Photography Portfolio Website Products

Updated January 2025

Photography Portfolio Website Products Compared - 2025 Edition

Format

Description: Format is a leading choice for professional photographers, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable templates that make it easy to create a professional portfolio. Pricing: Starts at $6/month Details: Format

See portfolios I built on Format here and here.

Squarespace

Description: Squarespace offers sleek, design-forward templates that help photographers create visually appealing, professional portfolios. Pricing: Starts at $12/month Details: Squarespace

See portfolios I built on Squarespace here, here and here.

PhotoFolio

Description: PhotoFolio provides high-quality templates designed to showcase images with maximum visual impact, perfect for commercial photographers. Pricing: Starts at $17/month Details: PhotoFolio.

See portfolios I built on Photofolio here and here.

Adobe Portfolio

Description: Adobe Portfolio integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, ideal for photographers using tools like Lightroom and Photoshop. Pricing: Included with Adobe Creative Cloud subscription Details: Adobe Portfolio

Photoshelter

Description: Photoshelter is known for its archive management, e-commerce capabilities, and client proofing tools, making it ideal for photographers with large portfolios. Pricing: Starts at $10/month Details: Photoshelter

See a portfolio I built using Photoshelter here.

Cargo Collective

Description: Cargo Collective provides unique, highly customizable templates, ideal for photographers seeking an artistic portfolio. Pricing: $99/year or $13/month Details: Cargo Collective

SmugMug

Description: SmugMug offers comprehensive solutions for portfolio presentation, eCommerce, and print fulfillment, along with robust security and storage. Pricing: Starts at $9/month Details: SmugMug

Zenfolio

Description: Zenfolio is tailored for professional photographers needing an all-in-one platform for showcasing, selling, and delivering work with strong client proofing tools. Pricing: Starts at $25/year Details: Zenfolio

Pixpa

Description: Pixpa offers an all-in-one platform with portfolio, store, blog, and client galleries, making it versatile for managing various aspects of a photography business. Pricing: Starts at $7/month Details: Pixpa

Carbonmade

Description: Carbonmade is a drag-and-drop portfolio builder with creative and modern designs, ideal for photographers seeking a simple yet stylish portfolio. Pricing: Plans start at $8/month Details: Carbonmade

Semplice

Description: Semplice, built on WordPress, offers extensive customization options, making it a great choice for photographers who want a unique portfolio. Pricing: One-time fee starting at $149 Details: Semplice

Cargo

Description: Cargo combines professional portfolio capabilities with artistic freedom, offering highly flexible and customizable design options. Pricing: $99/year or $13/month Details: Cargo

Let me know if you have others that you like using!

Format

Squarespace

PhotoFolio

Photoshelter

Photoshelter

 

Looking for a professional to not only curate your best images but also build your photography portfolio website? I specialize in creating stunning, user-friendly sites on platforms like Squarespace, Format, 22Slides, and PhotoFolio.

Whether you need elegant galleries, e-commerce capabilities, or seamless client proofing, I’ve got you covered from start to finish. Let’s craft a site that not only showcases your work but also elevates your brand. Contact me today to get started on your custom portfolio!

Photography Portfolio Reviews: Expert Tips to Help you Prepare

As someone who's been attending and producing portfolio reviews for 15+ years, I've seen what works and what doesn't. While portfolio reviews can offer valuable feedback, they're just one piece of the puzzle in building a successful photography career.

First, let's talk about maximizing a review if you decide to attend one:

DO

Be honest with yourself about if you are really ready to show the work. Maybe you need another year of shooting before you start showing your book to art buyers, art directors and photo editors. You only get one chance at a first impression, don't rush it if it's not the right time. Ask people who you trust for their honest opinion.

Research your reviewers and make sure that your work is relevant to what they do. You have 15-20 minutes, often with some pretty influential and powerful creatives in the industry, don't waste it. Would you roll up to a job interview without knowing anything about the company?

Have a purpose for each review and communicate that purpose to the reviewer when you sit down. Example: "I've been following your magazine for years and feel my work would fit in. Do you think I'm ready to shoot for you, and if not, what needs improvement?"  Or, "I would love get feedback on the book and recommendations for colleagues in the industry who may respond to my style of work." Or, "This is a new personal project that I'm working on, would love to know if you think it's ready to show to galleries."

Come armed with 1 or 2 specific questions that are pertinent to your reviewer's area of expertise.

Do bring the actual portfolio that you intend to show to clients. Hopefully the reviewers you meet with are also potential clients. They're not going to give you a pass because you intend, later on, to make a better book. So don't bring a hastily thrown together book and then say that you are going to change it later. The whole point of the portfolio review is to get feedback and how can someone give you good feedback if what they are looking at isn't what you really want to show?

Make sure your prints look great. This is especially important when seeing galleries.

Leave behind a well-printed leave behind. Invest in a graphic designer to help you create something that looks professional. Just because you know Photoshop doesn't mean you are a designer. If you are seeing a dream client, kick it up a notch and leave something more unique than a postcard. However, keep in mind that not everyone will want a promo. See below.

Keep notes. By the end of a long day, all the reviews can start to blend together. Make a separate page for each reviewer and mark down which images they pointed out liking, where they paused a bit longer, what questions they had about your work and specific feedback they gave you. You may also want to record audio of each meeting, if the reviewer is cool with that.

DON'T

Don't default to an iPad presentation. An iPad is not necessarily the best way to show still photography.  The glare in some rooms makes it very hard to see the photos, especially if your images tend to be dark. I often find myself looking at my own reflection instead of the photos.

Also, unless the iPad presentation is really slick, it can feel like not enough care was put into the portfolio. I mean, let's admit it, how hard is it to create a folder of images for someone to flip through? When I see a beautifully printed portfolio, it lends the photographer some legitimacy, makes them at least appear to have invested a lot of time and effort into their work, all which helps me take them more seriously.

Everyone spends so much time on their phones now, consuming an almost endless stream of imagery. It doesn’t feel as unique to be swipe through an iPad. Print feels special.

All that said, pay attention to your budget and don’t spend the extra money on printing if you can’t afford it.

Don't force your leave behind on the reviewer. Some people flew in for the event and may not want to tote a bunch of promos and books back. Or they may feel it's environmentally wasteful and rather not have the extra 'stuff' in their lives. Or they just may not have liked your work enough to want to take a promo. Ask if they'd like a card, but don't push it. Also don't just offer a huge and bulky leave behind. If you want to make something big, it's also nice to offer something small like a postcard.

Don't make excuses. Popular examples include: "I didn't bring my strongest work." "I didn't have time to put together much, but this should give you an idea." or "I just found out about this event."

Don't argue with constructive criticism The people looking at your work know what they are talking about. They may all have different opinions, but that is valid considering that people come from different backgrounds and that visual art is very subjective. You may not agree with someone, and that is ok, but don't tell them that they are wrong.

 

Want to get ready for a portfolio review?

Contact me to learn how we can fine tune your portfolio, create a great promo and get the most out of the time and money you're investing.

Photographers and creatives gather at the Texas Photo Roundup Portfolio Reviews in Austin, TX.

Photos by David Weaver.

New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
IMG_7839-copy.jpg

New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session at the International House Hotel conference facility.

Photos by George Long

SEO Tips for Commercial and Editorial Photographers

SEO might not be the first thing on your mind as a photographer, especially with the rise of Instagram as a discovery tool. But here's the thing—SEO is still a game-changer for ensuring people find you outside the scroll. It helps you drive steady traffic to your site, build credibility, and control how potential clients experience your work.

When I’m looking for a photographer to hire for a project, I might discover them on Instagram, but I head to their website to get a complete picture of their work. I almost always share the website link with creative directors when pitching someone for a project. I may supplement that with some screenshots from their Instagram, but the website is still the focus.

So, let’s dive into some practical ways you can boost your SEO in 2025.

1. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Think about how often you use your phone to browse. Google does the same when ranking sites. Make sure your website looks and works great on mobile. A responsive design and quick load times aren't just nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves.

2. Keep Your Content Fresh

You’ve got stories to tell, so share them! Regularly update your blog with behind-the-scenes peeks, case studies, or industry tips. Not only will your audience love it, but search engines will notice you're active and relevant.

3. Speak Your Clients' Language

What words do your potential clients type into Google when they're looking for a photographer? Figure those out and sprinkle them naturally throughout your site. For example, instead of just "photographer," go for something like "Austin commercial photographer" to attract the right crowd.

4. Tidy Up Your Image Files

Your photos are your bread and butter, but they need to be SEO-friendly too. Give your image files descriptive names, keep their sizes manageable for faster loading, and don’t forget to fill in the alt text—it’s a simple way to boost your visibility.

5. Get Local with SEO

If you're aiming for local clients, shout it from the digital rooftops! Make your location clear on your site, and don’t forget to claim your Google My Business listing. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews—they're gold for local SEO.

6. Build Your Network of Backlinks

While not as dominant as before, quality backlinks from reputable sites still play a role. They act as endorsements of your content’s credibility and relevance. Collaborate with industry blogs, write guest posts, and get your site listed in relevant directories. These links help search engines see you as a trustworthy source.

7. Speed Up Your Site

Nobody likes waiting for a site to load, and search engines feel the same. Keep your site snappy by optimizing image sizes, using solid hosting, and cleaning up any messy code. Fast sites don’t just rank better—they also make visitors happier.

8. Keep Your Portfolio Current

Your portfolio should be a living, breathing showcase of your latest work. Regular updates not only impress visitors but also give search engines fresh content to index.

9. Add Schema Markup

Schema markup is like giving search engines a cheat sheet for understanding your site. Use it to highlight important details about your services, location, and portfolio. It can help your site stand out in search results.

10. Keep an Eye on Your Progress

SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what’s not. Regularly checking in on your performance helps you tweak and improve over time.

Even though Instagram might feel like the place to be, SEO is still your best bet for long-term visibility. By following these tips, you’ll make sure your website continues to attract the clients you want.

Resources

Check out this list of search terms to include in your content.

Google Keyword Planner - Language search analysis. Must have Google Ads account set up, although you don’t have to be currently running any campaigns to do research.

Google Search Console - Feedback on site visibility and search behavior.

Need Help?

Contact me to talk about optimizing your site. I’m not an SEO expert, but I have worked closely with SEO companies to optimize portfolio sites built in Squarespace, PhotoFolio and Format.

20 SEO Search Terms for Commercial and Editorial Photographers

In today’s digital landscape, many photographers rely heavily on Instagram for discovery and client engagement. However, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) remains a crucial tool for photographers looking to build a sustainable online presence. Unlike social media platforms, which are subject to algorithm changes and limited organic reach, SEO ensures your website remains discoverable on search engines, driving consistent, targeted traffic over time. By optimizing your site, you not only enhance visibility but also establish credibility and control over your online portfolio, making it easier for potential clients to find and trust your work.

Here are the top 20 search terms (keywords and phrases) for commercial and editorial photographers to drive traffic to their websites. These keywords are designed to target potential clients searching for photography services or related information.

General Keywords

  1. Commercial Photographer

  2. Editorial Photographer

  3. Professional Photographer Near Me

  4. Corporate Photography

  5. Advertising Photography

  6. Product Photography

  7. Lifestyle Photographer

  8. Portrait Photographer for Businesses

  9. Event Photographer

  10. Photography for Publications

Niche-Specific Keywords

  1. Industrial Photography Services

  2. Food and Beverage Photography

  3. Architectural Photography

  4. Fashion Editorial Photography

  5. Corporate Headshot Photographer

Location-Specific Keywords

  1. [City] Commercial Photographer (e.g., "Austin Commercial Photographer")

  2. [City] Editorial Photographer

  3. [City] Corporate Event Photography

  4. [City] Product Photographer

  5. [City] Lifestyle Photography

Tips for Using These Keywords

  • Long-Tail Keywords: Combine these keywords with more specific terms (e.g., “Corporate Event Photographer in Downtown Austin”) to capture targeted traffic.

  • Content Integration: Use these keywords naturally in your website content, blog posts, image alt text, and meta descriptions.

  • Local SEO: Focus on local variations of these keywords to attract clients in your area.

  • Regular Updates: Refresh your site content regularly with these keywords to stay relevant in search engine results.

Using these keywords strategically will help improve your website's visibility and attract potential clients looking for professional photography services.

Alex Boerner Portfolio

There’s something timeless about a printed portfolio. 💼✨

I recently had the pleasure of creating a print portfolio for North Carolina-based lifestyle photographer Alex Boerner, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Alex worked with my favorite custom bookmaker, Scott Mullenberg, to craft this beautifully tailored piece.

While social media and websites make sharing work quick and easy, print offers a different experience. There’s something special about flipping through pages, feeling the weight of the paper, and seeing the work come to life in a tangible way. Plus, it's a fantastic way to connect with clients face to face.

Buff Strickland Zine - How We Live Volume II

One of my favorite things is working with photographers over the course of many years. Buff and I first did a print promo together in 2015. This fall, we worked on a Volume II of her How We Live zine. The zine is designed by https://beckyplante.com/ and beautifully printed by Paper Chase Press.

buff strickland magazine style promo featuring lifestyle, food and travel photography
buff strickland magazine style promo featuring lifestyle, food and travel photography
buff strickland magazine style promo featuring lifestyle, food and travel photography
buff strickland magazine style promo featuring lifestyle, food and travel photography
buff strickland magazine style promo featuring lifestyle, food and travel photography

Vivian Johnson

Oakland, California-based interiors photographer Vivian Johnson works with some of the west coast’s top designers and architects. Every time we collaborate on a project, I get serious inspiration from the gorgeous spaces and thoughtful details.

Tourism Board Photo Research & Visual Content Production | Visit California Case Study

Tourism Board Photo Research & Visual Production: Visit California Case Study

When AFAR partnered with Visit California to create their luxury travel guide, they needed expert visual content production and photo research across 500+ destinations. Here's how we delivered.

Challenge

  • Source premium imagery showcasing unexpected luxury experiences

  • Cover 500+ points of interest statewide

  • Secure rights and releases for multi-platform usage

  • Meet tight production timeline for print and digital deliverables

Strategy We developed a comprehensive visual research approach:

  • Curated network of California photographers, featuring Amanda Friedman's iconic poppy field cover

  • Direct partnerships with regional tourism boards including Visit Palm Springs, Visit Anaheim

  • Luxury hotel and restaurant image libraries

  • Destination marketing organizations' content hubs

Process

  • Created detailed shot list targeting unique luxury moments

  • Established streamlined licensing workflow across multiple stakeholders

  • Managed complex rights acquisition for print/digital usage

  • Coordinated with illustrator Libby VanderPloeg for cohesive visual narrative

Results

  • Delivered premium wire-bound sourcebook

  • Created immersive digital experience

  • Exceeded client visual quality expectations

  • Established efficient process for large-scale tourism projects

Looking for visual content production for your destination marketing? I specialize in:

  • Tourism board image research & licensing

  • Destination marketing visual strategy

  • Multi-platform content production

  • Large-scale photo research projects

Contact me to discuss your next tourism or destination marketing project.

The bonus:

Appreciating the beauty of the images alongside the playful and fun illustrations of the amazing Libby VanderPloeg!

Gary Sinise Foundation's Snowball Express

The 2023 Snowball Express was 8 days of photography, laughs, hugs, and some tears. Put on by the Gary Sinise Foundation, Snowball Express brings thousands of military and first responder families together at Disney World to honor their fallen heroes.

The media team not only captures all of the events that take place, but they also work closely with families to document the stories of their lost loved ones. It’s one of the most rewarding photo editing jobs I could ask for. Thanks to Julia Robinson for bringing me on to the team.

Photos by:

Julia Robinson
Sol Neelman
Octavio Jones
Matthew Busch
Justin L. Stewart

Melanie Grizzel

Austin-based Melanie Grizzel has an authentic and warm approach to portraiture and storytelling. Her images exude a connection with the people she is photographing.

For her website update, we focused on showcasing the best of her portraits, food and tourism photography. The updated site is well-suited to editorial, corporate, non-profit, and travel industry clients.

Kate Benson

Kate Benson is a New Hampshire-based product, lifestyle, and fashion photographer with an elegant style that feels fresh and modern while giving a nod to timeless beauty. We updated her website to showcase the variety of client work she’s produced and tell the story of the kind of work she is passionate about.

Texas Tribune Festival, 2022

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Texas Tribune Festival since 2016. Of course, Covid really put a damper on large scale events like TribFest, so I appreciate the event even more now that it’s back in full force.

For the 2022 festival, I focused on producing all of the sponsorship and marketing-related photography coverage, managing the budget, scheduling and photo assignments for the team of photographers and photo editors.

See more of the photos, including those produced by the editorial team.


FHI 360 and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

DC-based photographer Rebecca Drobis was awarded a contract by FHI 360 to create a custom image library for the CDC to use for its diabetes prevention campaigns. CDC realized that traditional stock photography just wasn’t connecting with their users, and wanted to focus on real people talent and situations that would resonate.

I served as the project’s creative director. My priority was ensuring that the CDC’s missions and goals were furthered through Rebecca’s photography.

I reviewed CDC focus group findings, brand guidelines, and other marketing documentation in order to arrive at a list of key themes the photos should touch on.

We approached the project in phases over the course of 14 months, collaborating on what locations, talent, and situations would help the CDC achieve its goals. I created mood boards to help hone the creative direction, and once that was finalized, I created shot lists with location, art and talent direction.

Rebecca and her rock star producer Nancy Swenton took the months of prep and turned into shoot day magic, creating relatable, authentic imagery.

Texas Book Festival, 2022

I got to work with the rock star photo crew for the Texas Book Festival again. Everyone was so happy to be IN PERSON and enjoying the beautiful, fall weather. Thanks to Bob and Janis Daemmrich for having me be their photo editor and to the amazing photographers: Laura Skelding, Stephen Spillman, and Bob Daemmrich.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the weekend.

Attendees pose on Congress Ave / Laura Skelding
Xelena González / Stephen Spillman
Volunteers / Stephen Spillman
Sandra Cisneros / Bob Daemmrich
Jacques Pépin / Laura Skelding

Texas Writer Award boots / Bob Daemmrich
Beautiful weather and good eats / Bob Daemmrich
Chef Chris Scott / Laura Skelding
Rabia Chaudry poses with a fan / Laura Skelding
Capitol rotunda / Bob Daemmrich
Omar Epps / Laura Skelding
Capitol / Stephen Spillman