freebies, tools & resources
Resource Library
Want to be a photographer, but then got overwhelmed realizing that also comes with learning how to run a business? I get it. Below is a curated (and vetted!) collection of resources to make the journey a little smoother. Keep in mind growing your business and skills will come with initial and on-going investment. I encourage you to do your own research to ensure that the item is a fit for your business and creative approach.
Some of the links below are affiliate or commission links, so while I do earn a small commission from your purchase, your support truly matters. It helps me keep my blog running and enables me to create the educational content you love.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
P.S. Check-in from time to time because this page gets regularly updated — last updated on May 3rd, 2024.
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My Notion Photoshoot Planner
Because planning shouldn’t be the thing holding you back from creating.
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Tools of the trade
Artist Toolbox
Adobe Lightroom Classic
I used Adobe Lightroom Classic for the first 4 years of my photography journey. If you also need Photoshop, Adobe has a great bundle $9.99 USD/month for both.
Get Lightroom →
Adobe Photoshop
My go-to for re-touching, compositing images and creating stop-motions! Also, available in a bundle with Adobe Lightroom Classic (LrC) for $9.99 USD/month.
Get Photoshop →
Canva
Canva: the ultimate design tool for crafting everything from Instagram posts to sleek presentations. I love using it to plan my IG grid and curating mood boards. While there's a free plan, I'm hooked on the yearly Pro plan at $119.99 USD or $14.99/month.
Get Canva →
Capture 1 Pro (Desktop)
Currently what I use and love, Capture 1 Pro is an all-in-one editing and tethering software. It can be a little overwhelming, so if you’re new to photography I recommend Lightroom to start. Subscriptions start at $35.00 USD/month or $256.00 USD/year (access to latest updates) OR you can purchase outright for $427.00 USD.
Get Capture 1 →
Format
Format is a portfolio website builder for photographers and creatives. I currently have the yearly pro plan for $204.00 USD/year or $24.00 USD/month. Take advantage of the sales they have, you can save up to 40% on annual plans.
Get Format →
WeTransfer
I use WeTransfer to deliver final images with clients or send large video files via generated links that I directly paste into my emails (or it can send the files to an email directly). While I use the free basic plan, subscription packages are available for larger file transfers.
Get WeTransfer →
Tools of the trade
Business Tools
Welcome to my business toolbox! From project management to marketing essentials, these handpicked resources are my favourite business tools that keep my creative projects running smoothly.
Google Suite
My business wouldn’t run smoothly without Google Suite. I’m currently on the starter plan for $7.80 CAD/month.
Calendly
Calendly is a scheduling software. It can be linked to Skype, Zoom and even GCalendar and Gmail. I started with the free plan, but upgraded to the standard $10 USD/month for more features.
Loom
Loom is a video tool that lets you record yourself and your screen simultaneously. Videos are instantly uploaded to your library. I primarily use it to create presentations for potential clients. Paid plans start at $12.50 USD/month (annual plans available).
Asana
My favorite project management tool! I use it to keep track of project schedules and tasks. Free plans are available for individual or small team use. For extra features, subscriptions start at $10.99 USD/month.
Mailtracker by hunter
Tired of not getting a response? Mailtracker notifies you when an email is seen and opened. I get by with the free version, but additional features are available via subscription.
Stripe
Stripe is an invoice and payment processing systems for businesses. I use it to create and manage invoices as well as receive payments from clients. There aren’t subscription fees, but Stripe takes a 2.9% commission for every payout.
Notion
Notion is a productivity and note-taking web app. I use it to create to-do lists, plan photoshoots and organize client projects. I use the free plan, but subscriptions are available if you work with larger teams or need expanded features.
MailChimp
Mailchimp is the email marketing platform I use to create and send my blog and client newsletters. The free plan allows up to 1,000 free email sends/month, and basic analytics. Paid plans start at $13.00 USD/month.
FloDesk
Looking to craft stunningly designed emails? Flodesk is the answer. My link-in-bio was also created with Flodesk (it's free!). The plan for email marketing only is $35.00 USD/month with the option to add on e-commerce.
get GSuite →
Get Calendly →
GET LOOM →
Get Asana →
Get Hunter →
Get Stripe →
Get Notion →
Get mailchimp →
Get flodesk →
When in doubt, there's a template for everything...here are my favs
01
Blogging Bookkeeping Template
02
MoodBoard Template
03
Commercial Photography
Contract Template
04
Photoshoot Proposal Template
for Brand Work
By Peach Perfect Financial
By Frenchly Photography
By The Contract Shop
By Weekend Creative
Blogging Resources (from experts WAAAY smarter than me)
Food Blogging Coaching
An expert in all things blogging, keyword research, SEO, and optimizing blogs for ad hosting, Kayla is an amazing food blogger and even greater coach. If you’re looking for a personalized or group coaching to help you with your blogging goals, Kayla is your gal.
Learn more >
Pinterest Marketing
Don’t sleep on Pinterest! It’s one of the major ways to drive traffic to your blog and increase revenue. Megan Williamson’s Pin Potential membership program is THE course to learn how to leverage Pinterest to your advantage.
LEARN MORE >
Email Marketing
Looking to grow your subscriber list? Convertkit has a ton of free resources to help you from writing your first newsletter to generating clicks and sales.
LEARN MORE >
Podcasts on Repeat
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Browse My Amazon Shop
Before you scroll away, I get it — another Amazon shop might make you hesitate. However, I'm all about transparency. Every lens, book, and studio "thingy" here is something I personally own, adore, and use daily. It wouldn’t be featured unless it 100% had stamp of approval.
browse my amazon shop →
ON MY SHELF
Atomic Habits
Getting to Yes
$100M offers
Light, Science & Magic
How to Photograph food
Big Magic
Food Styling
Explore my must-reads — these books have been game-changers for refining business skills, growing photography knowledge, and supporting personal growth along the way.
for building habits & routines that last
for win-win pitch negotiations
for offers so good they can't say no
for a crash-course in lighting fundamentals
for an overview of food photography & the creative process
for overcoming creative & mental roadblocks
for styling even the trickiest of foods
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