’t designed for photographers. A mass-market platform for all types of small companies. So why is it our runner-up best website builder for photographers?
It offers a good collection of easy-to-use photography themes at a low price. In addition, compared to Squarespace or Format, there are more choices for customization via third-party apps.
Wix ADI allows non-technical users to design a website without utilizing any templates (Artificial Design Intelligence). After asking you about your website’s goals, this tool leverages your social media data to build you a completely functional website. It’s not the most professional or appealing option.
Wix’s main selling point is its low price. You won’t want a free site with adverts and limited storage for an entire portfolio, but it could work for a simple calling card site with your contact information. More features and functionality can be added for a fee. Wix also provides phone support (through callback). See our complete Wix review for more.
Format
Format website builder that specializes entirely in photography. As a result, it offers many features that other website builders do not, especially for photographers who are always on the go.
The client-proofing system is the most useful. You can create password-protected client albums containing watermarked photographs. This is a fantastic time saver compared to email, Dropbox, or WeTransfer, and it’s also much more user-friendly for clients.
The ability to upload photographs directly from Lightroom or Capture One saves time. If you’re worried about copyright theft, you can disable right-click on your portfolio photographs to prevent unauthorized downloads. Adding an online store allows you to sell photo books, prints, Lightroom presets, and other products while on the go.
However, we ranked it third because we believe Squarespace still has the edge in template design and user-friendliness. Squarespace also has more business and eCommerce tools.
But it’s a close call. Format is undoubtedly the superior choice if features like client proofing and disabling right-click will help you run your business more efficiently.
SmugMug
SmugMug is also dedicated to the construction of photography portfolios.
Password-protected galleries, watermarking, the option to prevent right-click on photos, and a Lightroom plugin are all included. Its completely responsive layouts are stylish and professional, and there are plenty of eCommerce alternatives.
On the other hand, SmugMug’s interface is a little more challenging to use than Format’s. It’s also a shame that the complete variety of templates is only available on the more expensive plans. On the plus side, unlike Format, SmugMug has an app for both Android and iOS, allowing most phone users to manage their sites and upload new photographs while on the go.
Pixpa
Pixpa is mainly targeted at photographers, although it also includes designers, painters, and architects. Its user interface is a little clumsy at first, but it’s relatively simple to use once you get used to it. Its capacity to design bespoke mobile gallery apps for clients really sets it apart.
This amazing feature could help you earn more commissions as clients spend less time on desktop computers and more time on mobile phones. For example, in the case of wedding customers, you might even consider charging for it as an extra (see an example gallery here).
Pixpa also has solid connectivity with other programs like Google Analytics, MailChimp, Spotify, and some nice eCommerce tools like discount coupon generation. There are no payment processing fees (compared with, say, 3 percent to Squarespace). Pixpa also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 15-day free trial with no credit card required. You can also get a 50% discount if you’re a student.
Shopify
Your best bet may be to use Shopify to sell prints, photobooks, workshops, and other products straight from your photography website. Even if it isn’t the most visually pleasing option, setting up an online store is really simple.
Third-party apps can be used to integrate social networking sites such as Instagram and Facebook into a Shopify store. You can then make it easy for your followers to buy things they like if they see something they want. This means they’re more likely to purchase something from you.
Shopify provides a wide range of payment choices and several helpful marketing tools to aid in your self-promotion. However, because it is more expensive than other website builders, it is not the greatest choice for those who do not want eCommerce.
Zenfolio
If you’re working with significant amounts of photos, Zenfolio is a wonderful option because even its most basic plan provides infinite storage space for your images. As a result, you may upload albums and galleries in bulk without worrying about running out of storage space. The more expensive plans also include additional features designed specifically for school and event photographers, such as password-protected folders and the opportunity to include packaging and pre-orders for prints.
Zenfolio is a well-known name in the photography industry, and its UI is generally straightforward to navigate. You can have a professional-looking portfolio site up and running within minutes of signing up for a subscription or taking advantage of the 14-day free trial (which you can get without putting in any credit card information). The templates aren’t particularly eye-catching, and there aren’t many of them, but they’re entirely adequate.
You should avoid using Zenfolio if you anticipate needing to contact customer service regularly. Due to the lack of a phone number or live chat, if you require assistance, you must submit a form and wait for an email – average resolution times are indicated as four hours.
Do photographers need a website?
I think you mean what kind of a website builder you, as a photographer, need, not that if you need it.
A dedicated website is a way to go whether you want to acquire professional clients or merely show off your photographs to peers. It helps you present your work in an organized, categorized, and searchable manner. This allows consumers to find what they’re looking for quickly before becoming bored and moving on.
How do I choose a portfolio website builder?
First, decide whether you want to offer products like prints or workshop spaces via your website. If so, you’ll need eCommerce features, and Shopify is your best bet.
Second, assess how significant your website’s design is to you. A website builder with a decent selection of beautiful templates will help you achieve a sleek, minimalist design. Squarespace has well-designed templates for presenting large-format photography.
Third, consider how many photos you intend to submit. If it’s only a handful, any site builder will do. This is so much you’ll need many galleries with sub-folders and password protection. Best bets in this instance are Smugmug, Format, or Zenfolio.
Fourth, take into account your budget. However, Wix is free to use and offers basic layouts, whereas Squarespace charges a premium for super-slick templates.
