The Five Pieces of Software Every Photographer Needs

As a budding photographer, you're probably eager to dive into the world of capturing stunning images. While having a good camera is essential, the right software can truly elevate your photography game. Here are five must-have pieces of software that every beginning photographer should consider:

1. Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom editing screenshot

When it comes to photo editing, Adobe Lightroom reigns supreme. While competitors exist, Lightroom has established itself as the industry standard for good reason. This powerful software offers an affordable solution that includes cloud storage, making it easy to access and edit your photos from anywhere.

One of Lightroom's standout features is its unparalleled ability to process RAW images. This capability allows you to extract the maximum detail and quality from your photos. Lightroom's user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners while offering advanced features for when you're ready to take your editing skills to the next level.

2. PhotoPills

PhotoPills app screenshots

If you're serious about landscape or astrophotography, PhotoPills is an indispensable tool. This mobile app requires a one-time purchase, but it's worth its weight in gold. PhotoPills helps you plan and execute the perfect shot by providing crucial information about lighting conditions and celestial movements.

With PhotoPills, you can track the sun's position at any time of day, pinpoint important times such as sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and blue hour. The app's Planner feature allows you to visualize these elements on a map, helping you scout locations and plan your shots with precision. You can even set the date to any point in the future, allowing you to plan shoots months or even years in advance.

For night sky enthusiasts, PhotoPills is a game-changer. The app tracks moon phases and positions, helping you plan shots that incorporate moonlight or moonrise. Its Night AR (Augmented Reality) feature is particularly impressive, allowing you to visualize the Milky Way's position in real-time by simply pointing your phone at the sky. This feature is invaluable for composing stunning astrophotography shots.

3. 500px or Flickr

500px dashboard showing your photos

While it's possible to store your photos locally on your hard drive, using a service like 500px or Flickr offers numerous advantages. These platforms provide an easy way to share your work with the larger photography community and create a digital portfolio for potential clients.

Both 500px and Flickr offer user-friendly interfaces and robust features for organizing and showcasing your photos. While you may eventually want to upgrade to a personal website, these services can take you far in terms of displaying your work and gaining exposure in the photography world.

4. Unscripted

For those venturing into portrait or couple photography, Unscripted is a game-changer. This app simplifies one of the most challenging aspects of people photography: posing. With thousands of pose ideas at your fingertips, you can plan your shoots in advance and draw inspiration when you're on location.

Unscripted also facilitates better communication with your clients. You can easily share pose ideas with them before the shoot, allowing them to provide input and feel more comfortable with the process. While premium subscriptions are available, the free version offers substantial value for beginners.

5. Pixieset

Client gallery as seen in Pixieset

As you start taking on client work, you'll need a professional way to deliver your photos. This is where Pixieset comes in. Pixieset is a client gallery and file delivery platform that allows you to easily share and deliver high-quality images to your clients in a polished, professional manner.

With Pixieset, you can create beautiful, customizable galleries for each of your clients. The platform supports both image and video files, making it versatile for various types of photography work. One of its standout features is the ability to offer print sales and digital downloads directly through the platform, potentially opening up additional revenue streams for your photography business.

Moreover, Pixieset streamlines your workflow by allowing you to upload, organize, and deliver your photos all in one place. It also enhances the client experience by providing them with an easy-to-use, visually appealing interface to view and download their photos. As you grow your photography business, tools like Pixieset become invaluable in maintaining a professional image and efficient operation.

These five pieces of software cover the essential bases for beginning photographers: comprehensive editing, shoot planning, portfolio building, posing guidance, and client delivery. By incorporating these tools into your workflow, you'll be well-equipped to take your photography to the next level and start building a professional practice.