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Writer's pictureKalen J Acquisto

Recommended Tools (and referral codes!) - Kalen Jesse Photography Co.




INTRO

Running a successful photography business requires more than just talent behind the lens—it demands the right tools to create a seamless experience for clients, whether they’re families, wedding couples, brands, nonprofits, or companies. From managing workflows to delivering high-quality results and showcasing creative work, having a reliable toolkit makes all the difference.


Over the years, I’ve honed my process with resources that help me stay organized, efficient, and inspired. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro looking to elevate your business, I’m excited to share some of the top tools I rely on daily, like Pixieset and Usession for managing workflows, or Lightroom and Photoshop for editing. These essentials allow me to focus on what truly matters: telling authentic stories through photography.









1. Pixieset: Streamlined Client Galleries and More

Pixieset is a game-changer for photographers. It provides a professional and polished way to deliver client galleries. Clients love its user-friendly interface for viewing, downloading, and ordering prints. Plus, it’s great for photographers too!

  • Why I Love It:

    • Simple and elegant gallery design.

    • Integrated store for print and product sales.

    • Easy to share with clients, saving time on back-and-forth communication.

If you're looking for a solution that simplifies file delivery while wowing clients, Pixieset is it.



2. Usession: Effortless Client Scheduling

Usession is my go-to for client scheduling. Wedding season gets busy, and juggling appointments can become a challenge without the right tool. Usession helps streamline the booking process for both me and my clients.

  • Why I Love It:

    • Automates scheduling so I can focus on shooting and editing.

    • Reduces the stress of coordinating multiple sessions and consultations.

    • Customizable options to reflect my brand style.

It’s a great way to keep things professional and organized, ensuring every client feels prioritized.



3. Instagram: Free Marketing for Photographers

Instagram isn’t just for pretty pictures—it’s a powerful (and free!) marketing tool. This platform is where I showcase my work, connect with potential clients, and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process.

  • Tips for Success:

    • Post consistently to keep your audience engaged.

    • Share your personality in stories and reels.

    • Yes, the algorithm makes it tricky to reach a TON of people, but if you geotag and use appropriate hashtags, its worth using the FREE platform to connect with great-fit leads

The visual nature of Instagram makes it the perfect platform for photographers - take advantage of this big, accessible community



4. Unum App: Plan and Perfect Your Feed

Unum is my secret weapon for curating a cohesive Instagram feed. As a visual storyteller, I want my feed to reflect the same attention to detail as my photography.

  • Why I Love It:

    • Allows me to plan posts in advance and see how they’ll look in my grid.

    • Helps ensure a cohesive aesthetic for my brand.

    • Offers tools like scheduling and caption storage to streamline my workflow.

With Unum, my Instagram feed stays polished and professional.

Message me for a referral link



5. Lightroom and Photoshop: Essential Adobe Editing Tools

No photographer’s toolkit is complete without Lightroom and Photoshop. These Adobe programs are industry staples for editing and retouching photos to perfection.

  • Why I Love Them:

    • Lightroom is perfect for batch editing and adjusting tones to reflect my style.

    • Photoshop allows me to handle detailed retouching for those magical final touches.

    • Both programs ensure my work looks its absolute best, delivering the quality my clients expect.

Pro Tip: Develop a set of presets in Lightroom to keep your editing style consistent and save time during post-production.



5. Canva: Design Made Simple

Canva is a versatile tool my assistant and I use for creating everything from Pinterest graphics to marketing materials.

  • Why I Love It:

    • Perfect for designing Pinterest graphics that drive traffic to my website.

    • Easy to create ads for gallery sales, like Black Friday promotions.

    • Great for updating client-facing PDFs with polished, professional designs.

It’s user-friendly, free, and produces beautiful results—perfect for quick, professional-quality designs.



*Have a favorite tool that didn’t make the list? Let’s chat—I’m always looking for new ways to innovate!



(Written by Kalen Jesse)



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