My Ten Essentials as A Colorado Wedding + Portrait Photographer / Videographer

From online programs to the physical items I use to actually photography my clients, these are the essential things I use to be successful in my colorado photography business.

Full disclosure, this blog contains some affiliate links, some discount codes and a few referral links but I only recommend the things I actually use and love. xoxoxo

1. Customer Relationship Management Program - I use Honeybook, use this link for 30% off. In the world of photography, a CRM is key to seamlessly managing client relationships, from organizing shoot schedules to remembering important details like preferred styles and locations. By utilizing a CRM, you can focus on what you do best – capturing beautiful moments – while ensuring that every client feels valued and understood. It also sends automated reminders, handles invoicing for me and sends contracts and automated proposals.

2. Editing Software - I use Adobe (Primarily, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Premiere Pro) which honestly is fairly standard for photographers.

3. Image Sharing Software

   • I use Pixieset, use this link for $20 off

     • Note: I also use Vimeo for video sharing, I can get you 25% off if you send me your email :-) but they offer discounts often on signups through their website.

4. Photography Equipment/Videography Equipment

   • Ok this one feels like a no brainer, but honestly there’s an age old debate/question of does the artist make the art or the gear? I personally believe if you have the eye and the talent, you can work on almost any equipment and create beautiful photographs. However, from a business building standpoint I think there are some minimums you should adhere to, those being full frame cameras (although there are some crop models that are excellent so this isn’t always the case), dual slot (meaning it records backups of your images in camera to two places), and honestly I think mirrorless is the general direction most photographers are going - it’s lighter weight and the focusing systems are much better in my opinion.

     • Cameras: Since I do video - I use both Sony and Nikon cameras, most commonly Sony a7iii and Nikon z6ii

     • Tripods: I use fluid head tripods for video, I also have an old amazon basics tripod I bring with me everywhere and beat up and it’s still going strong.

     • External Hard Drives: I back up all raw images to external hard drives, it might not be an efficient system but its what I do.

     • Camera Bag: I use a think tank travel bag. It has wheels, and backpack straps - she’s got it all! Honestly though the most important things are does it have padding, I prefer wheels and straps, as well as is it large enough for 3 + cameras.

     • Lenses: I use a 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 70-200mm and more but the 50mm is my fav.

     • Spider Holster: After years of carrying all my equipment across my back, I switched to this and honestly 10/10 - obsessed.

5. Website

   • I personally use Squarespace, it’s very easy to set up as well as control SEO options.

6. Branding or Design Software

   • Branding and design software are essential for a photography business as they help create a cohesive and professional visual identity that sets you apart from the competition. By using these tools, photographers can establish a strong brand presence, attract their target audience, and showcase their unique style and creativity through stunning visuals. I recommend something like Canva if you don’t have experience with something like illustrator. There are tons of free options, also sites like Etsy sell great options you can personalize as well. This can help you design pricing guides, logos, video cards, business cards etc.

7. Studio Rentals

   • Studios offer fantastic indoor opportunities for headshots, mini sessions, neutral backdrops and I personally love black and white film vibes in them. My favorites in the Denver area are Sugarhill Studio and Realm.

8. Non Studio Indoor Rentals

   • Colorado weather is unpredictable, it’s good to have a few spots in mind to go inside to if needed as well as in mind for some fun indoor shoots too. My favorite indoor studio rental company that covers so many different types of spots is home studio list. Use code MOLLYS1248 for $10 off.

9. Print Services

   • I do love using Pixieset because you can set up print options for clients fully within their hosting options, I do this and have my printing through Millers. However for clients to print with directly I send them to Artifact Uprising or Mpix.

10. Recovery Time and Work Life Balance

    • Being a photographer and videographer is hard work, it’s important to take time not only to rest but know how to care for your self and body or you will burn out. So while maybe this isn’t a link or a specific item or website, it’s still an important thing to note. Be sure you’re making time for yourself, your friends and family as well as your business.