I’m a tech nerd. There. I admitted it. Reading about what apps for photographers are best has always been a habit of mine. So here’s to hoping you’re like me — and if not, feel free to stop reading now. ? Here are, (in my opinion,) the 7 apps every photographer should be using.
Oh, real quick– this pretty much goes without saying, considering literally everyone and their mother has an Instagram. BUT, if you’ve been living under a rock and don’t have an Instagram yet, get one. Because it’s free advertising and a social media portfolio all in one; and I’ve had a ton of inquiries from using this app the right way! (Using the right way = being consistent and actually posting at least 5-7x a week and utilizing the Instagram stories feature.)
I just couldn’t bring myself to add Instagram into the actual list of 7 apps, but I couldn’t not mention it – so there ya go. ?
1. Lightroom CC
The Lightroom CC app allows you to actually edit photos from your phone; while maintaining the same consistency of your professional edits! It’s seriously so legit. I don’t know what we were doing without it. If you already have your own presets you use, you can just export one of your photos from your desktop with the preset on it, save it as a .DNG, then Airdrop it to your iPhone, and import it into the Lightroom app, and BAM! You’re able to copy the edits from that image and paste onto any image you upload into the app!
Wondering what presets I use? Hands down my Mina Marlena Presets, (they come with both desktop and Lightroom mobile presets, as well as several tutorials and guides on how to use them and how to take even better photos in the first place!)
2. Unfold
Unfold allows you to create awesome IG stories of your recent sessions, new blog posts, or literally any info or photos you want to share!
Just drop your photos in, add some text (which you can totally customize,) and then save the entire thing as a story and upload it to IG! Done and done! It’s been such a fun way for me to share sneak peeks of sessions, (and I actually end up sharing more of my work on social because it’s so easy to make the stories!)
3. Planoly
Planoly has been a lifesaver when it comes to planning out my Instagram feed and prepping things before I post! (How we had cohesive, pretty Instagram feeds before apps like Planoly, I don’t know.)
You can write your captions inside the app along with your photos, and save them and set a reminder for when you want the posts to go live, and Planoly will remind you to post (or you can even allow it to post for you!)
Planoly has both an app and a desktop version, and I use both religiously! You can either use the free version (which I think caps you at 30 uploads per month, which is around one photo a day,) or you can pay for unlimited uploads. However, if you’re only planning on posting once a day, the free version is perfect!
4. Honeybook
Honeybook is the (client relationship manager,) CRM I use to manage my clients, photoshoots, and projects. It allows me to send contracts, invoices, proposals, pricing info, client questionnaires and all of my emails in beautifully organized workspaces. I seriously don’t know where I’d be without it.
In short, I LOVE it. It’s available on both desktop and in an app. The mobile app allows me to manage my business from the road when I’m traveling without skipping a beat!
If you want more info on Honeybook and a sneak peek into the entire back-end of my biz and exactly how I use it, hop over here! There’s a 50% off discount code for Honeybook and a special gift waitin’ inside that post, so don’t miss it! 😉
5. Sunseeker
Sunseeker is an app that allows you to see EXACTLY where the sun is going to be at any location, and at any given time.
You can even use the 3D view (which is like augmented reality,) and if you’re already at the location you’ll be shooting at, you can just place the camera on where you plan to shoot to see where the light will be; giving you the greatest chance of capturing the best light! I use this for every shoot when I’m planning the sunset/golden hour details out, and it never fails me!
6. Brain.fm
Sometimes I get distracted when I’m trying to work. Okay, a lot of times. ? Brain.fm is a radio app that plays music catered to specifically the task you’re trying to accomplish at the moment. (I’m using it right now to write this blog post!) ?✍?
It’s not just a concept, and it’s way different than just tuning into a youtube “focus” playlist. There are literally tons of case studies on why Brain.fm actually works and is 100% proven, and superior to other methods (like just playing classical music.)
There are 3 different categories: Focus, Relax, and Sleep. I’m typically just using focus, but I’m sure the others are great too! I use it most when I’m writing blog posts or copy for social media, and when I’m editing photos! It’s really changed the game for me and helped me maximize my productivity. Wanna try it out? Click here!
7. Trello
Trello is my task management software for literally everything in my business, and I love it! It has both an app and a desktop version, and I switch between them both super often. I primarily use Trello for the education side of my business (the stuff I create for you guys,) but I also keep a ton of my biz info in there so I can easily access it!
You can create boards for literally any project or workflow you have, in business or in personal life! Trello is totally free, and you can sign up here! There are options for upgrades, but you can do everything you need to on the free version! ??
I hope these apps supercharge your photography workflow like they do mine! Here’s to a fabulous, and super productive 2019! ??
Got any q’s? Drop ‘em below and I’ll be over here ready to serve ya with the best I got! ✍?
*Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I’d so appreciate it if you used ’em! Affiliate links help me continue to show up and serve you guys for free each week; so you really win in the end! ?
If you need help building, growing, and/or systemizing your photography business, totally reach out and book a free strategy call with me. Helping you flourish is what I do best. 😉
If ya liked this little gem, you’ll LOVE this guide on how to create a photography business with zero competition. (Cause that’s what we all want, right!?)
Wanna stick around and stay learnin’? I knew I liked ya. ?
Feel free to binge on these blog posts, or pin ’em on Pinterest for later! ??
If you’re short on time, follow me on Pinterest – and you’ll get these kinda tips delivered straight to your feed! You know… when you’re scrollin’ through Pinterest with coffee in hand, ready to take on the day… or, procrastinate.
Whatevs. Pinterest biz sesh, anybody!? ??
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