The 9 Best Website Builders for Photographers in 2024

Are you looking for the best website builders for photographers to showcase your work and grow your business?

As a photographer, I know the importance of having a reliable website, and that’s why I’ve curated and reviewed this list of top nine builders.

This guide will help you find the right platform to create an online presence and highlight your photography.

You’ll discover the services best suited for your needs, whether you’re looking to create galleries for your clients, sell prints, or create an online home for your work.

Let’s dive in!

What is the Best Website Builder for Photographers in 2024?

Pixpa (Top Pick)

Pixpa stands out as our top pick for photographers and visual artists looking to create a stunning online presence.

This website builder combines ease of use with powerful features, making it a great choice for you if you wish to showcase your work and sell your art online.

One of Pixpa’s plus points is its impressive array of over 100 customizable templates. The designs are visually appealing yet functional, catering to photographers and artists.

The platform’s user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality means you can create a professional-looking photography website without any coding knowledge.

Pixpa supports selling both physical and digital products, integrating seamlessly with payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Square.

What’s more, Pixpa doesn’t take any commission on your sales, allowing you to maximize your profits.

The auto-fulfillment feature for prints using the WHCC photo lab is a game-changer for photographers looking to streamline their print sales process.

Pixpa’s client galleries and proofing systems are another standout feature.

These tools allow you to create password-protected galleries for clients, streamlining the feedback and purchase process.

Combined with the built-in blogging tool, Pixpa gives you a powerful platform for both showcasing your work and marketing your services.

Pixpa offers four different pricing plans to suit different needs, starting from $6.

The basic plan has somewhat limited features, and you’ll need to opt for higher-tier plans to unlock the full potential of the platform.

Additionally, while Pixpa’s performance is generally good, there’s room for improvement in mobile performance and SEO traffic compared to some other website builders.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Pixpa’s combination of photographer-specific features, e-commerce tools, and excellent customer support make it our top pick for the best website builder for photography services.

It also offers a 15-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to test drive its features risk-free.

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Whether you’re a professional photographer or an artist, Pixpa provides a comprehensive solution that can help you create a stunning online portfolio and grow your business effectively.

PixieSet (Best All-in-One)

Pixieset is designed with photographers in mind, offering a user-friendly interface that allows for easy customization without requiring any coding skills.

You can choose from various pre-designed templates and personalize the fonts, colors, logos, and layout elements​ to create your dream photography site.

It offers multiple themes that can be switched with one click, allowing you to find and customize to match your brand’s style.
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The platform ensures that your website is mobile-responsive, meaning it adjusts the layout seamlessly across different devices, providing a consistent and visually appealing experience on phones.

The blog feature allows you to create posts on your website to drive engagement.

Pixieset also includes robust e-commerce integration within the galleries, allowing photographers to sell prints and digital downloads directly from their website.

It supports payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal and offers features like customizable pricing, product options, and secure transactions.

Like other platforms, Pixieset features Client Galleries that enable photographers to showcase client-specific work.

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One of the standout features is the Mobile Gallery App, which creates a custom gallery app for smartphones that would surely impress your clients.

Another great feature is the Studio Manager, which allows you to manage contacts, create projects, and even receive payments.

It includes activity tracking, direct client communication, and a Lightroom plugin for streamlined photo uploads and organization.
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Pixieset provides comprehensive analytics tools to track gallery views, photo downloads, and print orders. This data would help you understand client behavior and improve the services accordingly.
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It supports connecting your custom domain as well as SEO features for better search performance.

There are four subscription types that vary in terms of features; the Basic plan starts at $8.

If you’re looking to simplify the website creation for your photography business, you can give Pixieset a shot.

The free plan and affordable paid options make it a low-risk, high-reward choice.

SmugMug (Best Portfolio Site Builder)

SmugMug has carved out a niche as the go-to platform for photographers seeking a reliable portfolio site builder.

This platform offers a unique blend of unlimited storage and powerful e-commerce tools, making it an attractive option for both enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.

One of SmugMug’s standout features is its unlimited photo storage.

Unlike many competitors, SmugMug doesn’t compress your files, ensuring that your work is always presented in high resolution.

This can be a game-changer if you prefer zero compromise on image quality and need a reliable backup solution.

When it comes to showcasing your work, SmugMug offers over 20 customizable templates optimized for photographers.

While the selection might not be as vast as some other platforms, these templates are designed with a photographer’s needs in mind, focusing on image display and portfolio presentation.

The platform’s responsive design ensures that your photography site looks great on any device, from desktops to smartphones.

SmugMug also shines in the e-commerce department as it offers seamless integration with print labs, allowing you to sell prints and photo products globally.

With customizable price lists and client galleries, you have full control over your sales process.

This makes SmugMug an excellent choice for photographers looking to monetize their work directly through their portfolio sites.

The platform’s mobile apps for Android, iOS, and Apple TV are another noteworthy feature, allowing you to manage your site and upload content on the go.

The Lightroom plugin is another great addition for Adobe users, enabling direct syncing of galleries from Lightroom to your SmugMug site.

However, SmugMug has some drawbacks as well. Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to more general website builders like Squarespace.

Customization options can feel limited, especially for lower-tier plans, which might frustrate those seeking more control over their website’s design.

The lack of an integrated blogging platform is another drawback, potentially limiting your content marketing options.

The pricing is on the higher side compared to some other builders on this list, starting from around $37.

Despite these cons, SmugMug’s focus on unlimited, high-quality storage and reliable e-commerce functionality makes it a great choice for photographers prioritizing portfolio presentations and print sales.

With a 14-day free trial available, it’s worth exploring if you’re in the market for a dedicated portfolio site builder.

Squarespace (Best for Beginners)

Squarespace has earned its reputation as the go-to website builder for beginners, offering a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

This platform stands out for its sleek, modern templates and user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for photographers who want to create a professional-looking website without diving into complex coding.

Squarespace offers a wide collection of elegantly designed templates that are designed to suit the needs of photographers and other artists.

These templates aren’t just visually appealing; they’re also highly functional and optimized for showcasing visual work.

Whether you’re a portrait photographer or a landscape artist, you’ll find a template that perfectly complements your style.

The mobile-responsive designs ensure that your photography website looks stunning on any device, from desktops to smartphones.

Squarespace also offers e-commerce tools to help you sell your work.

The platform supports both digital and physical product sales, with features like inventory management, customizable checkout pages, and integration with major payment gateways.

While not as specialized as some photography-specific platforms, Squarespace’s e-commerce capabilities are more than sufficient for most photographers’ needs.

SEO is another area where Squarespace shines; it offers excellent built-in SEO tools that allow you to optimize your site for search engines.

Recently, Squarespace added an Artificial Intelligence (AI) feature that makes the process of building a website much easier as it creates a layout based on your text prompt.

It also packs analytics for comprehensive insights into your site’s performance and visitor behavior.

Plus, its seamless integration with various social media platforms makes it easy to share your work and grow your online presence.

While the platform offers a good degree of customization, more tech-savvy users might find the options somewhat limited compared to more flexible platforms such as WordPress.

Pricing can also be a concern for some, as monthly plans start from $25.

Additionally, the advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.

However, custom domain support is available on all the plans.

While Squarespace is user-friendly, there can be a learning curve, especially for those new to website building.

Check out our comprehensive Squarespace review to learn more about various plans and features.

Despite these minor cons, Squarespace remains an excellent choice for photographers, especially beginners, who want to create a professional, visually appealing website with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your online presence, Squarespace offers a compelling package that’s worth considering.

WideRange Galleries (Best for Professionals Who Sell a Lot of Prints)

WideRange Galleries stands out as the go-to platform for professional photographers who prioritize print sales.

What sets Widerange Galleries apart is its focus on the business side of photography.

The platform provides robust client management tools that allow photographers to effortlessly handle multiple clients, projects, and orders.

The e-commerce capabilities of WideRange Galleries are tuned for the needs of photographers.

Similar to other website builders, you can connect your own custom domain here as well.

However, this service takes a totally different approach to pricing as it charges based on the template chosen and the level of layout customization.

It also offers a Custom Design Package starting at $4,500, which includes a unique, customized website design created with the help of a design partner.

You can set up complex pricing structures, create custom packages, and even offer dynamic pricing based on factors like print size or finish.

It also offers seamless integration with professional printing labs.

This integration simplifies the fulfillment process, allowing you to focus on your craft while keeping everything on track.

The platform’s ability to handle large order volumes efficiently is a game-changer for photographers who regularly deal with bulk print orders.

WideRange Galleries also shines in its analytics and reporting features, providing comprehensive insights into sales trends as well as overall business performance.

However, similar to some other tools, WideRange Galleries also has a steep learning curve, which might be challenging for tech beginners.

While the available templates are optimized for showcasing photography, users looking for extensive design variety might find the options somewhat restricted.

For photographers ready to take their print business to the next level, WideRange Galleries offers a powerful and tailored solution.

WordPress (Best for Computer-Savvy Photographers)

WordPress stands out as the top choice for computer-savvy photographers who want ultimate control and flexibility in their website design.

This open-source content management system offers a level of customization that’s hard to match, making it a powerful tool in the hands of those willing to invest time in learning its intricacies.

One of WordPress’s greatest strengths lies in its vast ecosystem.

With thousands of themes and plugins available, photographers can create a variety of websites that go beyond what no-code builders offer.

Whether you’re looking for a minimalist portfolio or a complex e-commerce site, there’s likely a WordPress solution.

Many themes are specifically designed for photographers, offering features like full-screen image displays, gallery options, and integrated lightboxes.

There are some builder plugins, such as Elementor, that offer a drag-and-drop experience, which can be great for beginners.

It’s worth noting that your overall pricing depends on the web-hosting domain name cost as well as if you choose free or paid themes and plugins.

When it comes to SEO, WordPress offers the most flexibility.

Its clean code structure and customizable permalinks provide a solid foundation for search engine optimization.

Credit: Cherrydeck on Unsplash

Coupled with popular SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math, WordPress gives photographers powerful tools to increase their online visibility and attract potential clients.

Another significant advantage of WordPress is the complete control it offers over your website’s data and hosting.

Unlike many website builders, WordPress allows you to choose your own hosting provider, giving you the freedom to optimize for speed, security, and cost according to your specific needs.

The platform’s regular updates and strong community support ensure that your website stays current with the latest web standards and security practices.

This vibrant community also means that help is always available when you encounter challenges.

However, it’s important to note that WordPress’s flexibility comes with a very steep learning curve compared to other drag-and-drop tools listed in this guide.

While it’s possible to create a basic site quickly, unleashing WordPress’s full potential often requires a deeper understanding of web technologies.

This can be time-consuming, especially for photographers who prefer to focus on their craft rather than website management.

Additionally, WordPress requires more hands-on maintenance compared to all-in-one website builders.

You’ll need to stay on top of updates, backups, and security measures to keep your site running smoothly.

This added responsibility might be daunting for some users.

While it may require more initial investment in time and learning, the payoff in terms of customization and functionality makes WordPress a powerful tool for photographers looking to create an online presence.

Art Storefronts (Best Marketing and Coaching)

Art Storefronts stands out for its unique set of features that are ideal for anyone looking to make money by selling art or photography.

It’s a platform for photographers and artists who are serious about marketing their work.

This platform goes beyond simple website creation, providing a comprehensive suite of marketing tools and personalized coaching to help creatives turn their passion into a thriving business.

The platform offers not just the tools to build a website but also strategies to attract customers and increase sales.

This includes personalized coaching sessions, where experts guide you through marketing techniques tailored to your niche and goals.

For photographers looking to elevate their online presence and boost their sales, this hands-on approach can be invaluable.

The platform integrates seamlessly with print-on-demand service, allowing photographers to offer a wide range of products without holding inventory.

Another standout feature is the Live Preview, which uses Augmented Reality technology to let customers visualize artwork in their own spaces – a powerful tool for increasing sales and reducing returns.

The platform provides not just SEO tools but also guidance on how to use them effectively.

While Art Storefronts offers customizable website design options, it’s worth noting that the selection of templates is more limited compared to general website builders.

However, the available designs are optimized for selling artwork and photographs, which can be a significant advantage for professionals in these fields.

It has a higher price point compared to many competitors, reflecting its more specialized features and personalized support.

The pricing is not available on the website but will be quoted when you make the inquiry for your specific needs.

Art Storefronts is one of the best choices for photographers who are serious about growing their online business through a professional photography website.

While it may require a greater investment of time and resources, the potential for return in terms of increased sales is high.

Pic-Time (Best Print Lab Integrations)

Pic-Time stands out with its offering of unparalleled print lab integrations around the world, making it the go-to choice for photographers everywhere.

It bridges the gap between showcasing your work and delivering professional prints to your clients with remarkable ease.

Whether you’re a photographer living in the US, Europe, Israel, Mexico, Australia, or Canada, you’re likely to find a print lab partner with Pic-Time.

The print lab’s availability allows photographers to offer a wide range of high-quality print options without the hassle of managing fulfillment themselves.

From standard prints to canvas wraps and metal prints, Pic-Time’s print lab connections ensure that your clients receive top-notch products while you focus on what you do best – capturing stunning images.

Pic-Time offers proofing features that streamline the selection and approval process, making it easy for clients to review, comment on, and purchase their favorite shots.

The user-friendly interface extends to both the photographer’s backend and the client-facing galleries, ensuring a smooth experience for all parties involved.

The platform also provides robust tools for selling both prints and digital downloads, with customizable pricing options and the ability to create product bundles.

This flexibility allows photographers to tailor their offerings to their specific client base and maximize their revenue potential.

Photographers can easily brand their galleries and storefronts to align with their visual identity, creating a cohesive and professional look across all client touchpoints.

The designs are mobile-responsive, which means galleries and storefronts look great on any device.

However, it’s worth noting that Pic-Time’s focus on client galleries and print sales means it has more limited website-building features compared to full-fledged website builders.

While you can create a beautiful online presence for your photography business, those looking for extensive blogging capabilities or complex web designs might find the options somewhat restrictive.

Another consideration is the pricing structure. While Pic-Time offers a range of plans, some of the more advanced features are locked behind higher-tier subscriptions.

For example, a custom domain connection is not available in one of the paid plans.

Its robust print lab integrations, advanced client galleries, and e-commerce features make it a good choice for photographers looking to streamline their print sales and client interactions.

ShootProof (Best Business Management Tools)

ShootProof goes beyond simple photo sharing, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline the business side of photography.

The platform offers customizable contract templates and easy-to-use invoicing tools, allowing photographers to handle the paperwork side of their business with professionalism and ease.

The seamless integration with popular accounting software like QuickBooks further simplifies financial management.

ShootProof offers user-friendly gallery tools, allowing you to create beautiful, customized galleries for your clients.

If you’re selling prints, this platform allows you to use one of the many print lab partners like Bayphoto, WHCC, or Mpix.

You can also opt for self-fulfillment to have ultimate control over every step of the printing and shipping process.

The platform offers flexible plans based on storage needs, with a free plan allowing you to store 100 photos.

All plans offer email marketing capabilities, photographer education resources, and 1:1 phone support.

The mobile app is another valuable addition, enabling you to manage the business on the go.

Whether you want to sell your prints or book photoshoots, Shootproof offers you commission-free sales.

The platform supports some of the major payment gateways, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Braintree.

It also offers its own payment gateway, ShootProof Pay, which offers competitive transaction charges but can be cheaper than some other payment processors.

It’s worth noting that while ShootProof excels in business management, its website-building capabilities are more limited compared to some other website builders in this list.

The paid plan starts at around $10.99 and supports storage for 1,500 high-quality photos and increases as you choose a higher-tier plan.

Additionally, while ShootProof is generally user-friendly, the complexity of features can present a learning curve.

It’s also worth mentioning that some of the advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans, which could be a consideration for those on a tight budget.

Go deeper into how it works in our ShootProof review.

Overall, ShootProof is a great choice for you if you need efficient business management over high-end website design.

For photographers looking to streamline their operations and focus more on their craft, ShootProof offers a compelling solution that can significantly enhance their business workflow.

What Features Does a Photographer Need In a Website Builder?

Credit: Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

Below are some of the features you should always look out for when deciding on a photography website builder platform.

Ease of Use

A website builder for photographers should offer an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality.

This allows you to create and manage your site without extensive technical knowledge, focusing more on your craft than website maintenance.

Templates/Design

High-quality, customizable templates designed specifically for photographers are essential.

Good templates help you showcase images beautifully and offer layouts suited for portfolios, galleries, and print stores, allowing you to align the website with your photography brand identity.

Online Galleries/Photo Sharing

The platform should also offer high-quality image display and easy organization of photos into galleries.

The ability to create both public and private galleries is great for showcasing work and sharing with clients.

E-commerce

E-commerce functionality is essential if you’re planning to sell prints, digital downloads, courses, or other products.

Look for support for a variety of products, and also be mindful of the payment gateways supported, as transaction charges of different payment processors can be a dealbreaker.

Pricing

Look for platforms that offer scalable plans to accommodate growing businesses.

Some builders offer pricing based on storage needs, which can be beneficial for photographers with large image libraries.

On the other hand, some platforms charge on the basis of traffic.

Print Lab Integration

Seamless integration with print labs can streamline fulfillment, allowing for automated print orders and delivery.

This feature can save time and ensure consistent quality of prints.

Ease of Customization

The ability to easily modify layouts, colors, fonts, and add custom CSS is important.

This allows you to create an online presence that reflects your style.

Ease of Uploading

Efficient upload processes are crucial, especially for photographers dealing with large numbers of high-resolution images.

Look for platforms that offer batch uploading and integration with editing software like Adobe Lightroom.

Self-Fulfilling Print Orders

For photographers who prefer to handle printing themselves, the ability to manage and fulfill print orders directly is essential.

This feature provides more control over the final product.

Blogging Capabilities

A built-in blog allows you to share work, offer tips and tutorials, and improve your site’s visibility in search results.

It’s a valuable tool for improving SEO and engaging with potential clients.

Overall Profitability on Selling Prints

Consider the platform’s overall ecosystem for selling prints, including marketing tools, upselling capabilities, and the ability to create package deals, as well as payment gateways.

These features can significantly affect your bottom line if you’re selling prints.

SEO

Look for platforms that offer SEO tools and guidance, including customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and clean URL structures.

Good SEO can significantly improve your online visibility and attract potential clients.

Client Proofing Features

Robust client proofing tools allow clients to review, comment on, and select their favorite images directly on the site.

This streamlines the selection process and enhances client satisfaction.

Mobile Responsiveness

In today’s smartphone-dominated world, ensure the website builder creates sites that look great and function well on all devices.

This is crucial for providing a good user experience to potential clients browsing on mobile.

FAQs about Website Builders for Photographers

What is the best free website builder for photographers?

While completely free options are limited, Pixpa, Shootproof, and Squarespace offer a free plan that can be suitable for beginner photographers.

However, for professional use, it’s recommended to invest in a paid plan for more features and custom domain support and to remove ads.

Is Wix or Squarespace better for photographers?

Both have strengths, but Squarespace often edges out for photographers due to its sleek, image-focused templates and functional gallery features.

However, Wix offers more design flexibility, which some photographers may prefer.

What is the best platform for photographers?

The “best” platform varies based on individual needs, but many professional photographers favor Squarespace or specialized platforms like SmugMug or Pixpa for their photography-centric features and ease of use.

What is the best CMS for photographers?

WordPress is often considered the best CMS for photographers who want maximum flexibility and control.

It offers numerous photography-specific themes and plugins, though it requires more technical knowledge than drag-and-drop builders.

What is the best website for a photography portfolio?

SmugMug, Pixpa, and Adobe Portfolio are some of the platforms that offer great features for photography portfolios.

However, Squarespace is also a strong contender for its balance of beautiful galleries and additional website features.

Which website builder has the best integrated client galleries and print service?

ShootProof and Pixieset are top contenders in this category, offering excellent client gallery features and seamless print service integration.

They provide a smooth experience for both photographers and their clients.

Is GoDaddy a good website builder for photographers?

While GoDaddy’s website builder is user-friendly, it’s not typically the first choice for photographers.

It lacks some of the specialized features and elegant gallery options that photography-focused platforms offer.

What is the best website for photographers to share photos?

For general sharing, social media sites like Instagram and Facebook are popular among photographers.

However, for client sharing, platforms like ShootProof, Pixpa, and Pixieset offer more professional features.

Is the SmugMug website builder better than Squarespace?

SmugMug is often better for photographers who prioritize photo organization and print sales, while Squarespace offers more advanced website features.

The choice depends on whether you need a full website or primarily a portfolio and print sales platform.

Which website builder has the best online store for photographers?

If you’re looking for a no-code experience, Pixpa, Squarespace, and ShootProof are great options.

However, if you’re looking for more control and don’t mind the learning curve, WordPress along with WooCommerce might be for you.