Now I know this isn’t the quick-fix advice you’re looking for

But here’s the truth.

Building a business in photography doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s not a straight line

There will be days when you feel stuck, discouraged, and like you’re not making any real progress.

That’s normal.

In fact, it’s a part of the journey.

But there are tools and resources that can help you speed up the process.

They won’t replace hard work, but they’ll keep you focused, organised, and inspired when things get tough.

Let me share a few that have helped me.​

Free Tools That Helped Me

• Instagram. It can be a goldmine for inspiration, but also a trap for comparison. Set a timer, then collect ideas, photos, locations, videos, and adapt them into your own style.
• Notion. Without a system, things can get chaotic. I use Notion to organize everything from client work to brainstorming ideas. It keeps me on track. I’d be completely lost without it
• Lightroom. Whether you’re using the paid or free mobile version, Lightroom is essential for transforming raw images into professional-quality edits.
• Canva. Perfect for creating graphics, thumbnails, and business materials. It’s free and super easy to use for beginners.
• Adobe Colour. This helped me when needing to learn about colour science, and what colours compliment well.

Now these tools are a staple when creating content and taking photos

I use all of them today, besides Canva (photoshop user 👋🏻)

Paid Tools Worth the Investment (some free plans)

• Website (paid). Your website is your business’s front door. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Webflow make it easy to set up a professional-looking site.
• Creative Cloud (paid). Lightroom and Photoshop are must-have tools for any serious photographer. Photoshop also comes in handy for video work with Premiere Pro.
• Photopills. This is an app you can get on the App Store of google play store. It's perfect for planning shoots ahead of time.
• ManyChat (free plan). This automation tool helps you manage client communication without spending hours doing it manually.
• Kit (free plan). I use Kit for email marketing, (like this) and setting up forms for free tools like my starter kit.

You’ll never start perfectly.

Everything was messy when I first began (still is) and that’s okay.

The key is to keep going, even when progress feels slow.

Building a photography business takes time

But with the right tools, you can fast-track your progress and create art that stands out.

It’s about the right tools, mindset, and consistency.

Keep going, and you’ll get there 👊🏻

I hope this helped or inspired you. Lets keep growing and improving together 🚀

One of the biggest factors in starting a photography business? Delivering high-quality work. If you want to know how to create pro-level edits that set you apart (and be seen by businesses), my 1:1 Lightroom coaching will help you master editing, refine your style, and speed up your workflow.